Navajo Technical University’s - Veterinary Technology Program Partnership with USDA, APHIS
Shaping the Future of Agriculture by Investing in Students
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) partners with Navajo Technical University’s (NTU) Veterinary Technology Program (VTP) in Crownpoint, New Mexico. The partnership was created to help NTU advance student career opportunities in Veterinary Medicine.
Navajo Technical University (NTU) is a federally recognized, tribally operated, technical institution established in 1979 as the Navajo Skills Center. NTU became a University in 2013 and has established four instructional sites in Chinle and Tees Nos Pos, AZ, and Zuni and Kirtland, NM. NTU is accredited by the North Central Association’s Higher Learning Commission and offers vocational, technical and academic degrees and certificates. NTU is a 1994 Land Grant Institution and a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium that serves the entire Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation population is approximately 300,000 and covers approximately 27,000 square miles over three states: New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, making it the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States. The University is the first on the Navajo Nation. Visit Navajo Technical University website for more information.
As part of our ongoing partnership, APHIS and NTU created an Internship Program for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program. Selected students will gain valuable, first-hand experience in what APHIS personnel do as governmental veterinarians, animal health technicians and wildlife biologists.
Students that participate in the APHIS/NTU VTP Internship Program receive a paid, 8 to 10-week summer/fall internship position with APHIS at one of our offices around the country. It’s a chance to gain valuable, first-hand experience in APHIS’ day-to-day work, as well as insights into public service. Students are able to utilize educational knowledge and have the opportunity to attend on-the-job training and workshops. Hands-on work experience and networking with potential future employers give students an edge when applying for careers with the federal government.
What Does an Intern Do?
In addition to a competitive intern salary, APHIS also pays for all travel and housing costs during the internship.
To Apply
- Résumé
- Letter of interest
- Unofficial transcript
- Three letters of recommendation
- Copies of degrees, certificates, and diplomas (e.g., Associate’s Degree, General Educational Development, High School)
- An application form (available directly from NTU VTP, contact below)
Eligibility
- A U.S. citizen
- Currently enrolled in NTU VTP
- In good academic standing, having at least a 2.5 grade point average.
- Current driver’s license
To obtain an application and apply, contact:
Germaine Daye, DVM
Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Navajo Technical University
gdaye@navajotech.edu
505-786-4150
For general information about APHIS and our programs, contact:
Terry W. Clark, DVM
Director
Office of the National Tribal Liaison
terry.w.clark@usda.gov
301-440-4388
Carl Etsitty
Assistant Director
Office of the National Tribal Liaison
carl.etsitty@usda.gov
970-494-7573
Operational Program Units
Animal Care (AC)
Determines and promotes standards of humane care and treatment of animals through inspections and educational efforts. For more information.
Veterinary Services (VS)
Protects and improves the health, quality, and marketability of our Nation's animals, animal products, and veterinary biologics by preventing, controlling, and/or eliminating animal diseases and by monitoring and promoting animal health and productivity.
Wildlife Services (WS)
Provides leadership to resolve wildlife conflicts and create a balance allowing people and wildlife to coexist.