WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I had been working for an insurance company but felt really unfulfilled in my job when my brother approached me about caring for his wife full time. She had a rare form of MS that caused her to lose her eyesight and resulted in her being a bed bound paraplegic. So, I quit my job and cared for her for 9 years. When my brother informed me they would be moving out of state, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I researched schools, chose Pima Medical Institute because they were the best, and signed up for their Medical Assistant program. I was older and felt quite intimidated about going back to school at my age. But, the instructors were top notch, they made it fun, and I enjoyed every moment! My dream was to work for Providence Hospital. After graduation I began applying everywhere and received a couple job offers from other places, but when Providence called and offered me a position in their cardiology department, I knew I had to take it. I love the patient contact! Much of our demographic is the elderly and I really enjoy working with them. My favorite days are when a patient, often teary eyed, thanks me for being so kind and compassionate with them. It totally solidifies my decision to do what I'm doing. I am so blessed and feel so thankful for my instructors and the education I received at PMI. I just love my job!

On 9-11, I was living in New York and watched as strangers helped one another. I walked away with a new perspective and decided I, too, wanted to help others. However, I didn't yet have the discipline to be successful in school. Instead, I worked in the tattoo industry for over 10 years before moving to Seattle. Newly divorced, working a menial job, and struggling financially, I thought back to how I'd felt after 9-11. I still wanted to care for people and, at 33, decided to go back to school. I knew the Medical Assistant program at PMI would be challenging. I am covered in tattoos and piercings, and I'm loud. I was nervous because I was interested in the medical field but not very comfortable as a professional. I followed the rules, jumped in with both feet, and loved it! At first, I was interested in surgery, but I didn't enjoy the fast pace. I wanted to talk with patients, but there was no time. Though I was offered a job, I realized it wasn't a good fit because I needed an environment where I could really care for others. I searched for jobs for a while before finding the perfect place. It's a private clinic specializing in transgender wellness and health. Providing for someone in their life's journey is so amazing! I can finally be the caring, supportive MA I want to be. Pima is amazing! If you have a passion for the medical field, they will do everything in their power to help you find success, continuing to support you even after graduation.

I was involved in a really bad car accident and was hit by a drunk driver. I had been working to become an arborist, but during my long recovery and MANY surgeries, I was forced to give up my career. During one of my doctor visits I struck up a conversation with a young man and asked him about his job. He began to explain the role and responsibilities of a Medical Assistant (MA). When I inquired about his education, he told me he had attended Pima Medical Institute and recommended it. As I continued with my many visits to hospitals and clinics I would ask the MA's where they received their education, and it seemed everyone went to Pima Medical. I knew I needed a new career, so I enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. The COVID timing was perfect for me as classes were online which allowed me to keep my leg up at home. The instructors were great! While in the program, I required 5-6 surgeries and my instructors were so kind, understanding and supportive. I would like to be employed, but my current struggle with my leg doesn't allow me to and in fact, I am looking at amputation. I so look forward to the start of a new life. Down the road, once I get my prosthesis, I would love to work in an orthopedic office. While at my externship site I was able to learn and practice casting and I would love for that to become my specialty. I really just want to help others. Going through all my surgeries fueled my passion for the medical field. I pray no one else has to go through what I have, but if they do I want to help and be there for them. Pima Medical was honestly one of the best things that ever happened to me.

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.

As a proud Pima Medical Institute BSRT graduate, my journey from an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT), to a bachelor's degree, to achieving my dream job as a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children's Mercy has been nothing short of remarkable. While in school for my associate's at Concorde College, they highly encouraged us to continue our education and recommended Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). I knew a bachelor's would increase my salary and would also be helpful for future supervisory or management positions. The flexibility of online classes made it manageable for me to work full-time at Salem Health, a level II trauma center with a level III NICU, while pursuing my degree. My dream of working in medical transport began at age 17, when I was a volunteer patient for the local fire department and experienced being flighted out of our neighborhood. After years of experience as an RT, I landed my dream job. As a Critical Care Transport RT, I participate in various types of transports, from helicopters and fixed wing, to jets and ground transportation, proving support to hospitals nationwide. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is one of the busiest transport teams, covering a wide range of patients including neonates, pediatrics, maternal and fetal cases. Working with limited resources challenges me to think on my feet and be creative with patient care. The transport team, comprised of brilliant minds, requires continuous education, certifications, and simulations to improve patient care. During my downtime, I enjoy visiting former patients and their families and witnessing their progress. I love to do PR at community events where I hope to inspire young girls to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I'm appreciative for the role Pima Medical played in shaping my success and making my dream job a reality.

After twelve-plus years as a personal trainer, I found myself needing a job with benefits like a 401K and insurance, so I transitioned to a desk job. However, I was miserable and knew I needed a career that left me feeling fulfilled. I reevaluated my passions and realized I still loved working with bodies and physical health. A co-worker who had attended Pima Medical Institute for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program encouraged me to consider it. After researching and learning about the program, I decided to go back to school. Despite my experience, I wasn't initially accepted into the PTA program. Crushed but determined, I quit my desk job and worked as a rehab tech at an assisted living facility for a year. When I reapplied, I was accepted and I set a goal to graduate with honors. At 39, I was older than most of my classmates, but I felt more prepared for the professional aspects. My instructors were great clinicians and I was able to learn and draw on their experiences. My clinicals were challenging, especially when COVID hit, causing disruptions. Despite the added stress, our instructors ensured we gained the necessary practical experience. After graduation, I worked at a skilled nursing facility, which I enjoyed, but quickly experienced burnout. I accepted a Physical Therapist Assistant position at Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy, where I have been thriving. In fact, a year ago I was promoted to Clinic Director. I love my job, my patients and the challenges of managing the clinic. As a clinical instructor, I work with Pima Medical students, drawing on my experiences to engage them in hands-on learning. I'm proud to have graduated with honors and have even inspired a former client of mine to enroll in Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program. Now, both of us are medical professionals making a difference in people's lives. It's incredibly fulfilling!

Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made. My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared. Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home. In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy. I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!

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.

Before going back to school, my life wasn't on the best path. After high school, I planned to become a nurse, but deep down I knew it wasn't what I really wanted. Eventually, I moved out on my own, but I found myself surrounded by the wrong people and making choices I wasn't proud of. It wasn't until I met my fiance that I seriously considered going back to school. He encouraged me to think about my future and what would truly make me happy. After some soul-searching, I decided to look for a Dental Assistant program - and for the first time, I felt excited about my future. I found Pima Medical Institute through an online search, and after seeing so many great reviews from alumni, I knew it was the right place for me. Enrolling was the best decision I could have made. My experience at Pima Medical was nothing short of amazing - the support from my classmates, instructors, and family kept me going. My instructor, Margarita, was especially supportive. In fact, I wouldn't have made it through without her guidance. I was excited for my externship at Associates in Family Dentistry and grateful to be hired upon completion. As I plan to move soon, I'm holding off on furthering my education for now, but I'm eager to explore my options. I am a proud graduate of Pima Medical and my ultimate goal is to build a successful career while growing my family with my fiance.