Welcome Home Alumni
We are glad that you are back. At Pima Medical Institute we care about our graduates and we measure our success by their success. Did you know PMI has over 80,000 alumni? We want to help you stay connected with us, link you with employers and job opportunities, assist you in connecting with past students, and continue teaching you the skills you need in today’s market through our career services.
Success Stories
Rosario
Chula Vista - Dental Assistant
2010
In 2008 I lost my job as a director in early childhood development after twenty years in the field. The social service program I was working for got hit with a massive funding cut, and I came to the realization that no matter where you are in life, you sometimes have to learn to embrace the change. My change would be reinventing myself professionally.
When I walked into Pima Medical Institute in January 2009, I wasn’t sure if there was a specific program I would be interested in. My eventual decision to go into the Dental Assisting Program wouldn’t have happened without the encouragement of the staff, and I would not be where I am today without them.
Being a PMI alumnus makes me extremely proud, and I feel confident in my skills and what I learned from my instructors at Pima. In spite of our economic situation today, I was fortunate to be hired during my externship. I am a member of the PMI Advisory Board and continue to be a positive example to the externs that I come into contact with. It is my desire to instill in them the highest expectations and standards we hold for them as Pima Medical graduates, and I know I will help enable them to be some of the best-trained dental assistants in the field.
I fell in love with this field because of the transformation and satisfaction of each patient we handle. It gives me such joy every time I see one of our patients smile and I am proud to be a part of that.
Alexander
Las Vegas - Pharmacy Tech
2011
My experience at Pima was great! The area where I gained the most from Pima was through my externship. Working hard 8 hours a day every day of the week, feeling tired at the end of the day and knowing I did a good job felt great. This feeling and experience of working was especially gratifying because I have never had a job before. This experience was invaluable in my life. My externship not only prepared me for a job and a profession but it prepared me for life.
I was hired by CVS pharmacy for a few hours a week right after completing my externship. When another location was available with more hours, I was able to transfer within the company. I am now at a store where I make a great difference in people's lives every day.
Sara
Tucson - OTA
2012
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!
Dominic
Chula Vista - MA
2002
To me PMI means: “ read moreTo me PMI means: “People Making It!” Making people’s dreams come true and providing a better future. I have been in the medical field as a Medical Assistant for more than 11 years. I have worked in many different specialties and practices. I’ve gained an awesome experience working with the San Diego Padres in the Orthopedic Sports Medicine department and worked with pediatrics to geriatrics. From clinics to hospital environments, I’ve learned new skills and gained experiences, met many different types of people of different cultures, backgrounds, and professions.
I am currently now one of the Medical Assistant Instructor for PMI, sharing my knowledge, experiences, and skills to our future Medical Assistants of tomorrow. I am in love with my profession with passion. I am in love with it so much that I have continued my education to become a Registered Nurse.
I teach what I love and love what I teach. It’s true what people say, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life!” I take pride in what I do and what I have accomplished and, will accomplish.
If it wasn’t for PMI, I wouldn’t be where I would be today. I am proud to say that “I am a PMI.”
Read More Success Stories
Nathan
Mesa
Respiratory Therapy
2010
At age 19 I got a job as a tech in the emergency room. When I decided to further my education, PMI was my first choice. As a student, I felt very prepared for clinical rotations and found I was well respected as a student wearing PMI scrubs in the hospitals. However, it was really only after I graduated and began working that I realized just how amazing my education was – working alongside therapists with 10-35 years experience in the field, I not only kept up but was able to excel.
It wasn’t long before I began working with PMI students as a Clinical Instructor and, within a few years, I became a full time PMI Instructor. I currently teach 3rd – 5th semester classes and set up, program, and run all of PMI’s high fidelity simulation manikins. One of my favorite things about teaching are those “Ahhhaaa moments!” (when the light bulb of understanding goes on). It’s also incredibly rewarding to share my experiences, bringing clinical examples to the classroom that help others avoid the mistakes and pitfalls I spent years discovering.
After being a witness to PMI’s amazing reputation in the field, coming back as an instructor was a no-brainer. I am so proud to be part of such an amazing department and company!
