I was exposed to the Physical Therapist Assistant field after my divorce when I worked at a therapeutic horse ranch. Later, when I began really researching careers that might be a fit for me, my search led me to the PTA field. I wanted a career in the medical field that was active and had a hands-on type of relationship with people. I wanted a school with a good reputation and one that provided support. That's what made me choose Pima Medical Institute.
During my first semester, I had to drop out because of my struggle with Anatomy and Physiology. But, the awesome staff at PMI met with me, they heard my heart, and encouraged me to reapply and I was accepted into a new class. Since I live an hour and a half drive from school, I was able to rely on my community to help with my children. It strengthened my faith and also taught me to rely on my classmates to help me study and learn. It was an amazing experience!
I am currently working for Columbine Health Systems, where I had completed my clinicals as a student. I work at all 5 of their skilled nursing facilities. I love my job! I feel like I'm able to talk to the geriatric population in a way that helps them understand the reason behind why their physical therapy is important and how it can improve their quality of life. I carry the education and confidence PMI gave me each time I walk into a treatment room. I am so proud to be a PMI graduate.
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I have always admired health care professionals and knew from an early age that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to patient care. As a young adult preparing for college, a routine physical led to the discovery of a benign brain tumor. I spent much of that summer in and out of the hospital. The compassion, skill and reassurance shown by my nurses and doctors left a lasting impact on me during a time filled with fear and uncertainty.
I began working as a dental assistant for a family friend, which gave me a glimpse into the profession and led to a transformative mission trip to Nicaragua, where I assisted in providing dental care to underserved communities.
Soon after, I applied to the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute's Seattle campus. The program was rigorous, but the unwavering support from instructors made all the difference. They were dedicated to our success academically, clinically and personally. When it came time to take my clinical boards and graduate, I felt fully prepared and confident.
Now, with eight years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I often hear from employers how much they value Pima Medical graduates. This reputation for excellence inspired me to continue my education and enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. That journey equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to start my own myofunctional therapy practice. Through my Capstone project, I developed a comprehensive business plan and learned what it takes to build and sustain a health care practice.
I am proud to now serve as a Hybrid and Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Seattle campus. It's an honor to be a Pima Medical graduate, a dental professional, a business owner, an educator and, above all, a mother to three amazing children. I feel truly blessed to support my family while thriving in a career I am passionate about.
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I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. Since my brother had attended PMI's Radiography program and experienced success, I decided to check it out. A week later, I found myself starting the Respiratory Therapy Program. My experience at Pima was great; I loved my instructors and, upon graduation, I felt well prepared to start my career.
One of my clinical rotations was at Banner Good Samaritan. Because of its size, there were many opportunities to learn, and I loved it. When I graduated, they hired me! In the last seven years, I've had the opportunity to gather experience in trauma, ED and ICU.
A number of years ago, I began working part-time with students. Because I'm a hands-on learner myself, I thoroughly enjoyed demonstrations with students one-on-one, particularly in a hospital setting. Several years ago, I opted to complete the circle by coming back to teach full-time at PMI. It has been a great joy and an incredible experience to share what I've learned - topped off by the huge reward of witnessing my students' professional success.
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Way back in the early 90's I was a single mom, tired of working clerical jobs. I became interested in a career in the medical field. I discovered Pima Medical Institute, was excited about a short, nine month Medical Assistant program, and I enrolled. I don't recall much about my classes back then, but they gave me my start in the medical field.
I obtained my first MA position working for the internal medical doctor with whom I had done my externship. While there, I also helped train other PMI extern MA students. After three years, I remarried and had two kids. While at PMI, I had enjoyed the medical transcription piece, so I obtained a transcription certificate which enabled me to work from home and raise my family.
Years later, I relocated to New Hampshire and was hired at a doctor's office as their medical transcriptionist. Eventually, I enrolled in a nursing program and received my LPN. I am currently in school to become an RN, and I work for two traveling nursing agencies. It is such a great fit for me! I switch assignments every 13 weeks, there are plenty of jobs in my area, and I never get bored, I continue to learn, and I have a very lucrative salary.
I love being a nurse at 54! I encourage every Medical Assistant I work with to continue their education. Pima Medical Institute gave me my start, and I used it as a stepping stone to find a career in the medical field that fits my lifestyle.
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After graduating from high school, I attended UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) but despite attempting a number of majors, I still didn't have a plan. The thing that brought me joy was volunteering at the shelter where I adopted my dog. I really loved working with the animals and it made me realize that's what I was meant to do.
I began researching schools with a veterinary program around El Paso and found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program. I cannot tell you how excited and joyful I was to finally start on a path to a career I knew I would love! I had a great experience during my 9-month program. My instructor was wonderful and I received lots of hands-on practice. I was placed in Boerne, near San Antonio, at the Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital for my externship and before I left to head back to El Paso, they offered me a position!
After almost three years as a Veterinary Assistant I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program, this time at the Pima Medical in San Antonio. I have been learning so much and am enjoying getting exposure in different areas like exotics and livestock. I appreciate my instructors sharing their experiences and providing hands-on instruction. I plan to graduate later this year.
