Shortly after graduating from high school I found myself attending a community college with the intent of majoring in psychology. One day my psychology teacher shared a list of "1000 Jobs Built to Last" and RAD Tech caught my attention, as I'd always had an interest in the medical field. When I mentioned this to my teacher, he told me about Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program, gave me a brochure and I ended up enrolling. I was one of the youngest students in the program, but the diversity of age groups was really helpful for me. The program is very intense and fast paced so I took advantage of every tutoring opportunity. I had three amazing instructors who prepared me, allowing me to score a 98 on my boards, and taught me invaluable life skills.
I got some great experience at my first job at a radiology clinic, but I really missed the hospital setting so after a few years I obtained a position at Banner/Good Samaritan. Within the first year I was able to work into leadership and I have benefitted from Banner's leadership development programs over the last 21 years. I also obtained both my bachelor's and master's degree in business management. I've held roles of supervisor, senior manager, director, associate administrator. Currently, I am the Chief Operating Officer at both Banner University Medical Center Tucson and South Campuses. Having been a clinician has been really helpful for me in understanding the needs of both our patients and employees.
I recommend becoming a Rad Tech. You make good money and I have found it to be stable, even in uncertain economies. Plus, the sky is the limit! Not only do you have many specialty options (CT, Mammography, Ultrasound, MRI, Interventional Radiology), you get to integrate with the whole hospital and become a core part of what makes a hospital run. This allows for an easy step into leadership. I never entered this career saying I wanted to be the COO, I just wanted to make the world a better place for people.
Choosing to attend the RAD program at Pima Medical Institute was one of the best decisions I've made.
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I started my career as a medic on an ambulance and knew I wanted
to become a nurse. Everyone around me was doing it and it felt like
the natural next step. At the time, I was working toward a degree in
paramedicine at another college but their nursing program required
a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (CNA), which I didn't have.
I was ready to get started and Pima Medical Institute offered exactly
what I needed: a program that didn't stretch over an entire semester.
I enrolled in the CNA course, checked that box and had a great
experience.
Eventually, I was accepted into a nursing program elsewhere - but the
waitlist was a year and a half. That's when Pima Medical reached out.
They said, "You're an alum and we have a nursing program." It was
accelerated and could get me in right away, so I said yes. I completed
the Registered Nurse (RN) program and went straight to work as a
nurse.
My boss had always encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) and though it was something I wanted
to do, I just kept putting it off. I finally enrolled in another school's
program but didn't like the structure. They said it was "fully
online", but there were group projects and required meetings that
didn't fit my schedule. I dropped and gave Pima Medical a shot
again. The BSN program was amazing. It was clearly laid out,
well-paced and truly online. I had the support I needed but I
could also self-guide.
Today, I'm the clinic manager for a company that operates
12 occupational health clinics across five states. Plus, I've
been accepted into the Master of Science in Organizational
Leadership (MSOL) program at Pima Medical. I'm pursuing
this advanced degree to grow as a leader and bring more to
the table.
Pima Medical has always been honest, consistent and
structured. If you're a self-starter with a busy schedule, this
is the school for you.
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When a friend of mine signed up for the Medical Assistant program at PMI, he invited me to come along. I spoke with the directors and some students and the next thing I knew I was signing up for classes. I chose the Medical Assistant program because when I was growing up I'd watched my grandparents needing help and also because I love helping others. I learned so much in the program. You not only grow as a person, but you grow as a family. I met some great people who became like my second family.
Although the first day at my clinicals was scary, I also felt very prepared. It wasn't long before I was being hired for that same position. I started at the bottom at my first job, but quickly worked my way up to a lead position.
I'm currently working at Southwest Gastroenterology Associates where I am learning a specialty. They pay for all of my qualifications and I'm being trained on the job as procedure technician. I help prepare the patients for procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies. It requires me to have great bedside manner and to be prepared for anything. I also work side by side with a physician during procedures. PMI prepared me and gave me a great start and I've just kept learning.
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I was in the military and later did contract work overseas. Although I had an associate degree in maintenance management and a bachelor's in business and project management, I had difficulty finding and keeping a job here in the states. I kept being laid off or let go because of contracts or downsizing.
I just wanted a career that wasn't here today and gone tomorrow, so I decided to become a Pharmacy Technician. I found PMI one day, came in and registered, and I started the program the following Monday. I was the oldest student -- even older than my instructors -- and I had to relearn how to learn. My instructors helped me stay focused during the fast-paced program, though, and it was a great learning experience!
