WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

Attending Pima Medical Institute has really opened doors for me. I worked as a rehabilitation technician at a nursing home in my hometown of Taos, NM for several years. When they offered to help pay for my tuition to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, I jumped at the chance and enrolled in Pima MedicaI's program. The program was very challenging academically and I had my own personal set of challenges as well. When I started my wife was pregnant and we had a one year old. Monday through Friday my daily commute from home to Pima Medical took five hours and I continued working on weekends. I faced challenges of snow storms and my car breaking down and there were times I had to spend the night at classmate's homes. My instructors were always willing to help and did a great job preparing us for our new careers. When it came time for clinicals, they arranged sites in my hometown where I was exposed to every setting from hospitals to home health. I am appreciative of the extra effort on the part of Pima Medical to make this happen. I continue to work at Taos Living Center as a PTA treating patients and taking on more responsibility. Recently, I was offered a director's position at another facility, but I enjoy my job and my wife and I decided the timing wasn't right for us. I know there will be many more opportunities for me down the road as a result of my education at Pima Medical. I am so appreciative to the people at PMI and my family and friends who supported me. If you put your mind to something you really want, you can make it happen!

I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job! It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision. Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful. When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!

Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online? I completed the online Health Care Administration associate degree program. What made you choose PMI's program? I chose Pima Medical's Medical Assistant program first in 1997. I had recently retired from my first career after 23 years as a restaurant manager. I quickly realized that staying at home with my hobbies wasn't enough for me. After I saw the TV advertisement, I knew that the Medical Assistant program was for me. I walked into my next career with renewed excitement and dedication to helping people in a different way from my previous career. In 2015, I chose Pima Medical's HCA program to advance my education and attain my associate degree for two very different reasons. First, I wanted to enhance my classroom teaching skills and presentations to my students. Second, with the death of my husband of 39 years, I needed direction to build on who I am without him. Both my students and myself have benefitted from that decision. What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load? For me, managing both the full-time position and the course load was not difficult the second time. It was definitely because my children were grown and my husband was gone. I had plenty of time to dedicate to the endeavor. I realize that if my children had been small, it would have been just as hard as it was when I took the MA certification program, and it was terribly hard then. I worked at Arvada Pediatrics at the time from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. I had to be at Pima Medical from 5:50 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. With four children from 6 to 17 years old, I barely had time to breathe much less study. I used my breaks at work and a couple of hours after class to do all that was required to pass the classes. During that same time, my husband had his first heart attack and I had to take some time off to take care of him. I didn't know if I would be able to continue, but things work out for the best and I graduated in October of 1998. It wasn't easy, but it was worth every bit of the effort and anxiety. Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession? The course work for both the certificate and the associate degree were perfectly appropriate for the profession. I would have continued with the bachelor's program if I would have been able to earn a scholarship as I did with the associate degree. Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program? The course work for both the certificate and the associate degree were perfectly appropriate for the profession. I would have continued with the bachelor's program if I would have been able to earn a scholarship as I did with the associate degree.

My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and trached throughout her life, so I was familiar with respiratory. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's RT program. I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings, and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master's Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as their Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO. I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it whether you're at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.

I chose imaging because I wanted to help others. In addition, I had family in the field so I was aware of the opportunities Radiology has to offer. I chose Pima Medical Institute both as an academic institution and later as an employer for the mission and values the organization stands for. After graduating from the Radiography program in 2008, I worked in x-ray and also spent 12 years as a Radiologic/Lithotripsy Technologist for a nationwide surgical provider performing ESWL procedures with Urologists in surgery across the state of Arizona. After coming to Pima Medical as an instructor, I chose to enroll in their Masters in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program. Working full time as a Program Director and meeting the demands of a rigorous program has been challenging, but with proper time management and support of others, I've been able to overcome the workload. In both of my academic experiences at Pima Medical I had the greatest time getting to know my instructors and fellow students. I appreciate the level of preparation for real world scenarios that Pima Medical offers. I want to thank the faculty I have collaborated with through all my academic experience. I am grateful for the hard work and effort they put into preparing me for a future in healthcare and leadership. I am lucky enough to collaborate with a former instructor who is the Radiography Program Director at the Mesa Campus. It is funny how life works and how things can come full circle.

