I was born in Uzbekistan and at age 7 my family and I were forced to escape to Russia. We lived as refugees there and life was very difficult. We had no access to healthcare and I was not allowed to go to school past the 9th grade. In 2005, we moved to the United States and, although I struggled with the language and cultural differences, I very much appreciated the opportunities this country provided me. I have been dreaming about working in healthcare since I was a little girl. My husband knew my dream so he helped me find Pima Medical Institute and signed me up for their Phlebotomy program. My life was changed forever! I was able to get a job at a level 1 trauma center and help my family. In my position, I was able to observe the respiratory therapists help people and even save lives. So, several years later I came back to PMI and enrolled in their Respiratory Therapy program. English is my fourth language, so it was not an easy journey! Often I was in class all day, cared for my family in the evening and helped my children with homework, and then stayed up all night studying. I wanted to be successful and make my family proud!
I could not have made it and been successful without the help of my PMI instructors. They taught me so much! Today, my dream has come true and I'm so thankful for the support of my family and my PMI family and this country that has given me such a wonderful opportunity! I go to work each day with a smile on my face.
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My journey into health care began with the encouragement of my aunt, Marie Defede, who worked in admissions at Pima Medical Institute's Chula Vista campus. Inspired by her support, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program in 2002 and graduated in 2003, a decision that forever changed my life.
Shortly after, I started working at Scripps Anderson's Clinic in La Jolla as a medical assistant in the Sports Orthopedic Department. I had the unique opportunity to support the San Diego Padres Baseball Team. That fast-paced environment taught me the importance of clinical accuracy, teamwork and compassionate patient care.
Wanting to give back, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor, teaching Medical Assistant front and back office skills, Medical Administrative courses and Career Preparation. Helping students grow was deeply fulfilling, and in 2010, I was honored as Pima Medical's Peak Performer for my dedication to education and mentorship.
My career expanded beyond clinical work when I transitioned into the biopharmaceutical sector. I worked with Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, focusing on clinical operations, system optimization and compliance in regulated environments. Alongside my career, I advanced my education. I earned an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration in 2010, a B.S. in Health Care Administration in 2013 and then a M.S. in Health Administration. I am currently completing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, with a focus on inclusive leadership and healthcare transformation.
Today, I serve as a Clinical Business Systems Analyst, leading projects in organizational development, system implementation and process improvement. Beyond my career, I am a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, patient rights and underserved populations.
Pima Medical was where it all began. It provided the foundation, support and mentorship I needed to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare and leadership. I will always be proud to say my journey started at PMI.
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I'm a single mother of two boys and had been a preschool teacher for many years. I always felt like I wanted more, so I began researching the medical field. One day I walked out of the grocery store, saw PMI's campus and decided to check it out. It wasn't long before I'd signed up for their medical assistant program. I was so anxious on my first day of class, but the instructors embraced me and made me feel comfortable. I enjoyed school and got involved with student government and looked for opportunities to help other students who were struggling.
I was assigned to the Physicians Surgery Center of ABQ for my externship. I was nervous and really didn't know what to expect. But, I knew my instructors had given me great instruction so I decided just to do my best. Within the first week they indicated they would be interested in hiring me upon completion of my externship. I was so proud and couldn't wait to go back and tell my instructors! I'm currently working there as a medical assistant and I not only help with the administrative side, but have even assisted in some surgeries.
Since the day I walked in the door, PMI has literally changed my life. Age is just a number and I plan to keep going and keep learning. Thank you PMI!
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I've always had a dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. I'd tell people that I wanted to work in a small town with wooden sidewalks, where my dog could follow me to work and folks could pay me with tomatoes from their garden. Instead, I joined the military, became a fighter jet mechanic, left the military, rejoined as a reservist and, eventually, retired from the military. I felt a bit lost and I was even considering rejoining when I saw an ad in the paper for Pima Medical Institute's first nursing program. I knew then, it was time to follow my dream!
I'm so thankful to PMI's nursing director, Mrs. Caves, who saw my potential and allowed me into the program. One of my biggest challenges was having to work and support myself while going to school. After graduation I worked as an RN in a hospital emergency room and continued my education, earning both my bachelor's and my master's degree. In 2014 I became a Nurse Practitioner and I went looking for my little dream country town and I found it.
