Page 43 - 50th Alumni Success Stories Book

Dawn Hyder I graduated from Pima Medical Institute’s Veterinary
Assistant program all the way back in 1993.
Veterinary Assistant Program
Albuquerque Campus I have always had a love for animals. I grew up with the
Flying U and Sierra Rodeo caravans, so I was no stranger
Graduated 1993 to livestock. I had been living on the reservation – Jemez
Pueblo, New Mexico – and became a parent at a young
age. After graduating from New Futures High School for
pregnant and parenting students, I knew I wanted more.
But, educational opportunities were limited because I
had two small children and had to stay close to home.

Who would have thought a nine-

month program would give me a

lifetime career ... more than 28

years?

Someone suggested I look into Pima Medical Institute
and I immediately enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant
program. My classes were very small and I learned so
much. I was very lucky that a tribal member from the
Pueblo of Jemez was a veterinarian, Dr. Ray Loretto,
and I was able to complete my externship at the Loretto
Veterinary Clinic. I learned so much, especially about
livestock medicine. When I finished my externship and
graduated from Pima Medical, Dr. Loretto offered me a
full-time position as a Veterinary Assistant.
I have been there ever since – to be exact, 28 years! Who
would have thought a nine-month program would give
me a lifetime career? I would certainly recommend Pima
Medical to others. In fact, my oldest daughter is a 2009
graduate of Pima Medical Institute.

42 43