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 76,000 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
Amy
Las Vegas - Respiratory Therapy
2007
Before graduating from the Respiratory Therapy Program, Amy Dickerson, completed high school with honors, was an accomplished flutist, and worked for an attorney. She landed a job at the PMI Campus in Las Vegas as the Receptionist/ Office Assistant. Life was good and Amy’s job satisfaction was high. Until one fateful day in 2005, Amy heard the announcement about the new Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree program opening soon. After careful thought and a little persuasion from the program director, Amy took the tests and joined the program.
Sacrifices had to be made in order to be successful. She moved in with her parents to make ends meet while going to school. Long study hours interfered with social life and sleep. Yet through it all, Amy thrived as a student and as a friend to other students. Amy cheered her classmates on through the good times and the bad while maintaining an impressive GPA.
Amy graduated from the first ever Respiratory Therapy class at the Las Vegas campus. The first order of business was to take the exams and get a license. She decided to accept a job at Renown Hospital in Reno Nevada. She became a night owl working the grave yard shift. After four years of saving lives, Amy applied to a Registered Nursing program. She was one of over three hundred applicants to be accepted. After achieving her Registered Nursing credentials she plans to complete the Bachelor’s of Nursing through Pima Medical Institute’s online program.
Gary
Renton - Pharmacy Tech
2010
PIMA has greatly enhanced my medical career. In fact, it has not only enhanced it but expanded it. Before coming to PIMA, I was laid off from work. I tried to look for more work but to no success. I decided to go into Pharmacy Technician program in January of 2010 and graduated in October of 2010. I did my externship at Valley Medical Center and they hired me in January of 2011 and I have been there since.
The staff at PIMA was great from the time that I step foot into the school until the day I graduated. Everything worked out so well that I am one of their tutors for the Pharmacy Technician program. I tutor students to take the PTCB and have had 100% success with everyone that has come to at least one of my tutoring sessions.
Thank you PIMA!
Jovan
Denver - DA
2004
My name is Jovan and I’m a PMI success story. I have a wonderful husband and two amazing boys and a great job, but it wasn’t always that way. Back in 2004 I was19, had an 18 month old, had just lost my daycare job and lived in my mother-in-laws basement. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn’t want to work in fast food. I saw a PMI commercial, picked up the phone, dialed the number, and set up an appointment. I walked into Pima the next day and registered for the Dental Assisting program. I was nervous and excited at the same time.
I went through the classes and, to my surprise, I did really well. I was so excited to go on my externship. I ended up getting assigned to Salud Family Health Centers in Commerce City. On my first day there, I was able to handle seeing patients on my own. I was so nervous, but I made it through and was offered a job 3 weeks into my externship. I have been there ever since.
I have never had to apply for a job, but have had multiple job offers since. I am getting ready to head to a mid-level management training to take on more responsibilities and continue to grow.
I love where I am in life and wouldn’t change it for anything. I truly think I have found my purpose in life. Pima gave me the tools to build an amazing future
Jennice
Renton, Washington - Medical Assistant Program
2010
I remember my life as a young girl, living in the terror of exploding bombs, and how I tried to help those who were dying in the streets of Saigon. After those years, I wanted to become a doctor, but the communist régime prohibited me from pursuing a medical education. Instead, I took a menial job at a local healthcare clinic, where I was determined to work my way up. After three years, government health officials finally recommended me for nursing school.
After graduation, I was placed in a burn unit at the Children’s Hospital in Saigon. For 17 years I was responsible for keeping forty patients alive on my shift. In 2006, my American military husband and I returned to the United States. I was encouraged to contact the Washington State Nursing Bar in order to explore the possibility of a RN licensure using my prior education, but I needed my transcripts to proceed. My former Vietnamese nursing school refused to release my transcripts unless I paid two thousand dollars. I didn’t have the money and I couldn’t trust them to send my transcripts anyway.
