{"id":30905,"date":"2025-04-02T10:26:12","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T17:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/?post_type=news&p=30905"},"modified":"2025-04-17T16:51:07","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T23:51:07","slug":"applications-now-open-for-nevada-wiche-veterinary-school-stipend-program","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/news\/2025\/04\/applications-now-open-for-nevada-wiche-veterinary-school-stipend-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Applications Now Open for Nevada WICHE Veterinary School Stipend Program\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

State’s $8 million investment addresses critical veterinary shortage through partnership with Utah State University<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nevada residents interested in veterinary medicine now have access to financial assistance through the Nevada Office of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Nevada WICHE has opened applications for its 2025-26 Health Profession Education Program (HPEP) stipend, supporting students pursuing Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at Utah State University\u2019s (USU) College of Veterinary Medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The financial aid program is funded by a state investment of $8 million through Nevada Senate Bill 342, which passed with broad bipartisan support during the 2023 Legislative Session. It provides stipends to lower out-of-state tuition costs for 70 Nevada students enrolled in USU\u2019s veterinary program through June 30, 2034. The stipend is available for up to four years per recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevada System of Higher Education Regent Pete Goicoechea<\/strong>, who sponsored SB 342 during his time in the Nevada Senate, highlighted the importance of the initiative. \u201cI\u2019m extremely grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for recognizing the need to address Nevada\u2019s shortage of veterinarians. As someone who\u2019s spent my life as part of this state\u2019s agricultural community, seeing SB 342 become a reality is particularly meaningful. This program not only helps students achieve their dream of becoming veterinarians, but it ensures that our communities and ranchers will benefit from quality veterinary care for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recipients of the stipend commit to practicing veterinary medicine in Nevada after graduation for one year per each year of support received, directly benefiting communities across the state. Nevada, like many states, faces a shortage of both large-animal and small-animal veterinarians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis partnership with Utah State University represents exactly the kind of collaboration that WICHE was established to facilitate,\u201d said Fred Lokken, Nevada WICHE Executive Commissioner<\/strong>. \u201cBy providing financial support, we’re making it possible for Nevada\u2019s aspiring veterinarians to receive an outstanding education while directly addressing critical shortages here at home. It’s an investment that will strengthen our state\u2019s communities and economy for decades.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are delighted to partner with Nevada WICHE to support students from Nevada as they pursue their veterinary education at Utah State University,\u201d said Dr. Dirk Vanderwall, Dean of the USU College of Veterinary Medicine<\/strong>. \u201cThis stipend program is a meaningful step toward helping more individuals enter the profession while also expanding access to veterinary care in communities that need it most. In addition, clinical training of our students in the 4th year will occur in community-based veterinary practices, including practices in Nevada, adding another component to this exciting bi-state collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given the anticipated strong interest in the program and limited available slots, eligible students are encouraged to apply quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re excited to launch the stipend application process and encourage all eligible Nevada residents accepted for the fall 2025 USU College of Veterinary Medicine program to apply right away,\u201d said Patty Porter, Director of the Nevada Office of WICHE<\/strong>. \u201cThis stipend helps defray the high cost of out-of-state tuition and directly supports Nevada\u2019s need for veterinarians. It\u2019s truly an opportunity for students to pursue their passion while giving back to their communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applications are currently being accepted and will remain open until all stipend positions are filled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested students can find more information or apply at the following websites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n