Yolander
Online
APTR
2013
I am a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. My Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in the Army is 68P which is a Radiologic Specialist. I’ve gone from Washington, D.C. to Korea, Colorado, Hawaii, Kentucky, Iraq, the state of Washington, Afghanistan, and back to Washington. Army x-ray technicians cannot do their job in the civilian job market because we’re not registered. It really bothered me that I could not take the boards when I really wanted to after all this time. I didn’t feel like a real technologist because I wasn’t registered and I couldn’t do what I loved to do in the civilian job market.
While deployed in Afghanistan, I did lots of research on the internet and came across Pima. You should have seen my face illuminate when I found out Pima had the Advance Placement Program in Radiology. My experience at Pima was AMAZING. I learned so much. The educational aspect was phenomenal. My only regret is that I wish that I had not waited so long to do this. The Army Radiologic Program is crammed into 6 months then you go off somewhere else to only get signed off on exams. You only go through the motions. The curriculum is not as structured as Pima and pales in comparison to my experience. I learned not only how to do it but why we do it. I am so much more knowledgeable than I ever was before and I often find myself sharing what I learn with others. My clinical experience is definitely what put me over the top for success in preparation for my boards. I graduated from Pima on April 12th. I passed my boards in Diagnostic Radiology May 9th. As a result of passing my boards every door has opened for me. Endless possibilities are in my future. Pima has really changed my life and I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given.
Debra
Albuquerque
Medical Lab Technologist
1988
Every time I hear the Pima name, I have such good memories that come flooding back. I remember always feeling supported and encouraged. Even upon my initial discussions with the staff, I felt that I had found a place where my previous experience would be valued. My instructors continuously reminded me that I had a promising career in front of me and the hard work would pay off. They couldn't have been more right! I had the confidence and the knowledge to receive a paid internship, which was a huge factor for me as I was the sole supporter of my family at the time. I have been able to work at large and small hospitals, doctor offices, and group practices. I was able to obtain employment as a traveler once my children were grown so I could continue to advance my experience and see the country. I have now been in the field for over 20 years and would recommend Pima Medical Institute to anyone looking to begin their career in the medical field!
Anthony
Las Vegas
MA - RAD
2012
I was in the construction field for nearly 14 years, owned my own trucking business for six years, and have been raising my two children on my own for the past eleven years. I was doing pretty well until I started to struggle with the economy crisis. I decided it was time for a change.
I always had a lifelong dream on becoming a Radiographer, and in 2011 I set out to make that dream a reality. I moved to Las Vegas with my children, where I visited the Pima campus and met with a counselor. He suggested I begin with the Medical Assistant program to get started in the medical field and gain some experience. It was tough being a single dad going back to school, working and raising two children on my own, but I knew I couldn’t let anything deter me. The staff at Pima were supportive with my situation after seeing how determined I was to follow my dreams.
Three months after graduating from PMI as a Medical Assistant, I was accepted into the Radiologic Technology program. My dream now is just months away from a reality, and thanks to Pima I’ll have all the tools I need to continue my knowledge in the medical field. Thank you PMI!
Andre
Mesa
Radiography
2009
Before attending Pima Medical Institute, I was a high school teacher. I always longed for a more fulfilling career, so I set my sights on the healthcare industry. I have an aunt and uncle who are both radiologists, and they recommended that I follow in their footsteps to become a doctor. Before devoting my life to twelve more years of college, I decided to get my feet wet and study to be a radiography technologist. I researched schools in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and Pima Medical stood out from the rest. After being accepted into Pima and completing the program, I became an entry-level x-ray technologist.
I have been able to combine my experience with teaching and my education at Pima to advance my career. A year after I graduated, I was promoted to a directorial position at Arcadia Radiology and Arrowhead Open MRI. I really enjoy what I do and I am so glad I made the choice to switch to the healthcare field. I currently plan to advance my career even further by becoming a Physician’s Assistant. The experiences and education that I had while attending Pima have served me very well. I am in a profession that I truly enjoy and I have made lifelong friends and beneficial connections within the healthcare field.
I have been able to combine my experience with teaching and my education at Pima to advance my career. A year after I graduated, I was promoted to a directorial position at Arcadia Radiology and Arrowhead Open MRI. I really enjoy what I do and I am so glad I made the choice to switch to the healthcare field. I currently plan to advance my career even further by becoming a Physician’s Assistant. The experiences and education that I had while attending Pima have served me very well. I am in a profession that I truly enjoy and I have made lifelong friends and beneficial connections within the healthcare field.
