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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After retiring from the military in 2007 and working ten years as a corrections officer in a supermax prison, I decided it was time for something new. In 2019, I used my military education benefits to enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program (PHL). That led to Medical Assistant (MA), then Health Care Administration (HCA) and finally Veterinary Assistant (VTA). I also enrolled in Respiratory Therapy (RT) for a short time, but I realized it was not the right fit. In total, I completed four programs at Pima Medical.
The reason I kept coming back was simple: the people. There's a real sense of community here. When I finished my last program, I felt like something was missing. I applied for a position on campus, not expecting much, but the team saw potential in me and offered me a role in financial aid. At first, I thought I wasn't qualified. They told me they could teach the technical side, but what they really needed was someone who could connect with students. That gave me the confidence to accept the job.
I came here to learn, and I ended up staying to serve. Now I get to work with students every day, and I always try to check in with the ones who stand out. I let them know they're not alone, that someone here is rooting for them. It's not just about numbers or forms. It is about connection.
Math used to be something I wasn't crazy about, but now I use it every day and even enjoy it. Back when I started the Phlebotomy program, I would have laughed if you told me I would be in business attire, in an office, helping students plan their futures. This job changed my perspective. I come in each day not just to work, but to make a difference.
I tell my boss all the time: if it is not here, it is not anywhere. Pima Medical isn't just where I studied - It's where I belong.
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At 38 years old, with a family to support, I was laid off from my third job in two years. I didn't want to pursue another dead-end job, so my wife suggested I return to school. After listing possibilities, I narrowed my preference to radiography, did some networking and, based on the overall cost and PMI's short two-year program, decided to enroll at Pima Medical Institute.
I found great support among my classmates and with the on-site staff at the sites PMI established for my clinical rotations. I passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam immediately following graduation and accepted the best of several offers I received within days thereafter. Now, eight years later, I am also certified in CT (Computed Tomography) and work for the same company, utilizing the latest in CT equipment and technology. PMI set me on the right track - they gave me the knowledge and training to get my life moving in a fulfilling direction. I make a great living in a stable environment, and I LOVE MY JOB. Thank you PMI!
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Before and during my program at Pima Medical Institute my life was blessed with many changes and challenges. In the summer of 2010, life was particularly stressful for me. I found myself a single mother with no job, homeless, and struggling to keep the little state assistance that I did receive. I filed for bankruptcy, I lost my newly purchased home, and I was struggling to find the right path. I knew I had to find something soon so I could provide for my son.
I started researching what jobs were still hiring in the medical profession. I met with an admissions counselor, Adam, at Pima Medical to choose my program and, after much discussion, he suggested I observe an Occupational Therapy Assistant in action. The more I learned about OT, the more it just seemed to fit my dreams, my personality, and my needs for a career. As I observed the gentleman I was shadowing, I realized I could do this the rest of my life.
Two years later, I am now a graduate from PMI's OTA program. I graduated at the top of my class with a 3.65 GPA. I want to thank all the wonderful people at Pima Medical for their guidance, support, and dedication to the program and for helping me succeed in life. Finishing my program was an achievement worth the rough road. Now I find myself expecting my second child and looking forward to a promising new career as a COTA. Thank you PMI - I couldn't have done it without you!
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After graduating from high school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life. However, I had always pictured myself in the medical field. I am fascinated by teeth and feel as though they expressed who you are as a person, aesthetically. So, I decided to look into a dental career. After researching, I found Pima Medial Institute to be affordable and their classes fit into my work schedule. Therefore, I enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program.
I fell in love with the program! It was challenging and my days were long, but I appreciated the structure of the classes. My instructor was just amazing! She taught us everything we needed to know to be successful in the dental field.
As I began my externship, I felt very well prepared. Our instructor provided the preparation to help us feel confident and comfortable stepping into this role. I felt anxious, but it was because I just wanted to get started working with real people instead of our practice dummies. I felt ready! The dental office appreciated the training I had at PMI and, even though they weren't really hiring, they were so impressed with my knowledge and work they offered me a position.
I want to continue my education in this field. I am currently deciding whether to continue with my associate degree in dental hygiene or if I want to go on and obtain my doctorate. I am so grateful for my instructor and for the start PMI gave me in this field.
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I was a directional driller for Schlumberger Oil Company for many years. When they had a downturn in the industry, I was let go and forced to consider a career change. Both of my daughters attended Pima Medical Institute after high school, graduated from the Medical Assistant program and have successful careers. So, I decided it might be a good career for me as well!
The Medical Assistant program required a bit of an adjustment since I was as old as most of my classmate's parents, but my instructors were great and they made the program feel easy. Everything I learned at Pima Medical was what I needed to be successful in my career. After completing my externship at Kelsey Seybold Family Medicine, I began my career as a medical assistant in pediatrics and then later transferred back to where I'd completed my externship in family medicine.
