Hands-On Continuing Education for Veterinary Technicians in Ecuador

The Amici Cannis Surgical Skills Enhancement Program is a 40-hour, RACE-approved continuing education course designed for veterinarians seeking to strengthen their surgical proficiency through intensive, hands-on training. Conducted at our nonprofit veterinary hospital in Cotacachi, Ecuador, this immersive program combines practical surgical experience with mentorship from experienced veterinarians in a high-volume clinical setting.

Participants refine their technical skills while contributing to Amici Cannis' mission of improving animal welfare and expanding access to veterinary care in underserved communities. Through structured instruction and individualized guidance, veterinary technicians gain confidence, increase efficiency, and enhance their ability to provide exceptional patient care before, during, and after surgery.

Program Highlights

• 40 hours of RACE-approved continuing education
• Intensive hands-on surgical training
• Small participant-to-instructor ratio
• Personalized mentorship and feedback
• Experience supporting high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter procedures
• Anesthesia monitoring and patient safety training
• Pain management and perioperative nursing protocols
• Surgical preparation, instrument handling, and aseptic techniques
• Post-operative care and patient recovery monitoring
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable animal welfare initiatives

What You Will Learn

This course is designed to strengthen both foundational and advanced veterinary technician competencies through direct participation in clinical cases. Participants will have opportunities to:

• Enhance anesthesia monitoring and patient assessment skills
• Strengthen proficiency in aseptic surgical preparation and sterile technique
• Improve efficiency in surgical support, instrument handling, and operating room workflow
• Refine patient monitoring throughout the perioperative period
• Develop confidence in pain management and recovery care protocols
• Learn strategies for recognizing and responding to common anesthetic and surgical complications
• Participate in case reviews and clinical discussions with experienced mentors
• Gain insight into high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter programs

The curriculum emphasizes practical skills that can be immediately incorporated into everyday veterinary practice.

Learn in a Purpose-Built Veterinary Hospital

The course takes place at the Amici Cannis Animal Hospital, where participants work alongside our veterinary team in a modern clinical environment serving both companion animals and underserved communities.

Our hospital provides a unique setting in which continuing education is paired with meaningful impact. Every procedure performed contributes directly to reducing animal overpopulation, improving animal welfare, and supporting families who otherwise have limited access to veterinary care. 

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for:

• Credentialed veterinary technicians seeking to expand their anesthesia and surgical nursing skills
• Recent veterinary technician graduates seeking additional hands-on clinical experience
• Veterinary technicians interested in high-volume spay/neuter medicine
• Veterinary technicians looking to improve confidence and efficiency in the surgical suite
• Experienced veterinary technicians seeking advanced mentorship and continuing education
• Professionals seeking a unique international continuing education experience

Beyond the Operating Room

Participants gain more than surgical experience. They become immersed in the broader mission of Amici Cannis and learn how veterinary medicine can be a powerful tool for advancing animal welfare, public health, and community well-being.

Working within our nonprofit model offers valuable insight into sustainable veterinary outreach, population management, and the role veterinarians and technicians play in creating healthier communities for both animals and people.

Program Availability

The program is available year-round, allowing individuals and teams to participate at a time that best fits their schedules and interests. For more information, please contact us at info@amicicannisusa.org. We would be happy to discuss how the program can support your educational and professional goals.