Rosario
Chula Vista
Dental Assistant
2010
In 2008 I lost my job as a director in early childhood development after twenty years in the field. The social service program I was working for got hit with a massive funding cut, and I came to the realization that no matter where you are in life, you sometimes have to learn to embrace the change. My change would be reinventing myself professionally.
When I walked into Pima Medical Institute in January 2009, I wasn’t sure if there was a specific program I would be interested in. My eventual decision to go into the Dental Assisting Program wouldn’t have happened without the encouragement of the staff, and I would not be where I am today without them.
Being a PMI alumnus makes me extremely proud, and I feel confident in my skills and what I learned from my instructors at Pima. In spite of our economic situation today, I was fortunate to be hired during my externship. I am a member of the PMI Advisory Board and continue to be a positive example to the externs that I come into contact with. It is my desire to instill in them the highest expectations and standards we hold for them as Pima Medical graduates, and I know I will help enable them to be some of the best-trained dental assistants in the field.
I fell in love with this field because of the transformation and satisfaction of each patient we handle. It gives me such joy every time I see one of our patients smile and I am proud to be a part of that.
Jessie
Chula Vista
Veterinary Technician
2012
Ever since I was little I have told countless family and friends that I was going to work with animals, and all through my youth, that is what I did. When it was finally time to pick a lifelong career, I started to do my research on what schools were in the area and what kind of possibilities they would offer me. Growing up in the Seattle area, I had always heard good things about PMI, but assumed that they were only offering education in human medicine. However, as I did my research in San Diego, I was excited to find out they had just opened a program for me to get a degree in Veterinary Sciences and have the possibility to be state and nationally certified. I applied and in less than 1 month I was taking core classes.
The education I received was top notch for many reasons. One of the most important aspects is that you feel like you have the support of a family. You not only get classroom and book knowledge, but also the hands on, like blood draws, restraint and treatments, which are so important to get into this profession There is a variety of instructors who specialized in different species, large and small or variations like emergency and internal medicine. With all the knowledge shared from these outstanding instructors, it gave each student the chance to envision where they might want to specialize. I have a love of large animal medicine which did not go unnoticed when it came time for externship. I was the first to be placed with a large animal veterinarian. It gave me so many unique opportunities I will always be grateful for. On my first day, I was able to help anesthetize and allergy test a lion, as well as draw blood and microchip a tiger. Within 6 weeks of completing the program, I took the state test and passed! As a RVT I was hired to work as a surgical and dental technician at a Banfield hospital. I truly feel like PMI gave me the best start for a full career in veterinary medicine. My next goal is to obtain a Bachelor's in Business Management so I can manage practices some day and if PMI offered that program, you bet I would take it from them as well!
Thank you PMI for all you have done for me!
Alexander
Las Vegas
Pharmacy Tech
2011
My experience at Pima was great! The area where I gained the most from Pima was through my externship. Working hard 8 hours a day every day of the week, feeling tired at the end of the day and knowing I did a good job felt great. This feeling and experience of working was especially gratifying because I have never had a job before. This experience was invaluable in my life. My externship not only prepared me for a job and a profession but it prepared me for life.
I was hired by CVS pharmacy for a few hours a week right after completing my externship. When another location was available with more hours, I was able to transfer within the company. I am now at a store where I make a great difference in people's lives every day.
Gary
Denver
Ophthalmic Medical Technician
2001
I was a burned out retail manager for 25 years working every weekend and 60 hours a week. The company I was working for was unappreciative of their managers and self destructing. I could see the writing on the wall but was unsure of the direction that I wanted my second career to take.
As it played out I happened to have a severe work related eye injury requiring a corneal transplant. During my long healing process I became fascinated with learning more about my condition and how the eye worked. During my numerous post operative visits to my ophthalmologist I befriended an ophthalmic technician. At one point in our many conversations a light came on telling me that this was the direction I wanted my second career to take. I asked him where he received his training and he told me Pima Medical Institute. Two weeks later I applied at Pima and a month later I was attending the two year Certified Ophthalmic Technician program.
I received my associate’s degree from Pima and was hired before I even completed the program by a four ophthalmologist practice as a technician. I worked in this capacity for three years and enjoyed every minute of it. I was then promoted to a lead technician and served in this capacity for two more years. For the last seven years I have served as Clinical Director of the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado that has now grown to a seven ophthalmologist practice.
