Albuquerque, NM (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) October 11, 2005 — The shortage for qualified Respiratory Therapists, as well as long waiting lists to get into other local programs, were two reasons Pima Medical Institute, 2201 San Pedro NE, Suite 100 decided to offer a Respiratory Therapy program in Albuquerque. PMI is currently interviewing and testing potential students for the new respiratory therapy courses, which are scheduled to begin Oct. 31.According to Popie White, campus director for the Albuquerque medical career college, PMI is currently the only college in the Albuquerque area that has Respiratory Therapy classes that are immediately available for students. There is a strong and growing demand for qualified respiratory therapists and the starting pay is excellent, said White. However, many individuals in the greater Albuquerque region are unaware of what respiratory therapists do and what great career opportunities exist. With our new program and our very qualified team of Chris Zima and Scott Colombo, who are experts in the respiratory therapy field, we hope to change that. Graduates of the 88 credit-hour Respiratory Therapy school program receive an Associate of Occupational Science degree. The program will consist of classes in medical ethics, mathematics, chemistry, physics, human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, advanced respiratory care techniques (including neonatal and adult special care procedures), general and advanced pharmacology, cardiopulmonary disease, patient assessment and the therapeutics that are required to function at the patients bedside in the hospital setting. Additional medical training programs at the Albuquerque campus include: Dental Assistant; Medical Assistant; Medical Administrative Assistant; Ophthalmic Medical Assistant; Pharmacy Technician; Physical Therapy Technician; Radiography and Veterinary Assistant. 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. About Pima Medical Institute:PMI has been serving students since 1972, with campuses in: Mesa and Tucson, AZ; Chula Vista, CA, Seattle and Renton, WA; Las Vegas, NV; Colorado Springs and Denver, CO, as well as the Albuquerque campus. Additional information is available by calling 888-442-5998 or online at www.pmi.edu. Contact:Sally Marks, Marks Public Relationscomicsall @ yahoo.comwww.pmi.edu800-477-PIMA.