I was exposed to the Physical Therapist Assistant field after my divorce when I worked at a therapeutic horse ranch. Later, when I began really researching careers that might be a fit for me, my search led me to the PTA field. I wanted a career in the medical field that was active and had a hands-on type of relationship with people. I wanted a school with a good reputation and one that provided support. That's what made me choose Pima Medical Institute.
During my first semester, I had to drop out because of my struggle with Anatomy and Physiology. But, the awesome staff at PMI met with me, they heard my heart, and encouraged me to reapply and I was accepted into a new class. Since I live an hour and a half drive from school, I was able to rely on my community to help with my children. It strengthened my faith and also taught me to rely on my classmates to help me study and learn. It was an amazing experience!
I am currently working for Columbine Health Systems, where I had completed my clinicals as a student. I work at all 5 of their skilled nursing facilities. I love my job! I feel like I'm able to talk to the geriatric population in a way that helps them understand the reason behind why their physical therapy is important and how it can improve their quality of life. I carry the education and confidence PMI gave me each time I walk into a treatment room. I am so proud to be a PMI graduate.
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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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I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. Since my brother had attended PMI's Radiography program and experienced success, I decided to check it out. A week later, I found myself starting the Respiratory Therapy Program. My experience at Pima was great; I loved my instructors and, upon graduation, I felt well prepared to start my career.
One of my clinical rotations was at Banner Good Samaritan. Because of its size, there were many opportunities to learn, and I loved it. When I graduated, they hired me! In the last seven years, I've had the opportunity to gather experience in trauma, ED and ICU.
A number of years ago, I began working part-time with students. Because I'm a hands-on learner myself, I thoroughly enjoyed demonstrations with students one-on-one, particularly in a hospital setting. Several years ago, I opted to complete the circle by coming back to teach full-time at PMI. It has been a great joy and an incredible experience to share what I've learned - topped off by the huge reward of witnessing my students' professional success.
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I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I began working as a CNA, and through my experiences in the hospital, I became excited about a possible career in the medical field. I heard a commercial about Pima Medical Institute and decided the quickest way into a career was enrolling in their 9 month Medical Assistant program. That opened the door for me, but I loved learning and knew I wanted more.
My dad passed away in 2015 from a drowning incident and that experience pushed me toward the respiratory therapy field. Through that incident I was able to observe the amazing work that respiratory therapists do and I said to myself, "I want to be one of them". One year after completing the MA program, I started Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program and I loved every moment of it! The program was challenging, but our classes were small and I connected with my classmates. We developed an almost family-type relationship. I loved my instructors; they really wanted us to succeed.
After completing my clinical experience, I was hired at St Anthony North Medical Health Center in Westminster, CO. I love my job! Recently, I have been working in the COVID ICU. I help intubate, manage ventilators and endotracheal tubes and give breathing treatments to those struggling to breath. I feel like I have found my calling.
I love Pima Medical. They did so much for me. Down the road I hope to continue my education by getting my bachelor's degree and possibly even obtaining my master's degree in the respiratory field.
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Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online?
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration online program. Time is flying and I am already in the middle of the third semester out of four. I remember asking myself; "Is it possible to go to school while I'm working full time?" I realized that the answer was "absolutely!" after speaking to some of my colleagues who have also furthered their education online. Now that I have been in the program for quite some time, I also realize that online classes have allowed me to balance my work, school and family time.
What made you choose PMI's program?
PMI is well respected in the community and recognized to deliver top-notch education. I can attest to that being a former graduate of the Respiratory Therapy program. I can also attest to this because I believe I work with some of the most caring and passionate instructors in the state. The faculty are truly dedicated to giving quality education to each student. PMI equipped me with all the skills and education to excel as a respiratory therapist once before and I knew they could help me reach the next level in my career through their bachelor program.
What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load?
My biggest concern when inquiring about going back to school was balancing work, school and family time. I knew I would have to make a sacrifice, but I didn't know how flexible school would be. The assignments are normally given on a weekly basis versus traditional school which is typically a new lesson each day. This gives YOU the ability to choose how to distribute your education efforts throughout the week. If I knew then what I know now, I would not have hesitated to start the program.
Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession?
Each class that I have taken has helped me expand my knowledge of the health care industry and improve myself professionally. Since the first semester, for example, I immediately learned new Microsoft Office skills that I didn't even know existed! I was able to apply these new skills right away in my current role as an instructor. The program improved my professional communication skills and I can now speak the health care administration language as I learned about health care laws and policies.
Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program?
Many of us work hard on our jobs, no doubt. However, we also have to work hard on OURSELVES. One way we can improve ourselves is through education. Pima Medical Institute delivers life-transforming education that can help you open doors of opportunity in your career.
