Students Receive Hands-On Experience While Making Positive Impact in Their Communities
Tucson, Ariz. (October 10, 2019) – October 14-20 is National Veterinary Technician Week. Pima Medical Institute offers Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant programs at 16 of its 18 ground campuses. In honor of the program directors, instructors and students, Pima Medical is using the week to highlight the impact these dedicated professionals have in their respective communities.
By providing services including vaccinations, basic exams, spay and neuter surgeries, dental care and sometimes emergency services, the veterinary science programs not only provide hands-on learning to students, area rescue organizations are able to save money and thousands of lives through the partnerships.
Pima Medical students do not just work with dogs and cats. Instructors provide students the opportunity for hands-on experience with horses, cows, alpacas and many other exotic animals too.
“As a small 501c3 we are always struggling to provide safety, comfort and needed treatment to the never-ending stream of often hurt, damaged and frightened horses we help,” said Dani Gilbert from Escalante Springs Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation in Tucson, Arizona. “Pima Medical is always willing to help with diagnostic needs such as radiology and lab work.”
Gilbert continued, “One of the most valuable things needed by a rescued horse is a loving touch. As the students handle our horses, the mutual gift of learning and experience for the students and compassionate and respectful handling, grooming and care received by the horses, creates an environment of love and care which can only be described as grace.”
At Pima Medical’s Chula Vista, California campus, students literally work side-by-side with Chula Vista Animal Care Facility (CVACF). According to Program Director Kassey Baldwin, students work with an average of 150 animals a month, preparing them for their forever homes. That equals more than 1000 hours of free labor! That care leaves a large amount of the shelter’s budget to be available for other areas.
“Chula Vista Animal Care Facility and Pima Medical Institute have a true win-win relationship, said Mandy Mills with CVACF. “The shelter needs the valuable assistance from Pima Medical students, and the students are getting hands-on, real-life experience.”
In addition to highlighting the much-needed help given to area rescue and shelter organizations, Pima Medical’s work in the community highlights the importance of veterinary technicians to the veterinary medical field by educating the public and the sites on exactly how important this career is. Veterinary technicians are highly trained medical staff. Credentialed technicians can even become specialized and earn additional certifications in fields such as anesthesia, radiology, nutrition, internal medical and many others.
For more information go to pmi.edu.
About Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute is an employee-owned, private, accredited school dedicated to providing students classroom studies paired with real-world training at medical facilities. Established in 1972, Pima Medical Institute helps students become career ready, focusing exclusively on health care professions, including medical, dental, veterinary and nursing fields. Curriculum includes certificate, associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs.
Pima Medical Institute operates 18 campuses as well as an extensive online curriculum. The medical career college has a presence in eight western states with the following ground locations: Albuquerque and Albuquerque West – Rio Rancho in N.M.; Tucson, Phoenix and two campuses in Mesa, Ariz.; Aurora, Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo.; Seattle and Renton, Wash.; Las Vegas, N.V.; Houston, El Paso and San Antonio, Texas; Chula Vista and San Marcos, Calif.; and Dillon, Mont. For more information and a complete list of programs offered at each campus, visit pmi.edu or call 1-888-442-5998.