SNEAKING A PEAK
Chula Vista, CA – Pima Medical Institute’s Veterinary Assistant Students Get Behind-The-Scenes Exposure

The Veterinary Assistant students at Pima Medical Institute, 780 Bay Blvd, Suite 101 in Chula Vista received a memorable behind-the-scenes view of veterinary care in marine biology when they visited Sea World and the Wildlife Rescue Center.

The students observed Kasatka, the killer whale, and her new-born calf, as well as experiencing dolphin examination in the dolphin hospital and quarantine areas. Afterward, they visited the shark nursery and received hands-on experience with baby Bamboo sharks, as well as visiting the Marine Surgery and Radiology centers.

In addition to their experience with Sea World, the students visited the Wildlife Rescue Center where they observed pelicans and baby sea lions that had been brought in for oil removal from the Long Beach oil spill. They were also able to view the nursery for baby Green Sea turtles before the sea creatures were released back to the wild.

“At Pima Medical Institute’s Chula Vista campus we not only offer complete veterinary assistant training, we also try to give our students some exposure to the wide range of animal and marine life in Southern California,” said Sue Kirtland, campus director for the medical career college. “These behind-the-scenes trips were an incredible experience for the students and we know it will have a positive impact on them as they graduate and go out into the workforce.”

The Veterinary Assistant Program is a 26.5 credit-hour certificate program with classes starting approximately every six weeks. The students are trained to perform as an entry-level veterinary assistant. Emphasis is placed on small animal techniques. The materials covered include: anatomy/physiology and pharmacology as it applies to animals, assisting in surgery and anesthesia, and medical terminology. Veterinary nursing techniques are covered in depth. Classes are 31 weeks in length and total 720 hours of training.

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 since 1972, with campuses in: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Mesa and Tucson, AZ; Denver and Colorado Springs, CO; Seattle and Renton, WA; Las Vegas, NV, as well as their Chula Vista location near San Diego in Southern California. Additional information is available at http://www.pmi.edu or by calling 1-888-442-5998.