My ultimate dream was to work with the military men in hospitals, who came to Vietnam to help my country. I refused to give up my desire to practice health care in America, so in 2009 I enrolled in PMI’s Medical Assistant program in Renton, Washington. Despite the challenges of English as a second language, I graduated in 2010 earning a 3.94 GPA, a perfect attendance record, and the excellence award for my graduating class – all this while simultaneously studying to become an American citizen!
Pima Medical Institute provided the opportunity for me to finally realize my dream and I am currently employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lakewood, Washington.
Read More Success Stories
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!
Charlene
Seattle
Veterinary Technician
2012
I've always had a soft spot for animals, and I spent a good part of my life working in pet stores. But I knew I didn't want to work as a store clerk forever. A friend suggested Pima Medical Institute’s Veterinary Technology program at the Seattle campus and I was considering signing up when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I put my ambitions on hold while I went through surgery and treatment.
One day I saw a commercial for PMI. That moment, I logged on to their website and requested more information and within minutes I received a call to set up an appointment. Being able to observe VT students perform their surgical practicums and sitting in on a class lecture was amazing! I knew then Pima was right for me and three weeks later I was in class starting my education. All my instructors were knowledgeable and experience and made sure each student was set up to succeed. They offered free tutoring and made it feel like we were all part of a family. I made lifelong friends and continue to have a close relationship with my instructors.
Pima has opened the door to my career as a Veterinary Technician. I get to be a part of maintaining healthy lives through client education and I also help save pets lives. I plan to continuing my education and hope to one day become board certified in radiology. I credit PMI for giving me the tools I need to succeed. Whenever I am asked where I got my education, I'm proud to say Pima Medical Institute.
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!
Barb
Denver
Respiratory Therapy
1995
My start at Pima Medical Institute was serving as an Office Manager at the Denver campus until the birth of my premature son. He spent 4 month in the hospital struggling for his life. In bringing him home, I was required to be trained in Respiratory Therapy equipment. It was because of my son and the skills I had to learn to care for him, that I made the decision to transition from staff to student at PMI. I signed up for the Respiratory Therapy program and immediately knew I had made the right choice.
After graduating I was at a variety of hospitals in the Denver area gaining experience and a love for the field. I love my career and don’t recall ever complaining about my job! I enjoy the diversity of it.. I am currently the charge RT at Exempla Good Samaritan Hospital where I have been since 2004. I would estimate that I have worked with over 80 of Pima’s students as they rotate through their clinicals. I have had an outstanding profession that allows me to go anywhere in the hospital from the OR to the ER. You just never know what a day is going to bring and I love that about it!
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!
Amy
Las Vegas
Respiratory Therapy
2007
Before graduating from the Respiratory Therapy Program, Amy Dickerson, completed high school with honors, was an accomplished flutist, and worked for an attorney. She landed a job at the PMI Campus in Las Vegas as the Receptionist/ Office Assistant. Life was good and Amy’s job satisfaction was high. Until one fateful day in 2005, Amy heard the announcement about the new Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree program opening soon. After careful thought and a little persuasion from the program director, Amy took the tests and joined the program.
Sacrifices had to be made in order to be successful. She moved in with her parents to make ends meet while going to school. Long study hours interfered with social life and sleep. Yet through it all, Amy thrived as a student and as a friend to other students. Amy cheered her classmates on through the good times and the bad while maintaining an impressive GPA.
Amy graduated from the first ever Respiratory Therapy class at the Las Vegas campus. The first order of business was to take the exams and get a license. She decided to accept a job at Renown Hospital in Reno Nevada. She became a night owl working the grave yard shift. After four years of saving lives, Amy applied to a Registered Nursing program. She was one of over three hundred applicants to be accepted. After achieving her Registered Nursing credentials she plans to complete the Bachelor’s of Nursing through Pima Medical Institute’s online program.
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!
Gary
Renton
Pharmacy Tech
2010
PIMA has greatly enhanced my medical career. In fact, it has not only enhanced it but expanded it. Before coming to PIMA, I was laid off from work. I tried to look for more work but to no success. I decided to go into Pharmacy Technician program in January of 2010 and graduated in October of 2010. I did my externship at Valley Medical Center and they hired me in January of 2011 and I have been there since.
