June 1, 2015
The collaboration will offer the only two such programs in Montana. Classes begin in November.
Theres already huge interest in these programs, said Montana Western Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Karl Ulrich. Many of our equine studies students are interested in the programs our collaboration will create as a way to enhance their education.
Students who enroll in the veterinary technician associate degree or veterinary assistant certificate program will have access to a new learning facility, study under instructors with years of professional experience and have access to the universitys facilities, such as housing, dining and recreation. Both programs will allow students to work with small and large animals in a newly equipped facility on Montana Westerns campus.
Students will come from all over the state and beyond to attend these programs, said Pima Medical Institute Chief Executive Officer and President, Fred Freedman. This new partnership with Montana Western is strategic in that all parties benefit from the relationship, especially the students.
The veterinary technician associate degree is a 18-month program that teaches students how to become veterinary nurses. The curriculum focuses on animal behavior and care, surgical assisting, laboratory testing and nursing procedures.
The veterinary assistant certificate is approximately nine months in length. It trains students to be skilled in providing post-operative animal care, surgical assistance, teeth cleaning, medication administration, blood draws, lab work and much more.
We need highly trained people in these roles, Ulrich said. Pima Medical has played a vital role in making these programs a reality.
With more than 2.5 million head of cattle and an estimated $1.4 billion in annual livestock sales, it only makes sense to increase the number of highly trained veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants within the state of Montana.
Currently I have to go out of state to recruit vet techs, said Dr. Rick Scherr, chairman for the Montana Veterinary Medical Associations Vet Tech Board and founder of Big Sky Animal Medical Center in Great, Falls, Mont. I often fly to Denver to recruit techs because there arent any in Montana. Its a problem for veterinarians across the state. Adding these programs will really help to fill that gap.
To learn more about Pima Medical Institute, visit pmi.edu. The University of Montana Western can be found online at umwestern.edu. To speak to someone about enrolling, call 1-888-442-5998.
Pima Medical Institute (PMI) is a private, accredited school dedicated to provide students classroom studies paired with real-world training at medical facilities. Established in 1972, PMI helps students become career ready, focusing exclusively on health care professions, including medical, dental, veterinary and nursing fields. PMIs curriculum includes certificate, associate degree and bachelors degree programs, ranging from nursing, medical assistant and radiology technician to veterinary assistant and dental hygienist.
PMI operates 15 campuses as well as an extensive online curriculum. The medical career college has a presence in seven western states with ground locations in Albuquerque, N.M.; Tucson, Phoenix and Mesa, Ariz.; Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo.; Seattle and Renton, Wash.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Houston and El Paso, Texas; and Chula Vista, Calif. For more information and a complete list of programs offered at each campus, visit pmi.edu or call 1-888-442-5998.
The University of Montana Western is the only public higher education institution in the country offering the innovative Experience One where students take only one class at a time. A small, caring university with all the opportunities of larger campuses, Montana Western encourages real-world, hands-on experience and each students total participation in their education.
