WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was working at a veterinary clinic for 7 years where I'd started as a receptionist and worked my way up to the senior veterinary assistant. I was even the trainer for interns and new employees. When I applied for the position of practice manager I was turned down. I knew the missing piece in my career was education, so I headed to Pima Medical Institute. I had experienced and trained students from many different colleges over the years and it was clear PMI students were more willing to learn and came with more hands on experience. I didn't need to do any research to know I wanted to attend PMI. The veterinary assistant part of the program came easy for me since I'd already been working in the field. During this time I really enjoyed mentoring and helping my fellow classmates. I even jokingly told the instructor she should hire me to teach. Shortly after I graduated from the veterinary technician program and passed my boards, the program director invited me back to PMI to assist her with a lab. At the end of the lab she informed me I'd just finished a job interview and offer me a position as an instructor. I love my job teaching at PMI! It is really rewarding to be able to pass my knowledge on to someone else. I'm still doing some relief work and keeping my skills up to par. In the future I'd like to continue my education.

One night my beloved cat was hit by a car, I rushed to the emergency hospital, but my cat didn't survive. As I was standing in the room another emergency situation came in, and as I observed the technicians and veterinarians at work, it was like a light bulb went on in my head. I knew in that moment that this is exactly what I want to do with my life. That same night I was on my computer trying to learn who those people were and how I could get that training. Pima Medical Institute came up in my search and shortly after I visited the campus and learned about the Veterinary Assistant program, I enrolled. I was so afraid to go back to school because I'd already had a horrible experience with college. But it was wonderful! Everyone was helpful; there were small classes and lots of one-on-one time with amazing instructors. I worked for three years in emergency medicine and then moved to Veterinary Centers of America where I worked in ICU for three years. Recently, I was recruited to work at Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute. They serve humanity through animal research on the prevention, treatment and cure of respiratory diseases. It's an amazing job. We do studies for large drug companies. For example, today I worked with swine drawing blood and working with IV's for a special study. It's exciting to play a role in the future of modern medicine. I'm a level three Veterinary Technician working with some of the best veterinarians and doctors in the country conducting very important and impactful studies. It's all because of Pima Medical that I am where I am today!

I grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program. I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff. While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics. My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.

I was injured while playing soccer in high school and my physical therapist said to me, "I think you'd be a really good physical therapist!" I tucked that away until I was at Texas State University heading toward becoming a nurse when I realized it just wasn't for me. I switched to Exercise Sports Science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After graduation, the doctorate physical therapy programs were extremely competitive and I just didn't have the confidence to apply - still a regret. Instead, I reviewed my options and began searching for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and found Pima Medical Institute. It was a challenging, accelerated 18-month program, but my instructors were super motivating. Although they were hard on us, they gave us all the tools needed to be the best professional clinicians we could be. I was awarded the most "outstanding student" at graduation and offered a job at each of my clinical rotations. I began my therapist journey as a pediatric PTA until I found the place I really loved; working in sports medicine and rehabilitation. During my five plus years in orthopedics, I worked with multiple students as a clinical instructor. This drew my passion for education and I began my journey as a clinical director and instructor back at the same PTA program I'd attended. I tell my students I've been down their same path and I am going to give them everything they need to be a success in their clinical experience. I remind them that I am invested in their success because not only is Pima Medical's reputation on the line, so is mine as a graduate of this program. Pima Medical provided what I needed to become a great therapist and for that I am thankful. I believe I've found my place in education and I am hoping to further my education through the master's degree program in the future.

I am currently the Director of Cardiopulmonary at Mount Graham Regional Medical Center in Safford, AZ. I had been intrigued by the healthcare field for a while, but was unsure about my path. While looking for an accelerated program with promising earning potential, Pima Medical Institute kept popping up in my online searches. After attending their introduction to the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program, I immediately knew I had found the program for me and it turned out to be a great choice! I was 30 years old when I went back to school and while I had fun, I also took school seriously. What set Pima Medical apart was the outstanding preparation we were provided. During my clinicals, I noticed that our students were more confident, knowledgeable, and ready for the real world compared to my peers from other schools. The most challenging part for me was that I lived in Safford with my wife and two young daughters (about 2.5 hours away). I would leave them, attend school Monday through Friday and then drive back home for weekends. It was very hard, but thankfully, ended up being worth it! I began my career at Mt. Graham, and quickly became the lead respiratory therapist. I continued my education, earning my bachelor's degree in Health Science: Professional Development and Advanced Patient Care in 2017. After just five years as an RT, I assumed the role of Director of Cardiopulmonary, a testament to the comprehensive education and hands-on experience I had received. Even though it's been 12 years since graduating from Pima Medical, I still vividly remember each of my instructors, who played a crucial role in shaping my success. I recommend Pima Medical to potential students often, as it truly was a great education and overall experience for me.

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.

After running a travel agency for fifteen years, I began searching for a new career in the medical field. I'd always been interested in photography, so radiology seemed like a natural fit. At 43, I returned to school to earn my associate degree in Radiologic Science. I gained experience working at a regional hospital in Minnesota, learning X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Then in 2014, my husband and I, looking to fulfill our dream, moved to Alaska where I became a multi-modality technologist with Providence in Seward. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, leading a $1.8 million department remodel to improve patient care. Upgrading our equipment to include a new CT scanner and digital X-ray systems has enabled us to offer year-round mammography, allowing for earlier breast cancer detection and better outcomes. In 2023, my love for learning led me to Pima Medical Institute, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS) online. Graduating with honors was a major accomplishment. I was especially impressed with the instructors and the quality of education at Pima Medical, and I'm proud to be a graduate. We are a critical care access hospital that sees patients from around the world. Tourists visit our community for various reasons, such as sport fishing, sightseeing, mountain hiking, mountain biking and cruise ships. This year we had ninety-six cruise ships bringing thousands of passengers on and off the ship. In my role, I often meet patients on one of the toughest days of their lives. My goal is to make a difference for them. I'm grateful for the skills and support from Pima Medical that has allowed me to provide the best care possible.

Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me. While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business. After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.

I wasn't completely sure about going back to school until I walked through the doors at Pima Medical Institute. From the moment I took the tour and sat down for the exam, Admissions Representative Mary Mikiel made me feel welcomed and encouraged. I don't love taking tests, but her support and positive energy truly made a difference that day. A few days later, she called to tell me I had only missed one question - and that I was officially accepted into the Medical Assistant program. Starting the program, I connected quickly with my classmates and discovered a great sense of community. My instructors were not only knowledgeable, but genuinely invested in my success. There were five of us who graduated together, and that experience gave me newfound confidence in myself. I was working full time while attending school, and although it wasn't easy, I proved to myself that I could push through the ups and downs and make it to graduation day. I started working at a fast-paced urgent care where everything I learned at Pima Medical came flooding back like second nature. After about a year of hard work, I was encouraged to apply for a higher position. I'm proud to say I am now the Center Manager at Carbon Health Carlsbad. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement I received from the staff and instructors at Pima Medical. They believed in me when I didn't fully believe in myself and constantly pushed me to grow. For that, I will always be grateful. Pima Medical Institute didn't just prepare me for a career, they helped me believe in myself.