University of Minnesota
Veterinary Business Management Association
Business Certificate Program
The Business Certificate is the culmination of the material covered through the VBMA curriculum, and is a tangible representation of the knowledge ascertained by VBMA members through their time in the program. Comprising of either 15 (Business Certificate) or 30 (Business Certificate with Honors) hours of educational credit plus a networking requirement, completion of the Business Certificate develops the business knowledge of each student and readies them for a productive career in veterinary medicine as a successful associate or business owner.
Through interactive lectures, workshops, and events outside of the rigorous veterinary school curriculum, the Business Certificate graduate is aware and knowledgeable about the concepts of business and personal finance, management, emotional intelligence, marketing, and more.
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The Business Certificate is founded on the following three pillars:
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Category A (formerly Cat. 1 & 2): Business Finance & Operations
Category B (formerly Cat. 3): Leadership & Team Development
Category C (formerly Cat. 4): Personal & Professional Growth
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Each VBMA meeting is designed to fall under one of these categories to help members work toward their Business certificate or Honor's Portfolio.
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Note: Categories were reorganized in 2025 from the previous Categories 1-4, as you may see referenced elsewhere on the website.
Honors Portfolio FAQ
What is the Honors Portfolio?
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A document with questions intended to have you focus on 15 skills that are integral to building business knowledge and professional development.
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After completion, it will be sent out to a veterinary professional in your desired field of interest.
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You will receive personalized feedback on your answers and how you can improve on them.
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What is required to complete it?
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30 hours of meeting credits, 10 in each of the 3 BCP Categories, plus 2 networking requirements
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The regular BCP program requires ​15 credits (5 credits per category) plus 1 networking requirement
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Completion of the Honors Portfolio on myVBMA
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Revision of the Portfolio after receiving feedback from a veterinary professional
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Why should I complete the Portfolio?
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The Honors Portfolio is a way for you to apply the concepts you have been taught throughout your membership with the VBMA. You will be surprised how much you learn!​
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Should I complete it even if I don't want to own a practice?
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YES!
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Having business, finance, leadership and management knowledge makes you more employable and a greater asset to your clinic.
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The VBMA and BCP/HP programs are becoming more widely recognized nationwide. Completing an honors portfolio may give you a leg up during the hiring process.​​
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