Pima Medical Institute Offers Only Occupational Associates Degree For Veterinary Technicians in Seattle



Enrollment is underway at Pima Medical Institute, 9709 Third Ave. NE, Suite 400 for students who want to earn an Occupational Associate's Degree for Veterinary Technicians. The program, one of three in the state and the only one in Seattle, enrolls students every six weeks for morning classes and every seven weeks for evening.

The new program is 15 months long, or 63 weeks for day classes and 72 weeks for evening classes. The curriculum includes: veterinary technician nursing skills; pharmacology; radiology; surgical assistance; laboratory procedures; laboratory animals and exotics; large animal medicine; emergency medicine; general sciences and humanities; dentistry and a Veterinary Technician externship.

The high-tech clinic offers a complete lab with equipment for blood analysis, microscopes for hematology and cytology, x-ray and ultra sound equipment, as well as a surgical suite with advanced monitoring equipment.

"In addition to our advanced clinic and outstanding curriculum, this program offers some great insights into animal health and welfare," said Carol Mayer, DVM, and Veterinary Technician Program Director for Pima Medical Institute in Seattle. "Our instructor, Shelly Delacalzada, takes the students off site once a week to work with large animals. Pasado's Safe Haven and Hope for Horses are two sites we utilize the most. We also bring in guest speakers on the last Friday of every month to talk about some unique aspects of veterinary care. For instance, we have had a certified veterinary neurologist speak to a packed house, an interesting lecture from the Assistant State Veterinarian speaking on Vet Techs in Regulatory Medicine, and next month we will have a presentation by a zoo vet. For someone who loves working with animals, being a Veterinary Technician is a great career choice."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Veterinary Technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. The availability of advanced veterinary services, such as preventive dental care and surgical procedures, may provide opportunities for veterinary professionals specializing in those areas. Biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife facilities, humane societies and animal control facilities may provide more jobs for Veterinary Technicians.

PMI is one of the premiere medical career colleges in the western United States. The privately owned, accredited school provides students with a well-rounded education embracing theoretical classroom studies, as well as on-site training at medical facilities that mirror the working environment they will pursue after graduation.

PMI has been serving students for more than 35 years with campuses in: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Mesa and Tucson, AZ; Denver and Colorado Springs, CO; Seattle and Renton, WA; Chula Vista, CA and Las Vegas. Additional information is available at



Pima Medical Institute Offers Only Occupational Associates Degree For Veterinary Technicians in Seattle