Renovations underway for Pima Medical Institute's new campus in El Paso
In just a few months, people who hope to work in the medical field will have more local educational options.
The Pima Medical Institute has begun renovations on the old El Paso Saddleblankets building, which will be the new home of the campus in September.
The 40,000-square-foot building will provided much needed space for students and faculty.
"Just as far as having more room to study, I know we're kind of lacking in that area where we will have more room to congregate," said Jacob Rodriguez, an occupational therapy student.
"It's (Pima Medical Institute) great," said Jennifer Duffy, also an occupational therapy student. "It's just really small, you know. We have to take turns on our breaks and things like that, whereas we will have a lunchroom."
PMI currently has about 100 students in its three programs it offers. The new location will make room for more students, as well as more programs PMI will begin to offer in the fall. Some of those programs include veterinary technician, dental assistant and radiology programs.
"Right now, they're doing a lot of the infrastructure, the wiring, a lot of the fiber optics for the internet and the phones," said campus director Keever Jankovich, who moved to El Paso just to oversee this expansion.
Jankovich said the move is important, especially for aspiring students in El Paso.
"It's essential," he said. "We have to have the space in order to really roll out the programs that we need in this area. There's a need here. There's a need for different programs and there's a need for good jobs and medical careers."