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I spent about 10 years feeling bored and unfulfilled while working in the currency vault at a bank. I wanted more and was interested in the x-ray field, so I enrolled in the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. I liked that I didn't have to do any prerequisites and could get right in. The program was challenging but I had taken out all those student loans and I knew I had to give it my all. It was pretty rough financially while in school, but it was worth it. I had no trouble finding a job after graduation and paid off all my student loans in less than a year.
I'm currently working at several different hospitals. I love doing X-rays and, particularly, enjoy doing surgery; vascular and complex spine surgeries are my favorite. The more challenging the case, the more I enjoy it. Pima Medical has provided me with a great education and a great career. I not only get to do what I love, I get to constantly keep learning new things and help people in the process. This field has been so rewarding and I am forever grateful for the knowledge and skills my instructors provided me.
I recall one of our instructors telling us that the connections we'd make in class would last a lifetime, and he was right. This program changed the trajectory of my whole life! You see, I ended up marrying Melinda, the girl who sat in the row in front of me and we recently had our first child. Pima Medical's Radiography program has changed my entire life in ways I would have never thought imaginable.
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In the late 80's right after completing high school I enrolled in a hospital based X-ray technologist certificate program. I found out I was pretty good at it and worked in hospital settings over the years while I raised my family. Around 2007, I started finding myself in supervisory roles and decided to continue my education by getting my associate degree. This turned out to be harder than I thought. After lots of research, taking classes and being rejected by a local community college, I gave up and walked away. In 2019, I received a postcard from Pima Medical Institute about their Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) online program. On a whim, I contacted them and sent my transcripts and, gratefully, they accepted me into their BSRS program.
At first I was intimidated because I was older and had never been a good student, but I am finishing my bachelor's with a 4.0 GPA. I have been working full time and even taking on management responsibilities while in the program. Most weekends are spent doing homework, but it's all for a greater good. I have to keep the prize in mind and it's not like it's a four-year program, it was only 14 months of my life!
I am currently a Center Manager over three imaging centers, supervising 20 employees. I had been overlooked for this position for years, but when my new supervisor heard I was pursuing my bachelor's she noticed my value and promoted me. Many of my courses, like those on ethics and compliance have been very helpful in my administrative role. Pima Medical offers a great program to complete your bachelor's degree and I have been encouraging others to attend. You just can't go far without education.
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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.
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My family always told me I would thrive in the veterinary field, but I didn't believe in myself. I was 24, working and intermittently taking general education classes at the community college or university with no clear direction. Everything changed when I visited Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant (VA) and Veterinary Technician (VT) programs. These programs ignited my passion for the veterinary field, and I was finally on a career path I loved.
The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible, providing both education and valuable connections in the veterinary field. While attending the VT program, I balanced two full-time jobs in the industry, applying my classroom learning to real-world situations. This hands-on experience was invaluable. My instructors were always available and understanding of my very demanding schedule, even making sure I had snacks when I hadn't taken time to eat.
After graduation, I spent six years at a fast-paced ER. Today, I am the Hospital Administrator at Pima Pet Clinic where I am able to utilize both my technical skills and administrative expertise. Additionally, I serve in the United States Army Reserves in a Veterinary Detachment, training medical personnel on K9 emergency assessments. Utilizing a remote-controlled robotic dog, I create scenarios (increased heart rate, insinuating pain, blood flow sensors, stomach inflation, even amputations) in order to practice real-time medical emergencies.
The mix of knowledge and experience I gained at Pima Medical has been instrumental in my career and my ability to teach. Participating in these training exercises has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. The connections and the education I received at Pima Medical have truly transformed my life.
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When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute.
My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.
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In 2005, while browsing technical programs online, Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant (VA) Program caught my eye. I filled out a request for more information and, to my surprise, Niki Riggleman, a recently retired yet highly esteemed instructor, called me immediately. Despite never having had an interest in veterinary medicine before, that call changed my life. I can't imagine being in any other field today and I'm so grateful Niki called me!
I completed the VA Program and returned to complete the Veterinary Technician (VT) Program in 2007. It was a privilege to be part of the very first VT class at the Seattle Campus. One aspect of Pima Medical I truly appreciated was its accessibility; the ability to attend night classes and work during the day allowed me to maintain a steady income while pursuing my education. The hands-on classroom experience, combined with working in the field, was crucial to my professional growth.
My journey with VCA Animal Hospitals began with my first externship, where I was hired even before completing it. Almost 20 years later, I'm still with VCA and grateful to have found my place there. I worked as a VA, a VT and then quickly moved up to Technician Supervisor and a regional training role. In 2020, I became the Regional Technician Director for the Northwest & Hawaii Group, supporting veterinary teams across five states. Additionally, as the current President of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT) and a former District Chair for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), I am dedicated to improving the careers of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Ensuring their optimal utilization and safety is crucial to our profession, helping us continue to serve our patients effectively.
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had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for.
My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being.
I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.
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