My life has changed immensely; when I go home at night I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have helped the quality of someone’s life by improving and preserving their eye sight. I don’t work weekends any longer and enjoy those with my family now. I do still work about 50 hours a week in my managerial role, but it is so much different working in a field you love, it is gratifying and rewarding on a monetary and personal level. The excellent education and clinical training I received at Pima has definitely put me in the place I want to be at this point in my life.
Gary Stinson, Clinical Director
Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado
Pam
Las Vegas
Pharmacy Tech
2011
It was very scary returning to school after 25 years. However, I found a very welcoming staff and student body that made me feel at ease. I was reassured that I could be nothing other than a success at Pima. Going into my externship, the hospital setting was not my comfort zone. But, I was placed at Spring Valley Hospital and I loved it. My education was put into action and I was able to see how it all fit into place. I learned so much from the professionals I interacted with daily and would recommend other students to come out of their comfort zone and try something new. At the end of my externship I was hired at my site as a per diem pharmacy tech and later was transferred into a regular position. It was the perfect end to something that started out so scary. Thanks Pima!
Corey
Tucson
Physical Therapist Assistant
2010
After graduating from Akron University in Ohio with a degree in Biology, I was left without any direction on where I wanted to go or what to do next. I decided to move back to Tucson, and go back to school and focus on getting a degree that would allow me to get my foot in the door to a career with potential. I was a soccer player in college and had to have surgery on my knee. After going through rehabilitation, I realized that physical therapy was an area that interested me. I found Pima Medical Institute’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program would give me the direction I needed to start my career, so I signed up.
After graduating from PMI, I had no problem finding a job in a setting I desired. Since then I’ve moved to another state and found jobs to be plentiful. Recently, I decided to further my career and have been accepted into a program to become a Physical Therapist. By attending PMI I gave my career a strong base to further build upon and for this I will always be thankful. I know Pima Medical was a good choice. I have a new daughter and I just purchased a home. I am better able to provide for my family as a result of the choice I made to start my studies at Pima.
Sara
Tucson
OTA
2012
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!
Jody
Colorado Springs
Medical Assistant
2012
I had just started a new life, was recently separated with two kids, and was struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table. I heard the commercial for PMI and decided to stop by the Colorado Springs campus. I signed up for the MA program and knew immediately that I would be comfortable and the staff would guide me through the steps to be successful. I worked part-time while going to school. I found myself using the knowledge I was learning at school in my job and life. It was extremely exhilarating knowing I was finally doing something I would enjoy. Every instructor I had was motivating and personable. I am now working full-time at an urgent care and family practice office and I love it! Not only am I happy to put on my scrubs everyday, I have pride in myself that I never had before. I taught a valuable lesson to my children - “Anything worth having is worth fighting for!”
Dominic
Chula Vista
MA
2002
To me PMI means: “ read moreTo me PMI means: “People Making It!” Making people’s dreams come true and providing a better future. I have been in the medical field as a Medical Assistant for more than 11 years. I have worked in many different specialties and practices. I’ve gained an awesome experience working with the San Diego Padres in the Orthopedic Sports Medicine department and worked with pediatrics to geriatrics. From clinics to hospital environments, I’ve learned new skills and gained experiences, met many different types of people of different cultures, backgrounds, and professions.
I am currently now one of the Medical Assistant Instructor for PMI, sharing my knowledge, experiences, and skills to our future Medical Assistants of tomorrow. I am in love with my profession with passion. I am in love with it so much that I have continued my education to become a Registered Nurse.
I teach what I love and love what I teach. It’s true what people say, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life!” I take pride in what I do and what I have accomplished and, will accomplish.
If it wasn’t for PMI, I wouldn’t be where I would be today. I am proud to say that “I am a PMI.”
Warlyn
Las Vegas
Medical Assistant
2011
The first time I stepped in the door of Pima, I knew that this was my school. On the lobby wall I read an Alumni Success Story Poster about an immigrant like me who graduated from PMI. I was moved by his story and thought, “I, too, will excel and be remarkable!” Those first weeks were rough. I remember those days before my stipend, when I counted the remaining quarters in my wallet to get on the bus to school.
My instructors were my mentors and I owe them what I have become today. During my externship, I gained so much wisdom and working in pediatrics intensified my desire to work in the health care field. It has become, not only my training ground, but my launching pad for a much greater passion for patient care.
I have so much to be grateful for thanks to Pima. These four walls have become my second home. Pima has helped make me and empowered me.
