The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) has opened the application process for its Emerging Leaders Program, a leadership program for young practice managers (40 years of age or younger). Two applicants will be selected for the two-year program and will receive benefits that support their development as practice managers. The application deadline is April 30, 2015.

Each of the two Emerging Leader candidates receives an annual scholarship of $2,500, which can be applied to VHMA Annual Meeting and Conference registration and travel costs, the Certified Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) credential process, and the CVPM preparation workbook.

In addition to being a VHMA member in good standing and age 40 or younger, applicants must have been employed as a practice manager for at least three years during the past seven years, acquired 18 college semester hours in management-related courses, and have accumulated 48 hours of continuing education credits. They must also provide four letters of recommendation, and submit a 750-word management article.

Emerging Leaders are required to serve on a standing committee, join the Emerging Leaders Focus Group, and attend VHMA annual meetings and conferences. They must also host a VHMA webinar or submit an article for publication in Practice Pulse, promote the program, and earn the CVPM designation.

Specific details are available at www.vhma.org.