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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My wife, a nurse for 12 years, always encouraged me to join the medical field, but I kept putting it off. I worked as an insurance adjuster, traveling to areas hit by natural disasters, often being gone for 21 days at a time. With young children and older kids involved in activities, I was missing too much. One day, I told my wife I was ready to resign and pursue a medical career at the end of the year. Just a week later, I was let go from my job. We actually laughed at the timing. At the same time, my grandmother began having health problems. Caring for her made me realize the urgency of getting into the medical field-not just for my career, but to better understand her needs. My best friend had gone through Pima Medical's Practical Nursing (PN) program and had encouraged me to join him, but I wasn't ready then. Now, I knew it was the right choice and the right timing.
The PN program was very challenging for me, but I developed a strong small group of classmates who supported me and I had caring instructors who offered extra help. However, when my dear grandmother passed away on Christmas Eve, I was crushed. She had raised me and was my biggest cheerleader and I just wanted to quit. I arranged to meet with my director to withdraw from the program, but she encouraged me to stay. My wife reminded me why I had started the program, and decided to continue. I completed the PN program but still struggling with the loss, I failed my NCLEX exam twice. I felt so defeated, but I knew I couldn't give up. After passing on my third attempt, I drove to Pima Medical to hug my program director and we shared an emotional moment.
I am excited for my new career at the Center at Lowry, a rehabilitation facility where I did clinicals. I can't thank Pima Medical Institute enough; the instructors, especially Director Risner, were amazing and I wouldn't be where I am without them!
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Why did I choose to become a physical therapist assistant? I was looking for a lifelong career in which I could expand upon my knowledge of health and wellness, in an effort to enrich other people's lives and improve their ability to function as a whole within society. My experience at PMI was empowering. I learned an amazing amount of information in a short period of time. I was constantly encouraged by all of the instructors to do my best and they were always there for support and additional help. All of my instructors were knowledgeable and I found the program director, Lynette Reina, to be one of the most solid and impressionable instructor I've ever had.
I gained invaluable experience in my clinicals, which gave me the confidence to attain my current position with Legacy Healthcare. I plan to build my career and become an area manager in the future, while continuing my education as a physical therapist assistant. Pima certainly went the extra mile to prepare me for my career.
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I've been on my own since 2012 and graduated from high school as a homeless youth. When I contacted Pima Medical Institute in 2014, I was desperate and struggling to survive. My home was my car or a friend's house; I was struggling with depression and was at my wits end. I met with my admissions advisor and we connected right away. When she told me I'd passed the entry test she said, "You can do this!" For the first time in a very long time, I knew someone believed in me!
It wasn't long before I started PMI's Medical Assistant program. The staff and instructors helped me with my FASFA, studying, extra tutoring and extra time. I have never felt so supported! The career services department held my hand through the resume, application and externship process. I was hired at the UW Neighborhood Clinics before I'd even graduated.
Recently, I met with my advisor again. I excelled at the entry level test for the associate degree program in Health Care Administration. I am enrolled and plan to continue and have my bachelor's by February of 2018. After enrolling me, she looked at me and said "I am so proud of you, you've come so far!" I really don't know what I would have done without the personal support of everyone at PMI! I went from a struggling, confused, and anxious girl to a thriving woman in one year's time.
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I suffered a severe back injury that really took a toll on my health. I found myself realizing I had to make a career change and I needed it fast. I saw a commercial on TV for Pima Medical Institute and my husband encouraged me to seek information about the college. That same day I called Pima Medical. The next day I came in for a tour, and two hours later, I was enrolled in the Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA) program.
I had many struggles while in the program. I was dealing with back pain that was unbearable at times, making it difficult to sit in class. The staff at Pima Medical was very accommodating to my needs, which I was very grateful for. Financial struggles started occurring fast. I had to leave my job because of my injury. With family living so far away, we had no place to go. The next couple of months my family and I stayed at a hotel. Trying to make ends meet was very tough. There were even a couple of nights we slept in the car and utilized food pantries just to get by. Everyone at Pima Medical was so kind and supported us in many ways. I had many people to lean on and they always provided a safe place to release my emotions. I truly believe without the support from Pima Medical and my family, I couldn't have made it.