The staff at PIMA was great from the time that I step foot into the school until the day I graduated. Everything worked out so well that I am one of their tutors for the Pharmacy Technician program. I tutor students to take the PTCB and have had 100% success with everyone that has come to at least one of my tutoring sessions.
Thank you 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.
Jovan
Denver
DA
2004
My name is Jovan and I’m a PMI success story. I have a wonderful husband and two amazing boys and a great job, but it wasn’t always that way. Back in 2004 I was19, had an 18 month old, had just lost my daycare job and lived in my mother-in-laws basement. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn’t want to work in fast food. I saw a PMI commercial, picked up the phone, dialed the number, and set up an appointment. I walked into Pima the next day and registered for the Dental Assisting program. I was nervous and excited at the same time.
I went through the classes and, to my surprise, I did really well. I was so excited to go on my externship. I ended up getting assigned to Salud Family Health Centers in Commerce City. On my first day there, I was able to handle seeing patients on my own. I was so nervous, but I made it through and was offered a job 3 weeks into my externship. I have been there ever since.
I have never had to apply for a job, but have had multiple job offers since. I am getting ready to head to a mid-level management training to take on more responsibilities and continue to grow.
I love where I am in life and wouldn’t change it for anything. I truly think I have found my purpose in life. Pima gave me the tools to build an amazing future
Jennice
Renton, Washington
Medical Assistant Program
2010
I remember my life as a young girl, living in the terror of exploding bombs, and how I tried to help those who were dying in the streets of Saigon. After those years, I wanted to become a doctor, but the communist régime prohibited me from pursuing a medical education. Instead, I took a menial job at a local healthcare clinic, where I was determined to work my way up. After three years, government health officials finally recommended me for nursing school.
After graduation, I was placed in a burn unit at the Children’s Hospital in Saigon. For 17 years I was responsible for keeping forty patients alive on my shift. In 2006, my American military husband and I returned to the United States. I was encouraged to contact the Washington State Nursing Bar in order to explore the possibility of a RN licensure using my prior education, but I needed my transcripts to proceed. My former Vietnamese nursing school refused to release my transcripts unless I paid two thousand dollars. I didn’t have the money and I couldn’t trust them to send my transcripts anyway.
My ultimate dream was to work with the military men in hospitals, who came to Vietnam to help my country. I refused to give up my desire to practice health care in America, so in 2009 I enrolled in PMI’s Medical Assistant program in Renton, Washington. Despite the challenges of English as a second language, I graduated in 2010 earning a 3.94 GPA, a perfect attendance record, and the excellence award for my graduating class – all this while simultaneously studying to become an American citizen!
Pima Medical Institute provided the opportunity for me to finally realize my dream and I am currently employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lakewood, Washington.
David
Colorado Springs
Medical Assistant
2012
After 27 years working in the engineering field, I awoke one morning with the stark reality that the company I had been with for 20 years could no longer keep me employed. At 49 years old, I found myself with little opportunity or demand for my skill set. I collected unemployment for a few months, fruitlessly searching for a job in my field. Soon I decided it was not too late to learn new skills. If I chose wisely, I could find a new career path that would be both personally and professionally rewarding. I chose the Medical Assistant Program at Pima Medical Institute. In just a few months and for a reasonable cost, I had a new rewarding career. I realize now that my final paycheck from my former employer was more than just the end of that career… it was actually a blank check, freeing me to choose whatever I wanted to do and be.
I have come to develop a genuine concern for and connection to my patients. They rely on me and call on me to answer their questions and concerns. Maybe it is the crows’ feet by my eyes, or perhaps the gray in my beard that prompts many of my patients to ask, “So, what did you do before this?” As I explain my challenges and how I chose my new career, I always hear reinforcement from them that I made a good decision. Thanks for my new career PMI!
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: “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.
