Grow new technicians

Take one motivated candidate, add an annual technician school allowance, and what do you get? A credentialed technician, says Emma McGuffin-Sanchez, business manager at Pacific Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Service in Capitola, Calif. Her practice sets aside $2,400 every year that employees can apply toward attending veterinary technology school. "We offer this program to team members who meet or exceed the hospital's expectations," McGuffin-Sanchez says.

To apply, candidates must submit a letter outlining why they should be considered to receive the funds. Then the practice owners and nursing supervisor review the applications and select the deserving participants.

There is one condition: Team members who accept the funds must agree to work full time at the practice for two years after completing their schooling. "We divide the allowance over a 24-month period as a loan," McGuffin-Sanchez says. "Then, if the candidate leaves before he or she completes two years of employment, we prorate the amount of the loan that's forgiven."

McGuffin-Sanchez says her practice is pleased with the program's results. "It's one way we can demonstrate our support for our nurses," she says. "If they succeed, we succeed."