I am currently employed as a clinical secretary at Kidney Care and I love it. I am proud of myself for persevering. My health is better and my family has a place to call home. It was all worth it!
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I was a stay at home mother of three looking for a career in the medical field. We had been living paycheck to paycheck and I knew if I wanted more than a minimum wage job I would need an education. I had tried college before and flunked out, so I was so afraid of failing and kept making excuses. After seeing a Pima Medical Institute TV ad, my husband set up a campus tour without telling me and took me as a surprise. My admissions advisor, Robert, answered all my questions and helped me enroll in the Medical Administrative Assistant program. He turned out to be my biggest cheerleader throughout my journey there.
Pima Medical is a family. They care about every single student in that facility. This girl who barely made it through high school and flunked out of college classes three times, graduated with a 4.0 and then went on to complete the Health Care Administration associate degree. I was offered a full-time position at a primary care office where I had done my externship. While being a mom, going to school, working fulltime and dealing with COVID, I completed my associate degree with a 3.4 GPA. I recently took a new job at a chiropractic office where I am applying much of what I learned in my HCA program. I have a career I love and within the next year I hope to begin the HCA bachelor's program.
I am teaching my girls that you have to work hard for what you want. My daughter had to write a letter for school about her hero. She chose me because even though I was scared to go back to school, I did it! I kept that letter in the front of my binder throughout my entire school process.
I am so grateful for Pima Medical Institute!
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I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician!
I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me.
I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program.
I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!
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After dropping out of community college, resulting in a $2000 tuition bill, I was at the lowest point in my life. I knew I wanted to go back to school, but had no money and no car. So, for one year I jogged three miles to begin my shift at McDonalds at 4:00 am until I could save the money I needed.
Inspired by my brother who had graduated from Pima Medical Institute, I met with an amazing admissions advisor at the East Valley Campus who spoke encouragement and belief into me. I chose the 3-month Phlebotomy program because it was the shortest path into the medical field and had a wonderful experience, despite passing out watching my first blood draw. I was hired at Banner Desert in Mesa, and after a few years, I began the Nursing program at the Mesa Campus. I really struggled with self-doubt, but with guidance from my dedicated instructors, I emerged prepared for my new profession. A nurse manager, who had observed my performance as a Phlebotomist, hired me as a Trauma PCU nurse. I later transitioned to a Psychiatric Nurse in the adolescent unit at Banner Behavioral to help others who were struggling like I had. I completed a bachelor's degree and recently a doctorate program from the University of Arizona to become a Nurse Practitioner.
I am so grateful to my Pima Medical instructors who gave me my start in the medical field and never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. In my journey from McDonald's, to Phlebotomist, to Trauma Nurse, to Psych Nurse and now Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am proof that with determination and support, one can achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact by never giving up.
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After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary.
Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!
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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!
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I have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume.
Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!
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I completed my bachelor's degree in child development and worked at child care centers for a number of years, but something inside me always longed to be in the medical field. My dad was a physical therapist assistant and later became an RN, so I had lots of exposure to the medical field. But, it's very difficult to switch careers. After a coworker told me about Pima Medical Institute, I began taking steps to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. I was still working full-time so the hybrid MA program, which offered online learning and the opportunity to attend classes two nights a week, was exactly what I needed. I loved my experience as a student and appreciated my instructors. It was tough attending classes and working full-time, but I was diligent with my studies and disciplined myself to study on weekends. When it came time for my clinicals, I quit my child care job and began applying all I had learned in my classes at a family medicine clinic. The people I worked with really helped me and I was able to apply the skills I had learned, gain experience and also increase my confidence. It was probably my favorite part of my education.
Finding a job ended up being a lot easier than I had anticipated. I am currently working as an MA at Parker Pediatrics and Adolescence. I love my job! I am able to marry all my experience working with children and my new career in the medical field. I really enjoy the people I work with and it's providing me a ton of opportunities for further growth and learning. I'm not finished with education, so I am in the process of getting my bachelor of science in nursing. Pima Medical gave me my start in the medical field. Being able to work full time while obtaining my MA certificate was so worth it and provided a jumping off point for me into the medical field.
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