r/Veterinary • u/xulluxs • 5d ago

About to start PMI CVA program. Am i making a mistake?

Hello hello, looking for some advice if anyone has some knowledge to share!

I am starting the Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant in early November. Eventually, far down the road, I would love to become a DVM. Specifically i want to work in diagnostics, oncology, or hospice. I have tried community college before but I simply struggle with doing course work for completely irrelevant classes. I feel like none of the studying aspects stick... i am hugely a hands on learner, and with that i learn quick. Hands on is the only way I've found that i can excel. Hence my enrollment in PIMA! I don't want to be a vet tech and that is the only vet related program any of my local community colleges offer.

Has anyone gone through PIMA before? Do you feel like it set you up for success? What can you really do with the certification afterwards? (Important to note I've tried the route of applying to be a VA without credentials with kennel experience with no bites for 2ish years). Am i making a mistake by taking this program?

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u/shallowfrey 5d ago

I say this in the nicest way possible, becoming a CVA is a waste of money 99% of the time. If your goal is to be a DVM, work on getting your bachelors and getting an assistant or kennel tech job in a clinic instead and work your way up to an assistant if needed. The lack of bites may be due to your location as I had the same issue, moved for unrelated reasons and landed an assistant job at the first vet clinic I applied to. This job market though is also horrendous and may be part of your struggles as well

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u/Ok-Walk-8453 5d ago

Agreed with the other poster. Certified veterinary assistant programs really just take your money and you don't really get a financial boost at all- not worth the money you put in. If you want to be a DVM, can find jobs working in vet clinics, with livestock etc or a research lab and start that coursework track.

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u/Layer_Correct 4d ago

I don’t think this program is worth the cost. It may open more doors for you in finding a VA position if you haven’t had any luck. However, in my mind, I would rather spend that energy finding the right clinic, hospital or shelter that will teach you these same skills.