Second-year veterinary technology student Sarah Vines will complete her externship at The Raptor Center, one of the premier raptor rehabilitation centers in the country, this summer. The six-week program at the center, part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, will begin on June 14. “The YVC veterinary technology program has provided me with the skills and knowledge to advance my career,” stated Vines. “This foundation will be built of of as I gain more medical experience and work toward my goal.” The Raptor Center sees around 1,000 sick and injured raptors each year in the clinic. Vines will have the opportunity to participate in medical treatments, captive management, and all aspects of surgical monitoring and laboratory diagnostics. Sarah Vines “During my externship I will be able to work with and learn from veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are experts in the feld of avian medicine. I will learn how to apply the skills and knowledge I gained here in the YVC vet tech program to providing excellent care for our native wild birds,” she stated. Externships are a key component of the YVC’s two-year veterinary technology curriculum, providing students with real-world, hands-on experience. “The experience gained by clinical rotations is one of the most impactful aspects of the educational process,” stated Veterinary Technology Instructor Susan Wedam. “Experiential learning is critical in the feld of veterinary medicine, and externships provide our students opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of medical and surgical cases that are not seen while on-campus.” Vines will complete her degree in August 2021. She hopes to work at a major wildlife center and devote her career to treating native wildlife and conservation eforts.
YVC ofers fagger certifcation training
This winter YVC resumed hosting in-person Flagger Certifcation Trainings. The trainings held in January, February and March provide certifcation for work zone trafc control faggers. Social distancing and advanced safety protocols were utilized. Trafc control faggers are in demand in our area and statewide. “Continuing education and community trainings such as the Flagger Certifcation continue to grow YVC,” stated WorkFirst Director Lonni Flagger certifcation class (February 2017). Rodriguez-Funk. “YVC is providing a valuable service to various community and municipal groups and organizations in the Yakima Valley. These trainings allow community members to obtain or retain their fagger certifcation, ensuring that they are able to get and/or keep their jobs.” Trainings may also be arranged on-site for companies. Space is limited and classes fll quickly; register and pay early to guarantee your seat. For more information contact 509.574.4745 / hlundquist@yvcc.edu.
Grant provides support to students facing housing insecurity During the 2019-2020 academic year, YVC, along with fve other colleges in the state of Washington, were selected to participate in The Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) Pilot Program. The program supports students who are homeless or were in foster care by providing short-term housing or housing assistance; laundry facilities, storage and showers; food cards; technology; and case-management services. During the frst year, YVC served 44 students, which represents nearly half of the students served state-wide by the pilot program. In January, hoping to help the state expand the SSEH pilot, YVC Faculty Counselor Esther Huizar provided written testimony in support of House Bill 1166. “At YVC, I have witnessed frst-hand the positive impact the SSEH grant has had on students,” Huizar noted in her testimony. “An expansion of the SSEH grant would help additional Washington State post-secondary institutions address growing concerns about food and housing insecurity.” As of January 2021, YVC was serving 24 students through the program with approximately $50,000 in funding available to provide additional support during the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year. Winter 2021 12
PROGRAM NEWS
YVC student selected for externship at raptor rehabilitation center