I currently work in a small ranching town, Duncan, AZ, with a population of just over 600. There are no wooden sidewalks, but I work in a community health clinic where everyone gets healthcare one way or another and some patients even bring me tomatoes from their garden! Thanks to Mrs. Caves and PMI, I am living my dream!
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I completed the Veterinary Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute in 2012. Prior to that I had finished high school and was working, but just didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life. I love animals and I love to learn, so when I heard about Pima's VA program on the radio, I decided to give it a try.
I was quite nervous when I started, but the teachers were really supportive. We had lots of discussion about what we were learning and tons of hands on practice. It was a really good learning environment for me.
I ended up being hired at my externship site. It was great to transition from my experience there as a student to then growing into my job. I'm actually still working there and I'm still learning. This is one of the reasons I decided to come back to PMI for their Veterinary Technician program, because I want to grow and learn more. Becoming a Veterinary Technician opens so many doors and this program really immerses you in the field. In fact, I don't know of a better program! It's not easy and it's very accelerated, but it's worth it!
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In 1996 I made a decision to reach for higher goals. I left my job as a salesman at an upholstery shop and began working toward a degree in Radiography at the PMI Tucson campus. The day I took the assessment test for entry into the program, I noticed a poster with a picture of a PMI graduate, hand raised in the air and wearing an honors sash. I made a promise to myself that I, too, would graduate with honors. Two years later I became the first member of my family to complete college, and I graduated at the top of my class. I was immediately hired at St. Mary's Hospital, where I performed all aspects of diagnostic radiography, eventually earning a position as CT technologist. After 2 years I was hired in Benson, AZ where I served as Clinical Instructor and Chief Technologist.
After 3 years I again made a decision to reach for a higher goal. I had always dreamed of becoming a teacher in radiologic sciences and I accepted a position as a full-time instructor at Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in an online Bachelor's degree program in Radiologic Science. In 2006 I was appointed to the position of Program Director at PMI, and I am currently completing my Masters in Education. PMI provided me with a strong foundation on which to build and gave me the confidence to reach even higher. It was the catalyst that helped me achieve more than I ever thought possible.
Michael Hawkes, BSRS, RT (R) (ARRT)
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At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field.
I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position.
I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program.
I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.
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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.
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I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare but wasn't sure which path to take. While working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), I met a patient receiving Occupational Therapy (OT). I had never heard of OT before, but it intrigued me. After some research, I discovered the wide range of opportunities in the field, especially working with children. I was hooked! That's when I found Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
My time at Pima Medical was incredible. My cohort was fun and supportive, and the instructors were knowledgeable and kind. There were challenges along the way, like COVID delays during clinicals, but I never regretted my decision. The hands-on learning experiences truly prepared me for the field.
After graduation, I pursued my dream of working with children and was hired at Piller Child Development. Knowing I wanted to eventually attend graduate school, I enrolled in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. The program was quick, flexible, and allowed me to balance work, school, and life.
Now, I'm working as a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant with Mariposa Therapy Services, supporting children in schools, while attending Northern Arizona University to earn my Doctor of Occupational Therapy. I've developed a passion for feeding therapy, including sensory-based treatments and lactation consulting. My ultimate goal is to open my own feeding therapy practice.
I'm so excited for the future, and I'm grateful to Pima Medical for giving me the foundation to build a career I love.
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I spent nearly seven years working as a Medical Assistant (MA) before I finally decided to continue my education and complete the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was my commute - I live in Colorado Springs, so this was a 74-mile drive each way to attend class at the Denver Campus. That meant spending at least two and a half hours a day just on the road, in addition to my coursework, clinicals and job at UCHealth.
The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible. They were more than just educators-they were mentors who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. The program was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I loved every moment of it, and I genuinely believe that the hands-on, real-world experience I gained during my time there has set me up for success in my new career.
One of the most exciting parts of this journey was being hired to work for both UCHealth and Penrad Imaging before even completing my program. I was offered a full-time position at Penrad Imaging and later, I was hired as a PRN at UCHealth. It was a huge confidence boost, knowing that I was already making an impact in the field even before passing my ARRT registry exam.
Now, I'm officially a Radiologic Technologist, and I couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of my career. Every challenge, every late night, every moment of doubt was worth it. Thank you Pima Medical!
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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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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.
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