WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I have been working as a Respiratory Therapist since 2002. In 2008, I was promoted to manager of the Respiratory Department at Tippah County Hospital in Ripley, MS. I loved what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to further my education by obtaining a bachelor's degree. In 2014, I came across some information about Pima Medical Institute on Facebook. I did more research, not really knowing what to expect, and found all of my college classes would transfer and I wouldn't need any prerequisites to begin the bachelor's program. It was such an effortless process to apply and get accepted that within 2 days I was ready to begin my new program. I had never taken an online class before and was quite nervous. But, the program was set up so I only had to take 2 classes at a time and assignments were clearly laid out so they were easily accomplished. The instructors were amazing and were always very responsive to my emails with questions. I was able to continue to work full time and be a mom to my 2 boys and a wife to my husband of 13 years. Seeing how proud they were of me made it all worth it. I graduated with honors in 2016. I am still the Director of Respiratory at my facility and I have no plans to leave. But should I choose to pursue something else, I know many doors will be open thanks to my BSRT degree from PMI.

I wanted to go back to school for years but I always made excuses not to go. One day I heard a commercial for Pima Medical Institute on the radio and I knew it was time to go to school and change my future. I chose their Medical Administrative Assistant Program because I was afraid of giving shots and dealing with injuries, plus I like the paperwork and administrative side of business. When I started the program I was worried I had made a mistake and would never make it. But I didn't give up and ended up finishing with a 4.0 GPA and perfect attendance. Everything I learned at Pima Medical was exactly what I needed to be successful in my field. They gave us confidence in our skills and even taught us how to dress and act in an interview. After completing my externship, I was fortunate to be hired at Cardiac Intervention Specialists. I enjoyed my educational experience so much, I continued on and earned my associate degree through Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program and I am currently enrolled in their Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. The online option is wonderful because I'm still able to work and spend time with my family all while earning a degree. I am forever grateful for the patience of my instructors and the knowledge I gained, both in Houston and online. The whole Pima Medical staff genuinely cares about helping students achieve their goals. I love my new career and it has been the greatest experience I have ever had!

In 2012 I was in a bad accident and spent time in the hospital. This experience enabled me to observe the nurses and see how they cared for people. I had been working as a team lead at Target for a number of years but I decided that I wanted to do more than help people spend money, so I began pursuing the medical field. I started as a CNA and after 4 years decided I wanted to attend school to become an LPN. I heard about Pima Medical Institute on the radio and got excited about attending their Practical Nursing program. I have to admit my first sequence of classes was really challenging! The whole program was a huge learning experience for me, but my hard work paid off. I appreciated how the whole program was laid out ahead of time, including our course work and the schedule. This really helped us be successful. I was offered a job at my clinical site. The administrator took notice of me and offered me a position as a unit manager, not your typical first job as an LPN. I believe Pima Medical helped me develop a level of confidence that made a difference in obtaining this position. Recently, I was contacted by another facility and offered a job as another unit manager. I am honored and proud that in such a short time my education and hard work has provided opportunities for growth in my career. Pima Medical prepared me to be successful. The encouragement and support I got from my instructors was just overwhelming, and it's an experience I am always going to cherish.

I grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program. I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff. While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics. My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.

In 2016, I completed my bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences) through Pima Medical Institute's Online program. A few years later, they offered me the chance to pursue a master's program (Master of Organizational Leadership) at a good tuition rate. Despite initially vowing not to return to school, I seized the opportunity. Balancing a full-time job and two per diem positions was challenging, totaling about 70 hours of work a week. However, with two-month courses that kept me engaged, I pushed through, always carrying my laptop with me to avoid falling behind. What made this program truly valuable was its immediate application in my professional life. My capstone project focused on improving employee satisfaction by revising schedules - a project I was already implementing at my new job. Surprisingly, my master's degree opened doors I hadn't expected. A friend sought a new supervisor for their facility, and my enrollment in a master's program played a significant role in their decision to hire me. Today, I proudly serve as the MRI Supervisor at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA. I'm immensely thankful for my dedicated instructors, who were always accessible and supportive despite the distance. Choosing Pima Medical was a life-changing decision. It not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills for my role but also offered unwavering support and a sense of belonging within their educational community. My journey to an MRI Supervisor underscores the incredible potential that Pima Medical can unlock for its students.

While initially interested in Dental Hygiene (DH), at age 18, I chose to pursue Dental Assisting (DA) instead, partly because I was hesitant to commit to a university four-year DH program. Later, as I learned about Pima Medical Institute's two-year DH program, my research told me it was highly reputable and very challenging. This both intrigued me and motivated me and I enrolled. During my third semester an unexpected pregnancy brought huge challenges. My baby son was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a high-risk condition requiring frequent medical visits and a 54-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Despite the challenges of being a new mother and the emotional strain of the situation, I remained determined to succeed in my studies. I studied and completed assignments while at the NICU, my son serving as my inspiration. He was a reminder of my strength and my determination to never give up on my dreams. My DA employer had been supportive and excited about my becoming a Dental Hygienist and invited me to join their team as a DH upon obtaining my license. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of my instructors at Pima Medical for their unwavering support during my journey, especially as I navigated the challenges of my son's condition. Each instructor was incredibly helpful and supportive, always striving for my success. I am confident in the quality of education I received and would enthusiastically recommend it to others. While the program is rigorous, it is definitely achievable-I am living proof of that!

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.

After high school, I spent four years juggling two jobs-one at Office Max and the other at a bakery-when one day, my aunt called and asked if I wanted to go back to school with her. I had no idea what she meant, but I agreed. That's how I found Pima Medical Institute. I chose the Medical Assistant (MA) program because, when my dad was ill, I saw firsthand the impact healthcare professionals can have on a person's life. I wanted to do that too, and the program was only nine months long, which made it a perfect fit for me. I loved every minute of the MA program! The hands-on training felt so different from high school, and I found myself excited to learn. In particular, I discovered I had a passion for injections and blood draws. When it was time for my externship, I was nervous, but my head MA was incredibly supportive, and I quickly found that it all came naturally to me. Toward the end of the program our homework assignment was to apply for three MA positions. Afterwards, I didn't think much about it, but to my surprise, Saguaro Dermatology called and hired me. Dermatology is fast-paced and challenging, but I love it. My favorite part is working with skin cancers and assisting in surgeries. I also enjoy my role in the lab, processing tissue samples as a histotech. Since relocating to Tucson, I easily found another dermatology position, and I couldn't be happier. Pima Medical set me on a path I'm truly passionate about, and I'd do it all over again. If you're thinking about a medical career, don't hesitate-come to Pima Medical. You won't regret it!

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.