After graduating from Mesa Community College with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology/Animal Health in 2008, Tempe resident Courtney Waxman has found a great deal of success as a specialist in emergency and critical care as well as a speaker and representative for Valley veterinarians.
Waxman first found out about the MCC Veterinary Technology Program when a career advisor visited her class at Red Mountain High School. At that point, she was interested in becoming a veterinarian.
“I learned that veterinary medicine is a competitive field and there is often a waiting list for vet schools,” Waxman said. “I was looking for a career path to help get me started and the MCC Veterinary Technology Program made the most sense. I entered it as a starting point, but after I began working in the field, I realized I no longer wanted to be a veterinarian.”
Instead, her true calling became apparent while working at an externship for a veterinary clinic in Gilbert. She discovered she loved emergency and critical care medicine.
Waxman became a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in 2009 following graduation from MCC, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management Technology in 2010. In 2017, she earned additional certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care (VTS ECC).
Courtney has spent the past 12 years working in emergency medicine, and currently practices at VetMed Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Phoenix. She focuses on emergency and critical care with special interests in mechanical ventilation, environmental hazards, CPR, critical nursing, and technician training.
Additionally, Waxman began a speaking career in 2016 by presenting technician case reports at nationally recognized veterinary conferences. She has since scheduled speaking engagements at national and international veterinary conferences for 2018 and 2019. She also lectures locally to veterinary practices, veterinary students and the public about emergency and critical care.
Waxman shares her knowledge and experience through her published work in "Today’s Veterinary Nurse Journal" the official journal of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) as well as the "NAVTA Journal" a bi-monthly publication from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America designed for continued education.
In 2018 Waxman received a nomination from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) for Veterinary Technician of the Year.
When speaking on behalf of veterinary medicine professionals, Waxman advises animal owners to place confidence in their veterinary staff.
“Trust your veterinarian and support staff,” Waxman said. “They are always working in the best interest of the patient. Our focus is always patient care.”
For those wanting to pursue a career as a veterinary technician?
“I’ve always been interested and have a great passion for the veterinary field,” Waxman said. “I encourage anyone with an interest in science, animals and technology to pursue the field.”
For more information about the Veterinary Technology Program at MCC, visit https://www.mesacc.edu/programs/veterinary-technology.