Support program to help veterinary and vet‑tech students handle stressful client interactions as they enter the workforce
Official title: Effects of embedded Acceptance and Commitment Training in DVM and RVT programs as students transition into the workforce
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-11180046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
An online Acceptance and Commitment training called 'Unburdened' to help veterinary and veterinary technician students manage stress from difficult client interactions as they start clinical work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $525,463 |
| NIH project number | 5R01OH012580-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are advanced DVM and RVT students in their final semester at one of the five participating programs.
✕Less likely to help
People not enrolled in a participating veterinary or veterinary technician program, practicing veterinarians, or students earlier in training would not be eligible and may not receive direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
As an advanced DVM or RVT student, you would receive access to 'Unburdened,' an asynchronous online Acceptance and Commitment training adapted for students. The program will be built into final-semester coursework at five participating programs, with 200 students (100 RVT, 100 DVM) alternating between receiving the training or usual coursework. Participants complete online questionnaires at baseline, 1 month, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to track engagement, stress, burnout, and performance. The project aims to see whether this easy-to-share format reduces reactivity to challenging client interactions and supports wellbeing as you transition into the workforce.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower burnout and stress among new veterinary professionals and improve the care and communication they provide to patients and clients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior randomized trials of this Unburdened ACT intervention have reduced stress and burnout in veterinary workers across live and asynchronous delivery, with benefits reported up to one year.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spitznagel, Mary Beth — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Spitznagel, Mary Beth
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.