I love the veterinary field and I am so thankful to Pima Medical for providing a path to a great career that I love!
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I realized my current management position in the restaurant industry was only working for a lifestyle that was outdated. It was then I decided I wanted a career in healthcare where I could use my life experiences to help others.
I found Pima Medical Institute and was able to work fulltime and attend the Health Care Administrative Certificate program. I was really nervous to go back to school, but I soon realized my life experiences had provided what I needed to pursue and achieve my goal of a 4.0 GPA. I wanted to move beyond an entry level position, so I continued on and completed Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration (HCA) program. I recently started a job as a senior administration assistant and I absolutely love it!
Pima Medical not only helped me understand how the health care system works, they taught me technology and administrative skills that I needed to be successful. They also helped me with personal life skills that elevated me to a new standard of responsibility and commitment that I needed for this position.
I am currently continuing my education in the bachelor's program (BSHCA) and hope to continue on to the master's program. My ultimate goal is to become an administrator for a substance abuse or domestic violence program. I'm grateful for Pima Medical Institute - it has been transformative for me.
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After high school I thought I might be interested in business and tried college classes. But after having a child and looking for a long-lasting, stable career, I decided to pursue the medical field and enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute. What a different environment from my previous college experiences where I felt left on my own. Pima Medical's program is structured with clear expectations, an end date and the support you need. Everything you're learning is critical to your new career. My instructor was great and I am still in contact with several of my classmates (from 10 years ago).
I began my job with Healthcare Partners in medical records. , I didn't really enjoy it, but took the opportunity to grow within the clinic. Not long after transitioning to a Medical Assistant position, I realized I wanted to be in leadership. I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Healthcare Administration (HCA) program and after completing my associate degree, I became a supervisor. After becoming a practice manager, I knew I wanted more so I earned my bachelor's degree in HCA. The online programs at Pima Medical are challenging, but also manageable. The instructors are supportive and understand you have a life and a job. I was able to apply what I was learning in the program while managing both an Urgent Care and a Medicare Advantage Clinic.
Currently, I am employed with Optum United Healthcare in a corporate leadership position where I am managing a team of 19 people. I love my job! My boss is supportive, encouraging my growth and education, so I have enrolled in the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program. I am utilizing the tools I am learning in my classes to help build leaders within my organization. Having degrees in healthcare, particularly a master's degree, is the future of healthcare.
I'm grateful I could continue my education at Pima Medical in short chunks; taking time off in between to rest and utilize what I'd learned. Making time for that first program can be hard, but education always pays off. Your future is worth it!
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I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician!
I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me.
I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program.
I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!
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After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary.
Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!
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Pima Medical Institute has been a cornerstone in my career, providing a foundation that has endured through different stages of my life. Now, I'm excited to return to school and build on that strong base.
No one in my family is in the dental field, but I've always had a passion for becoming a dental hygienist. After high school, I spent five years working in Alaska's fishing industry. Upon returning to Seattle, I inquired about the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and ultimately enrolled in the Dental Assistant program. Balancing full-time work during the day with evening classes at Pima Medical was challenging but rewarding. My teacher was great, and I formed lasting friendships-I'm still close with one of my classmates more than 20 years later.
My first job was with a doctor in West Seattle, where I worked for two years before needing to go on bed rest due to pregnancy. I took a 15-year break to focus on being a mom. Remarkably, I was able to jump right back into my career as a Dental Assistant when I was ready. After moving to Phoenix, I started working as a temp and then secured my current position at Anthem Sonoran Valley Implants and Dental Center. It felt like riding a bike-everything came back to me. I love educating patients and helping them take care of their teeth. Currently, I'm in the process of applying to a Dental Hygiene program in my area. I want to further my education in the dental field and one day I hope to be able to clean teeth for free to help people who can't afford dental care.
Pima Medical Institute has been supportive throughout my journey, from enrolling and securing financing to ongoing assistance whenever I need it. I'm incredibly grateful for the education and opportunities Pima Medical has provided me.
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I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients.
I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job.
Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.
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My journey into health care began with an interest in nursing, but I soon realized it didn't align with my personality. A shadowing opportunity in a Radiology department, arranged by my mother, confirmed my passion for radiography. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Radiography associate degree program and had exceptional experience as a student.
The program's blend of didactic and clinical training thoroughly prepared me for my career. I viewed each clinical rotation as a job interview, especially my fourth-semester placement. I worked hard to impress the staff by demonstrating the skills I had learned and I earned a job offer at the same hospital, where I continue to work.
Currently, I serve as the Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Canyon Vista Medical Center. Since graduating from Pima Medical's Radiography program 13 years ago, I have had the privilege of precepting students from various programs across Arizona and California. Among them, Pima Medical students consistently stand out. They arrive at their first clinical rotation with strong positioning skills and the confidence to image patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics.
Pima Medical not only equipped me with essential skills but also instilled confidence and set me on a path to success.
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