From a focus on humans to caring for animals

After many years of working in primary and community health as a registered nurse, Mike Moldrich knew it was time for a change. He said, “After exploring various ideas of what I wish for next in my career transition, animals and a passion for them came to the fore.” 

Before enrolling in a Certificate II in Animal Studies at Box Hill Institute, Mike attended several workshops at the RSPCA and had discussions with their education officers. He said, “Doing these workshops and attending the Career Discovery Day at RSPCA Education played a large part in my decision to choose this course over others in the state.”

Mike was interested in Box Hill Institute’s course because of its emphasis on practical and hands on experiences. As part of the course, students are given invaluable exposure to various areas of the RSPCA and work experience and he felt this would be beneficial to learning the course theory and the industry’s best practices. “This includes work placement days in the RSPCA dog kennels, cat adoptions, the barn and admissions,” Mike said. 

Initially, the course was based at the RSPCA’s Burwood location and Education Centre but now there are COVID-19 restrictions. Even so, Mike said the teachers and RSPCA Education staff have been incredibly supportive. He said, “Because of their support, myself and other students in RS1 Group 2020, will complete our Certificate II in the coming month or two during what is a difficult time for all.”

In addition to equipping Mike with skills for his career, his animal studies course has helped him personally. He said, “My dog, Bear, had an acute medical episode recently, where he required emergency intervention. There is no doubt in my mind that the knowledge and skills, in this case with Assessment, First Aid and Observation, that the RSPCA Education staff had recently taught me, played a significant part in him surviving and recovering this event.”  

With so much ahead of him in this industry, Mike wants to explore working and caring for dogs, however he also loves working with barn animals so he has plenty of opportunities to explore in finding his niche in the animal industry.