WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was an EMT for 10 years in Pinal County, but I always wanted to become a Paramedic. I was waiting for the right time and the right program. I found out about Pima Medical Institute's Paramedic program through my work. We have a partnership with PMI, so their classes fit with our shift schedules and allow us to work full-time and go to school. It's a grueling schedule, but it's doable. Typically, I would work a 24-hour work shift, then go directly to an 8-hour class, and then repeat that process. The instructors were fantastic! They have experience in the field and offer a wealth of information. I was able to meet and become friends with some great people in my classes. The program was challenging but, honestly, the most difficult piece for me was time management. Making time for class and my clinical hours on top of being a father to three children and my job, where I'm also an instructor, was the toughest part. The company I currently work for has a spot for me as soon as I pass my boards. In fact, they are chomping at the bit to move me from an EMT to a Paramedic, which happens to come with a significant pay raise. PMI has a great Paramedic program, and I would certainly recommend it to others, especially other seasoned EMTs like me.

Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online? I completed the Associate of Applied Science in Health Care Administration and Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration online programs. I have always wanted to further my education. I was a teen mom and went into the Pharmacy Technician program because it was quick and what I needed at the time to be able to provide for my family. As time went on, I procrastinated going back to school because I was afraid I was getting older and wouldn't be successful. But, after I started working at PMI, I watched so many students, with so many situations, barriers and fears conquer their goals and dreams. It was, and still is, truly inspiring. I felt I needed to practice what I was telling and encouraging my students to do. I wanted to show them that no matter what happens, with hard work and dedication, you can overcome any obstacle. What made you choose PMI's program? I chose PMI's programs because of the incredible reputation of the online programs, the ability to transfer my existing credits, and the flexibility the programs offered to be able to continue working full-time and go to school. Also, I wanted to be able to give my students a first-hand, personal experience for the programs. I feel this provides the students with a very detailed aspect of each program and gives them the tools, information and prospective needed to make their decisions on continuing their education. What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load? I completed both programs back-to-back and I would highly recommend this. I felt this was a huge part of my success when transitioning into the bachelor's program because everything from the associate program was still fresh. I work full-time as the Lead Pharmacy Technician Instructor and I am a very busy mom of four amazing children. The structure of the online courses is tailored for the working individual. I was able to continue working full-time, chauffeur all of my children to and from school and activities, spend time with my family and complete all of my assignments for the programs. It does take time management and organizational skills, but something as simple as creating a calendar with your entire due dates easily keeps you on track. as simple as creating a calendar with your entire due dates easily keeps you on track. Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession? I feel that the programs have increased my knowledge, critical thinking skills, team work abilities and leadership qualities. These are only a few of the many essential skills I have acquired through this online program. Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program? Yes! There is never going to be the "perfect" time to further your education. In reality, 12 months and 15 months are not very long! You would be surprised how quickly each program flies by. I would definitely recommend both HCA programs. PMI gives you all of the tools you need to be successful. All of the instructors were committed and dedicated to my success. This makes a world of difference!

Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online? I was a reluctant participant in the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program but became an enthusiastic student and graduate once it was all said and done. My prior undergraduate and graduate degrees were in fields unrelated to healthcare. My Campus Director (who is very supportive) had been encouraging me from the start to pursue a more advanced degree in what I was teaching. His very credible and legitimate thought process was that I should not have the same degree as my students when they graduate (i.e. an Associate of Applied Science). So my prime motivator was to be a better example to my students as well as be a more qualified employee. What made you choose PMI's program? It was a streamlined and easy-to-understand admissions process and very well priced relative to all the other similar bridge programs. I also appreciated the flexibility of pace. It was an accelerated program that allowed me to complete my degree between May-December of 2016 (Although I would not necessarily recommend that. See response below). What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load? In one word: ROUGH! I thought I could take on a full load since (I'm all that!), but the program is not to be taken lightly, and I may have done exactly that (at my own peril). And candidly, there were times I got behind. But the Student Services Coordinator and Program Director were in constant communication and made every reasonable accommodation they could. In hindsight, I would have contemplated going a little slower. But again, they are willing to work with you and make changes to fit your needs Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession? Yes, the program is constantly evaluating and updating its curriculum to keep it germane to the current healthcare environment. Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program? Yes, in today's fast-paced and dynamic world, a degree is migrating from a nice-to-have to a need-to-have. Especially, given recent economic circumstances, a candidate needs every advantage they can get. Start your degree as soon as possible. This is an investment that no one can ever take away from you and will yield dividends for life.

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.

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.

I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients. I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job. Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.

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 grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level. Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family. I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.