Thanks to the practice I had at PMI, I caught on quickly while at my externship at the local VA Hospital. I continued to volunteer at the VA until I was hired at Primrose St. Francis Hospital where I'm currently working as a Pharmacy Tech 2. It's very fast-paced; there are 11 floors, and I walk 12-15 thousand steps a day, but I enjoy it! I'm currently working on another bachelor's in health care management. My PMI instructors always encouraged us to continue our education, so I'm keeping my doors open. PMI is a great school and it provided me my start in the medical field!
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Both of my parents have careers in the medical field and my older sister was working as an X-ray technologist's assistant at the same hospital. I had many broken bones as a kid and recall getting many X-rays, but when my sister started talking about what happens behind the scenes in her department, I started considering a career as a radiologic technologist. Both my sister and my mom encouraged me toward the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute.
It is a robust program for sure. It was super challenging for me and required a lot of study. But, the instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraging. I formed great relationships with my classmates; we became quite close and helped each other get through the program.
It was quite intimidating to walk into my clinicals. Although I was well prepared and had help from the technologists, it was quite overwhelming to be in trauma situations and be interacting with nurses and doctors in real life situations. I worked really hard in my final round of my clinicals at Sharp Memorial Hospital and a couple months after graduation, I was hired as a radiologic technologist. I spend the majority of my time in the ER and I really enjoy my current job, but may consider a position in mammography in the future.
I want to thank Pima Medical and especially my instructor, Dr. Schmidt, who was so helpful and supportive. I was in a terrible car accident during the program and without her guidance I may not have been able to finish my program. I am 23-years-old, I have a career in the medical field and I am really proud of myself.
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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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I discovered Pima Medical Institute through a friend who was in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program. I had a bachelor's degree in biology (pre-med) and aspired to join the medical field, but I lacked direction. Inspired by my friend's passion, I researched, attended an open house and decided on a career in Sonography.
My journey as a student was challenging, yet fulfilling. Initially my application was rejected due to my limited patient care experience. I was devastated, but I reached out to my advisor at Pima Medical to see what I could do to make myself more competitive. They suggested completing the Phlebotomy program and working as a phlebotomy technician to obtain the direct patient care experience I lacked. I did just that earning a spot in the next DMS cohort and finishing my program as the valedictorian. Pima Medical's standout feature is its remarkable instructors and dedicated staff. They pushed me to excel and were always available. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt confident and prepared for my profession. I applied for my first job at a local hospital and within three days, I had interviewed and was formally offered a position. I passed my first board exam, I am preparing for additional registry examinations and I am aiming to be the best sonographer I can be.
To my former instructors, thank you for going out of your way to provide me with the best possible education and inspiring me to be the best every day. You have made a monumental impact on not only my career, but also my life.
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My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well.
Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN.
Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
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When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support.
The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set.
My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way.
I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.
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After 12 years working primarily as a public health nurse at a Federally Qualified Health Center (BQHC) serving medically underserved populations, I became a supervisor at the Florida Department of Health. It was then that I realized that I needed to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to remain competitive in the job market. When I changed jobs, my new employer offered a deal I couldn't pass up; a FREE RN to BSN program, with the only contingency being that I remain with them 12 months after my degree attainment.
I was initially accepted at a much larger and well-known university for an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, but the communication between myself and their recruiters left a lot to be desired, and as an older student who had never taken online classes, it spooked me. I searched and found Pima Medical Institute's online BSN program. I applied and was immediately welcomed by a veritable squad of people helping ease my fears and walk me through a new-to-me online educational experience. The director even called me personally to ensure the program fit my needs for maximum success. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA this past May, and I couldn't praise my professors or fellow students more! I had access to kind and
helpful staff even at odd hours, and it has helped me become so much more confident in my current practice.
My positive educational experience at Pima Medical has me seriously considering the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) online program. This is something that was never on my radar before and I know I would only want to tackle this goal with Pima Medical Institute.
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When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it.
I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
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I was born and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, and I'm proud to be a first-generation college student. My interest in radiology began in fourth grade after a broken wrist landed me in the ER. I was fascinated by the X-ray process, and that moment never left me.
After high school, I shadowed in the radiology department at a local hospital where my mother worked and decided to apply at Pima Medial Institute. I didn't get in the first time, but I gained more experience, took classes and eventually reapplied after COVID. I was accepted! And that changed everything.
The program was tough, especially being far from home and dealing with personal loss. But I was never alone. Kristen Miller, Jolene Pobrislo and Jeff Botkin supported me every step of the way. They believed in me, and I always knew I could reach out for help.
Today, I work as a radiologic technologist performing X-rays and bone density scans. I hope to add Computed Tomography (CT) to my credentials and grow into a hospital role. Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence and care to make my dreams possible. And now, I get to show my grandparents every day that their sacrifices were worth it.
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