I really enjoy my job! It's stressful to go through a career change, but it is so worth it! In my previous job I traveled and was only home one week a month. Now I'm home every day by 5:30 pm and am able to spend time with my wife and grandkids. My relationship with my family is so much better. I made a great decision choosing the medical field and Pima Medical Institute ... and my daughters love that I followed in their footsteps.
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I was in my early 20's, ready to complete a degree in finance when I realized I really didn't want to spend my life sitting behind a desk. I had a few family members working in the radiography field and I noticed they not only had a great career, but they could choose to work in different modalities and had lots of variety in their jobs. I began researching, found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled.
I had wonderful instructors! It's an intense and tough program, but the way the program is structured really makes you feel prepared for your profession. I enjoyed the shorter rotations for clinicals which exposed me to many different areas and modalities. Once I knew what I was looking for, I was able to complete multiple rotations in my area of interest which prepared me for a job at that very location. I was hired at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and after a year I was promoted to a charge technologist and almost 2 years ago I moved into the role of General Radiology Supervisor. I love the fast-paced environment at UNMH. We're the only trauma one hospital in the state and we see something new every day. I'm not the only Pima Medical graduate in my department, we currently have five employees that were my classmates and each year I hire multiple new Pima Medical new graduates.
Pima Medical provided a great education and really prepared me for the field.
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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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After moving from Texas to Colorado for a fresh start, I was determined to build a stable career in the medical field. Research led me to Pima Medical Institute, and from the moment I began speaking with admissions, I knew it was the right choice. Despite facing many challenges, I embarked on the Medical Assistant (MA) program with unwavering determination.
I started living in my car three weeks after starting the MA program. I was juggling homelessness, school and a full-time job. I struggled finding safe places to park, hot and cold nights, and finding time between work and school to do homework, sleep and get to the gym to take showers. I found incredible support from caring and understanding instructors who became like family to me. They provided resources and encouragement, helping me navigate the toughest moments. As difficult as my situation was, school was my biggest motivation and the people at Pima Medical were my support and prepared me for my future. Thanks to great instructors and comprehensive training, I excelled at my externship at Advanced Urgent Care, impressing my supervisors enough to secure a job offer before even graduating.
To my instructors at Pima Medical, I owe a debt of gratitude. I am the person I am today because of you. Your unwavering support and belief in me kept me going when times were toughest. Thank you for never giving up on me. You've shaped me into the professional I am today and I will forever be grateful.
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I was looking for a change from my previous jobs in food service and explored various community colleges in Seattle. After considering culinary arts, I decided to pursue a healthcare career where I knew jobs were more in demand. I chose Pima Medical Institute because the stories from previous graduates resonated with me. They were just like me, seeking change and career advancement. Despite having no prior knowledge or experience in pharmacy, I chose the Pharmacy Technician program to challenge myself.
My experience at Pima Medical was fun and engaging. The courses, from Career Prep to the Pharmacy Technician classes, were well planned. I learned everything I needed to succeed. The biggest challenge was balancing homework and projects with a full-time job, but it was worth it. The support from the staff at Pima's Renton campus was invaluable. The admissions and financial aid advisors helped me with my FAFSA, easing my financial worries. My Career Prep instructor made learning exciting and engaging. The staff provided support and organized stress-relieving activities like the Halloween costume contest. My instructor imparted all the pharmacy knowledge I needed and now apply daily in my work.
Since graduating from Pima Medical in 2018, I worked at ReadyMeds for nearly four years and I've spent the last several years working as a Specialty Pharmacy Technician at Kaiser Permanente of Washington. I highly recommend Pima Medical Institute for the support and programs they offer to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your career. Now I'm one of those graduates sharing my story to inspire others!
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My mom had been a nurse in the Philippines, but after moving to the US she cared for us and began working as a phlebotomist. This influenced my decision to go into the medical field after high school. On a whim one day, I stopped by Pima Medical Institute and ended up enrolling in the three-month Phlebotomy program which started two weeks later. It was fast paced and very different from high school as students were all ages and yet we were all looking for a change or a new career. Even though our time together was short, it felt like family. My first job was with a blood donation company and after moving to eastern Washington, I worked at a hospital. This gave me a variety of experiences and built my confidence and I later transitioned into dialysis.
I knew I eventually wanted to become a Medical Assistant (MA) and even though Pima Medical was a long commute, I had confidence in them so I enrolled in the MA program. I was pregnant, worked full time and had a long commute each day, but I did it! I feel like Pima Medical helped shape me into a resilient person. After graduation I worked at a hospital and a few other sites as an MA. But it wasn't long before I began to envision myself in administration, so I chose to complete the Health Care Administration online associate degree. That program gave me so much confidence and I loved it.
After graduating, I saw an opening for a Career Services Advisor at Pima Medical, applied, and got the job. Now, I get to guide students and share my journey with them. Watching them grow reminds me of my own transformation. Pima Medical has been a constant in my life, and I'm proud to be part of a team that changes lives every day.
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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.
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