After graduating from high school in Rio Rico, I moved to Tucson to attend a community college, but it just wasn't the right place for me. One of my friends had gone to Pima Medical Institute, and after checking out their Medical Assistant (MA) program, I thought-this is perfect! The program was fast, flexible, and had no wasted classes. Since there were options for morning, afternoon or evening classes, I was able to continue working while attending school. At just 19 years of age, I graduated with my certificate and started working in a "grown up job" while most of my friends were still in college. I knew I had made the right choice. I landed a job at Catalina Pediatrics where I worked as an MA for 13 years, eventually becoming the back-office manager. Wanting more, I considered nursing, but a co-worker suggested I look into Respiratory Therapy (RT). When I found out Pima Medical had an RT program, I knew it was for me. The classes were challenging, but my instructors were supportive, and my classmates and I helped each other through the program. The biggest challenge I faced was during my ICU rotation, when COVID hit and we were sent home. After graduating, I saw a job opening at Banner Main as Program Manager for their Sleep Research Lab. I applied, and got the job! It was a tough first year learning the ins and outs of research, but now I love the responsibility and even the pressure. If I hadn't gone back to school for RT, I wouldn't be where I am today, with a job I love. My advice? Whether you're 19 or 39, go to school. Pima Medical gave me opportunities I never imagined, and it can do the same for you!

I spent nearly seven years working as a Medical Assistant (MA) before I finally decided to continue my education and complete the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was my commute - I live in Colorado Springs, so this was a 74-mile drive each way to attend class at the Denver Campus. That meant spending at least two and a half hours a day just on the road, in addition to my coursework, clinicals and job at UCHealth. The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible. They were more than just educators-they were mentors who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. The program was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I loved every moment of it, and I genuinely believe that the hands-on, real-world experience I gained during my time there has set me up for success in my new career. One of the most exciting parts of this journey was being hired to work for both UCHealth and Penrad Imaging before even completing my program. I was offered a full-time position at Penrad Imaging and later, I was hired as a PRN at UCHealth. It was a huge confidence boost, knowing that I was already making an impact in the field even before passing my ARRT registry exam. Now, I'm officially a Radiologic Technologist, and I couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of my career. Every challenge, every late night, every moment of doubt was worth it. Thank you Pima Medical!

Starting over in a new career later in life was daunting, but my passion for healthcare pushed me forward. I initially enrolled at a local community college to complete prerequisites for a nursing program, only to face a two-year waitlist. Determined to find a quicker path into the medical field, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. This program's accelerated timeline was perfect for my busy life as a stay-at-home mother. In less than three months I gained essential skills and secured a job in the medical field. That first step ignited my passion for healthcare, and after gaining experience as a phlebotomist and clinical lab assistant, I returned to Pima Medical for the 22-month Respiratory Therapy program. My journey wasn't without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my class's clinical rotations, forcing us to transition to remote learning. Balancing studies, work, and family was overwhelming, but I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize self-care. The instructors, many of whom were industry professionals, provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences that prepared me for real-world healthcare settings. As a result of my education, I secured a position at Banner Desert Medical Center, where I have been employed for the past eight years. During the pandemic, I practiced respiratory care under an emergency license, which provided me with critical experience in a high-pressure environment. Currently, I am working in Procurement and have recently been promoted to Test Management Training Coordinator. In this role, I oversee the training processes for new hires, externships, and existing staff members. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical for their dedication and support. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training prepared me for a fulfilling career.

I had been working at a grocery store for 12 years when I decided it was time for a change. I hadn't been in school in a very long time and wasn't quite ready to commit to a four-year university. When I found Pima Medical Institute, it felt like the right fit for me in my stage of life. I chose the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program because I viewed it as a great stepping stone into a career in the medical field. I really enjoyed my time at Pima Medical. It was exciting to be in a learning environment surrounded by students who were all motivated to succeed. My biggest challenge was balancing full-time work with evening classes while still finding time to study. It wasn't easy, but I did it! The thing I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the genuine commitment to student success. There was always help available whenever I had questions or needed support. Because of that, I walked out of the program feeling prepared and confident in my new profession. Upon graduation, I quickly found a job and began working as a Medical Assistant with Providence in family practice, where I stayed for six years. Currently, I work for Optum Primary Care, continuing my career in family medicine. While at Providence, I had the opportunity to be a preceptor in the apprentice program, and I hope to take on that role again at Optum in the future. Educating and mentoring others is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the field of healthcare.