My parents really valued education and wanted all 7 of us all to go to college, but they were unable to help us financially. I spent years working full time and taking classes part time, but it was such a slow process. Eventually, I became interested in pharmacy, spent 8 years working in the pharmaceutical industry while going to school and just missed getting accepted to pharmacy school. While I waited for the next opportunity, I came across Pima Medial Institute's Radiography program and it interested me. A few months into the program I realized this is what I really wanted to do. There are unlimited growth opportunities in this field.
When I came to PMI my classes felt like family. I quickly realized the PMI instructors believed in their students and wanted the best for us. Before I'd even graduated, I had a job offer at a level one trauma center. I worked there for 3 years gaining experience and growing both as a professional and as an individual. I knew I wanted to continue my education, so I enrolled in PMI's online bachelor degree program. PMI's online classes are not only very flexible; they are designed to help you be a better professional in your field. I recently came back to PMI as an instructor. I think having been a student here and recently working in the field, I'm able to understand my student's struggles and help them learn what's really important. There is a sense of true value working at PMI. It's more than a philosophy or mission statement, they really care about their employees and their students. I'm happy to be back.
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I had been working at a grocery store for 12 years when I decided it was time for a change. I hadn't been in school in a very long time and wasn't quite ready to commit to a four-year university. When I found Pima Medical Institute, it felt like the right fit for me in my stage of life. I chose the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program because I viewed it as a great stepping stone into a career in the medical field.
I really enjoyed my time at Pima Medical. It was exciting to be in a learning environment surrounded by students who were all motivated to succeed. My biggest challenge was balancing full-time work with evening classes while still finding time to study. It wasn't easy, but I did it! The thing I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the genuine commitment to student success. There was always help available whenever I had questions or needed support. Because of that, I walked out of the program feeling prepared and confident in my new profession.
Upon graduation, I quickly found a job and began working as a Medical Assistant with Providence in family practice, where I stayed for six years. Currently, I work for Optum Primary Care, continuing my career in family medicine. While at Providence, I had the opportunity to be a preceptor in the apprentice program, and I hope to take on that role again at Optum in the future. Educating and mentoring others is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the field of healthcare.
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I was a golf pro for 10 years; a member of the PGA of America here in Vegas. When our first daughter was born I really didn't want to put her in daycare, so I started a golf business out of my home. Then the economy hit and my business went under. My wife suggested I go back to school but I just felt too old. I said, "By the time I graduate, I'll be 45!" In response my 12 year old daughter said, "Aren't you going to be 45 anyway?" So, I went back to school.
When I looked at Pima Medical Institute's accelerated 18 month Physical Therapist Assistant program, I knew it was for me. During my whole tenure at Pima my days consisted of getting up at 6 am, dropping my kids off at 7:30 am, come home and study or sleep for a few hours, go to classes from 1-5 pm, then work from 6 pm to midnight. Then I would do it all over again. I loved learning and going to school. The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and we definitely felt prepared.
I enjoy my job and I'm thankful and thrilled to be in my position. I'd highly recommend PMI's PTA program to others; both older second career individuals and young people. If someone doesn't have 6 years to give to become a physical therapist, this is a great way to go. You can make a good living and make a great impact on the community.
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I was a waitress for years but I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do the rest of my life. After suffering severe injuries from a car accident, I woke up to the fact that I really needed to pursue a career. I'd always been interested in the medical field and have two sisters who attended Pima Medical Institute so I decided to check it out. I found PMI to be really welcoming and I signed up for their Medical Assistant program.
I remember well my first day as a very nervous and shy student. My instructors put our minds at ease and they were amazing! My dad became very ill and was hospitalized and I was spending all of my time outside of school with him. My classmates and instructors became like family to me. When I wanted to quit, they encouraged me to stay and I'm so glad I listened to them.
I was really nervous going into my externship at the hospital, but I found it really rewarding. My dream was to work in the neurology department at the hospital and as I was preparing to graduate, a position in neurology opened up. I went to my interview feeling confident in my skills and was hired and even offered a signing bonus! I'm so thankful to PMI and my instructors for helping me through the program. I have a career and my dream job!
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Prior to coming to Pima Medical Institute, I had fallen on hard times and was having issues with housing and stability. I knew what I really needed was a career and a secure job to fall back on. I had worked before in a number of office environments, including a temporary job entering patient records. I decided pursuing a career in the medical field where I could use my administrative skills might be a good idea.
I think I missed three appointments before finally coming to Pima Medical where I took a tour and fell in love with the school. I had attended different schools and programs before, but I always dropped out. This time I was motivated and I decided I wanted to finish what I started. The program was very intense and fast paced, but my instructors were amazing! I was never good at math, but my instructor took the time to make sure I understood it and made it easy to grasp. My instructors made sure I stayed focused and challenged, which is exactly what I needed. I learned so much while on my externship and they even offered me a position, but I waited for my preference, an OBGYN office. Finding a job after graduation was easy. My goal someday is to become an office manager.
I was homeless while attending Pima Medical and didn't have stable housing until after I graduated. If it weren't for my instructors, I wouldn't have finished the program because of all the obstacles I was facing. Pima Medical truly changed my life. I have a career now!
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I am from a very large family, one of my parents was undocumented and we often struggled financially, but I feel like the way they raised me has gotten me where I am today. I have a successful career, I am financially stable and I love my job!
After graduating from high school, I didn't really have a plan. One day my cousin invited me to come along to check out Pima Medical Institute. After touring the school and realizing they had a Dental Assistant program, I applied that same day and enrolled. I appreciated that our instructor was an actual dentist and gave us his expertise and tips on how to become a better assistant and I enjoyed all the hands-on practice. One of my biggest obstacles was that I didn't have transportation to school, so I'd have to ask for rides or even use Uber at times. But Pima Medical helped me with resources and they even provided bus passes, which was really helpful. I also want to thank my husband for his support and encouragement.
