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"...the only real measuring stick of a school's success is the achievement of its students."
Susan ResMedical AssistantColorado Springs Sarah RoopOccupational Therapy AssistantTucson Angelica LoftonRadiographyHouston Bobbi DillonDental AssistantAurora Donna RingerHealth Care Administration BSOnline Marco AndresenRadiographyEl Paso Sherri MartinezNursing Assistant / Nurse AideEast Valley Lucero BarcenasPhysical Therapist AssistantHouston Colleen SherlockPhysical Therapist AssistantDenver Tahjiza JonesMasters in Organizational LeadershipOnline Stacy TowersRespiratory Therapy BSOnline Dominic FloresHealth Care Administration BSOnline
I am a Medical Assistant at Children's Hospital of Colorado where I work in the pulmonary department, and I love my job! Believe it or not, I wake up every day excited to come to work. I can't wait to see the families and kids. Way before PMI, I was trained in the animal science field, and later my husband and I ran an HOA management company for a number of years. Unexpectedly, two family members became very ill, and walking through this very difficult experience led me to desire a career in the medical field. After finding Pima Medical Institute, I never hesitated. I thought of it one day, signed up the next, and started the Medical Assistant program a month later. It was not only the right timing, it was the right place, and it has been an amazing journey! I had a great student experience at Pima, and the instructors were amazing. They cared about us and were available anytime any of us needed anything. To be honest, they actually became more like friends than teachers. My current job is a perfect fit for me, and I'm so grateful for my training at PMI!
My mom spent more than 25 years as an instructor at the Tucson campus and encouraged me to explore what Pima Medical Institute had to offer. I was initially drawn to Physical Therapy, but as I learned more, I discovered Occupational Therapy. During my entrance interview for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, everything about the profession resonated with me. Ten years later, I have no doubt that this is my calling. The OTA program demanded a high level of self-accountability. I had to learn when to use the resources available, how to ask for help and how to grow through discomfort. The growing pains were worth it. My cohort became my biggest support system and those relationships have turned into lifelong friendships. I truly appreciated being held to a higher standard throughout the program. The structure and expectations prepared me to deliver quality healthcare right out of school. The professionalism required of every student helps ensure graduates are not only ready to pass certification exams and succeed as clinicians, but also stand out when applying for jobs. Thanks to that preparation, I was offered a position during my second fieldwork rotation and hired as soon as I completed my certification requirements. Since then, I've been fortunate to explore many settings, roles and opportunities throughout my career. I've worked primarily with pediatric and young adult populations, serving my community through outpatient clinics, home health and school settings. I'm currently continuing my education with a bachelor's degree and plan to become a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). I would absolutely recommend Pima Medical to others. The OTA program prepares you to be more than just job-ready. It gives you the foundation to build a meaningful and lasting career in healthcare.
I served proudly in the United States Navy for 6 years as an electronics technician. After getting out of the military I was unsure which career to choose. One day I heard a radio advertisement for Pima Medical Institute and decided Radiography might be the career path for me. Starting the Radiography program was a little bit of a culture shock after the military because I often times performed my duties alone on the ship. Pima Medical helped me make the adjustment to a setting where I needed to interact and communicate with co-workers, patients, and other clinicians. It was both exciting and scary to enter a very competitive program. My Radiography instructors were amazing and prepared me so well for my new career. As a technologist at the hospital, I see a noticeable difference between students from other schools and students from Pima Medical who are confident, prepared, and knowledgeable. After my second rotation at my clinical site I went to the manager, handed her my resume and said, "I'm going to work here, what are the steps I need to take?" I wasn't nervous and it made for an easy transition starting my first job since I knew the protocol and knew the staff. About a year later I had the privilege of being cross trained so I am now able to also work in Computed Tomography (CT). I love my job! I am almost finished with my bachelor's in Health Care Management and I hope to continue and obtain a master's degree. Pima Medical was a critical stepping stone from my military career to my civilian career and I would do it all over again
I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. When my oldest child headed to college I felt like I had lost my identity and purpose, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to be behind a desk and I enjoyed being on my feet and using my hands. So when I saw the commercial for the Dental Assisting Program and Pima Medical Institute, I decided it might be a fit for me. It was somewhat intimidating going back to school when I was the oldest student in the class and it was certainly challenging having homework again while balancing family and home life. But, my instructor was helpful and cheered me on. I felt very prepared, although extremely nervous, for my hands on externship experience. But I learned so much and it helped me understand that I really wanted to work in a specialty area of dentistry. I was initially hired at a general practice but soon found the place I really belonged; a periodontist office. I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. I have great coworkers and wonderful doctors who continue to teach me about their specialty. I love it all and am so happy! Pima Medical has been so good in helping me go from "what's my purpose?" to "this is where I should be!" Finding that out and being happy where I am has been everything. It has done so much for me! Plus, my kids are really proud of me. I love the patients! It's different every day! It's a lot of fun. I love it! I'm so glad I did this!
1. Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online? I completed both the online Health Care Administration associate and bachelor's degree programs. I became a Medical Assistant in 1990 and always regretted not continuing on to get my degree right then. At times I felt inferior to those around me who had their degree and I watched them being promoted while I could only advance to a certain level. 2. What made you choose PMI's program? Working for Pima Medical shed a light on a program that I could do and still keep my 'day job' as an instructor. The online Health Care Administration program was a fit because I needed to work full-time to support my family. 3. What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load? I found that the hours of study time were pretty easy compared to what I thought it would be. The program was laid out so straightforward. I had always associated online learning as being a little more challenging than learning in the classroom setting. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. So, I immediately enrolled in the bachelor's program while I still had the momentum of being in school. The education I received took a step-by-step approach that was easy for me to understand, achieve and maintain my 4.0 GPA and graduate with honors. Being an instructor, I could not accept anything less of myself, and I DID IT! I had some challenging days during my program. My father had been diagnosed with cancer and passed away during my last 3-4 months of classes. It was his dream for me to obtain my degree because he knew how I would feel if I earned it. It was one of the most challenging times I can remember and the Pima Medical instructors and program directors were there for me. They truly helped make my life a little easier at school, knowing I was suffering so much in my personal life. I can't thank them enough for helping me through it. It made all the difference when it came to me finishing and getting my degree. 4. Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program? I recommend both of these programs to any medical professional or to anyone who would like to become one. It is an education that can go in any direction you want to take it, from medical assisting to management or hospital administration. The sky's the limit on where you can take your education once you have achieved it!!
I came to this country with the German Air Force and have spent the last nine years of my military career, either as a trainee or as an instructor, at the air defense school in El Paso, TX. Upon retiring from the military, I was interested in X-ray and began considering going into the medical field. I interviewed at Pima Medical Institute's El Paso Campus and decided to enroll in their Radiography program. I was 45 years old and the oldest person in my program. School wasn't difficult for me and I often found myself helping my classmates. This helped me learn and helped me retain the knowledge. I had a really good relationship with the clinical and program director, in fact we now have a friendship. I am working for Southwest X-Ray as a technologist and have cross trained in MRI. Only four months after graduation, I was asked to be a Chief Technologist and my counterpart and I are in charge of all the technologists from multiple modalities at all five of our clinics. I also recently started a bachelor's program in Radiology Management and hope to one day be an Imaging Director or possibly become an instructor. In fact, I'd love to come back to Pima Medical to teach and close the circle. Pima Medical Institute's Radiography Program is a really uncomplicated way to get higher education. Everything is set up to the benefit of the student. It's a very good program!
My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up! I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field. My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything! I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities. I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!
I was injured while playing soccer in high school and my physical therapist said to me, "I think you'd be a really good physical therapist!" I tucked that away until I was at Texas State University heading toward becoming a nurse when I realized it just wasn't for me. I switched to Exercise Sports Science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After graduation, the doctorate physical therapy programs were extremely competitive and I just didn't have the confidence to apply - still a regret. Instead, I reviewed my options and began searching for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and found Pima Medical Institute. It was a challenging, accelerated 18-month program, but my instructors were super motivating. Although they were hard on us, they gave us all the tools needed to be the best professional clinicians we could be. I was awarded the most "outstanding student" at graduation and offered a job at each of my clinical rotations. I began my therapist journey as a pediatric PTA until I found the place I really loved; working in sports medicine and rehabilitation. During my five plus years in orthopedics, I worked with multiple students as a clinical instructor. This drew my passion for education and I began my journey as a clinical director and instructor back at the same PTA program I'd attended. I tell my students I've been down their same path and I am going to give them everything they need to be a success in their clinical experience. I remind them that I am invested in their success because not only is Pima Medical's reputation on the line, so is mine as a graduate of this program. Pima Medical provided what I needed to become a great therapist and for that I am thankful. I believe I've found my place in education and I am hoping to further my education through the master's degree program in the future.
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!
When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it. I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL). Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way. Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
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!
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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Date Campus Description
3/5/2020 Mesa Campus Mesa OTA Alumni - Celebrating 10 Years PHOTOS
2/20/2020 Houston Campus Houston Campus Alumni Event PHOTOS