I was offered a job at the clinic where I completed my externship and recently, I was given a raise and promoted to a new position. My mom is so happy and proud of me and my new career. My dad, sadly, passed away but I know he would be proud as he wanted me to get an education. I have already started taking classes to get my prerequisites to become a Dental Hygienist and my eventual goal is to become a Dentist. I am striving to become more.
Pima Medical provides hands-on training, flexible hours and all the resources you need to be successful.
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At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field.
I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position.
I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program.
I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology, I struggled to find a job and ended up in finance. When COVID hit, my new job offer was rescinded and I was forced to take a job at a grocery store bakery, far from my career goals. I kept hearing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute which piqued my interest in the medical field. This led me to enroll in their three-month Phlebotomy program, allowing me to work and study simultaneously with minimal school commitment. It was a way to dip-my-toe into the water of the medical field.
The Phlebotomy program was a turning point in my life. Small classes, hands-on experience, and an excellent instructor, Miss Denise, made a significant impact. I soon secured a position at Chandler Regional Hospital, where I interacted with various departments and realized my passion for patient care. Nursing stood out as the most versatile and impactful role, prompting me to pursue a nursing degree at the institute I trusted and I enrolled at Pima Medical's Mesa Campus. The Nursing program was challenging and intense, pushing me to grow and become accountable for patient care. Through diverse clinical experiences, I gravitated towards ER and ICU settings. I've recently accepted a position at OBS Banner Dessert, aiming to transfer to the ICU and eventually join the trauma team.
I am immensely grateful for my education at Pima Medical. The Phlebotomy program provided a crucial foundation, giving me the framework I needed for a career in the medical field. I invited Miss Denise to my nursing pinning ceremony and my dad told her COVID had been difficult for me and she had saved my life. He was right, Pima Medical Institute truly changed my life.
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My family always told me I would thrive in the veterinary field, but I didn't believe in myself. I was 24, working and intermittently taking general education classes at the community college or university with no clear direction. Everything changed when I visited Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant (VA) and Veterinary Technician (VT) programs. These programs ignited my passion for the veterinary field, and I was finally on a career path I loved.
The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible, providing both education and valuable connections in the veterinary field. While attending the VT program, I balanced two full-time jobs in the industry, applying my classroom learning to real-world situations. This hands-on experience was invaluable. My instructors were always available and understanding of my very demanding schedule, even making sure I had snacks when I hadn't taken time to eat.
After graduation, I spent six years at a fast-paced ER. Today, I am the Hospital Administrator at Pima Pet Clinic where I am able to utilize both my technical skills and administrative expertise. Additionally, I serve in the United States Army Reserves in a Veterinary Detachment, training medical personnel on K9 emergency assessments. Utilizing a remote-controlled robotic dog, I create scenarios (increased heart rate, insinuating pain, blood flow sensors, stomach inflation, even amputations) in order to practice real-time medical emergencies.
The mix of knowledge and experience I gained at Pima Medical has been instrumental in my career and my ability to teach. Participating in these training exercises has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. The connections and the education I received at Pima Medical have truly transformed my life.
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When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute.
My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.
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After 25 years in restaurant management, I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but life kept getting in the way. In 2017, everything changed when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. One nurse, an older, highly skilled woman, was so inspiring that I thought, "If she can do this, so can I." Though I didn't want to be a nurse, I knew my management background could help me run a medical office. However, when I tried applying for receptionist jobs, I kept hearing the same thing-I needed medical experience.
That's when I decided to take a leap and enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. The nine-month program gave me the education I needed to get my foot in the door. It wasn't easy-after being out of school for 20 years, I had to relearn how to study and manage my time. But thanks to Pima Medical's support system and my fellow students, I got through it.
I landed my first job as an MA through my externship at Pima Heart. I soon enrolled in the online Health Care Administration (HCA) program, while moving up in my job and then continued into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Upon completion, I applied to administrative positions and was humbled to have 15 interviews scheduled. After considering numerous job opportunities, I chose to join Banner Health as a Practice Manager, overseeing a staff of 20 (with eight providers and 40 residents).
Pima Medical provided the education I needed to excel in the medical field. My instructors were there for me every step of the way. If you're considering going back to school, just do it! Choose Pima Medical and you will get the support you need.
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My journey into healthcare wasn't planned. During my senior year of high school, I was preparing to study engineering when my dad passed away. It was a tough time, and I decided to take a break. My mom, a nurse, suggested I become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), so I completed an accelerated program and started working at Silver Hills Healthcare Center in Las Vegas. I never imagined a career in long-term care, but I excelled as a CNA and was promoted to rehab aide. One day my regional director, who saw potential in me, signed me up for an informational seminar at Pima Medical Institute for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. I attended, was intrigued, and decided to enroll.
Balancing school and work wasn't easy, but Pima Medical made it possible. I worked flexible hours, attended classes and studied late into the evenings. The instructors were experienced, and the small class sizes made learning enjoyable. When I took the national licensing exam, I achieved one of the highest scores my instructor had ever seen. After working in the field, I wanted to grow my career even more, so I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Today, I'm an Assistant Administrator at Alta Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, finishing my Administrator in Training program. Soon, I'll sit for the licensing exam to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and my ultimate goal is to own a skilled nursing facility.
Pima Medical gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. Their programs may cost a bit more, but they are efficient and effective with no prerequisites. I received a quality education at Pima Medical and I'm proud to be a graduate!
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