At the age of 16 I became pregnant and had to drop out of high school. Later, I attended a program for teen moms and graduated as their valedictorian. But, my attempts to attend college were futile and I soon had another child and began working at a call center. My desire to be a medical professional never left me, and on my way home from work, I started driving past Pima Medical where I would sit in the parking lot watching students come and go. I just couldn't get up the nerve to go inside. As a result of my emotionally unstable relationship, I did not feel worthy or capable of anything. One day, a student walking near my car dropped all his books and papers. I jumped out of the car to help him and he looked me in the eye and said, "You've been sitting out here every day for a month - what are you waiting for?" God speaks in mysterious ways. I went inside and signed up for the Medical Assistant program.
It was difficult working, going to school and caring for my children. I knew I had to leave Albuquerque because of my unstable relationship, so Pima Medical arranged an externship for me in Phoenix. My instructors and classmates not only helped me pack, they raised money to help fund the move for me and my kids.
I was offered a position during my externship. I became the lead assistant quickly and then their office manager. After a few years, I moved to Scottsdale Physicians Group where I am a director over 38 other MA's. I am continuing my education in Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program with plans to complete my bachelor's degree. I am still breaking the cycle. Pima Medical transformed my life both personally and professionally!
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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.
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Before attending Pima Medical Institute I was a single mom working fast food and trying desperately to make sure all my bills got paid. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the Medical Administrative Assistant program. It was short and specific and yet offered me multiple options. The staff was wonderful and made it very easy to get the help I needed. My classmates supported each other and it really felt like a close knit family. I made some really great friends.
I had an interview on the last day of my externship and the next day they offered me a job. I am currently doing medical records for Meadowlark Family Healthcare. I'm giving myself a little break and then I plan to go back to school. PMI offers online classes and the opportunity to work and go to school. In just a little over a year I'll be able to get my associates and my bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration.
I appreciate the opportunity PMI gave me to have a career and to succeed and I can't wait to come back!
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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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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!
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In 2016, I began working for Pima Medical Institute as a Student Finance Officer. When I heard about their Health Care Administration program, I knew it was for me. I had a fulltime family and a fulltime job, so the online program was a perfect fit.
It was a little worrisome as I hadn't been to school in quite a while and I was afraid I would embarrass myself. Plus, I had never taken online classes before. It wasn't easy, there were late nights and I shed a few tears; but my instructors and family were very supportive. One thing I really appreciated is they helped us learn how to write emails in a professional way, no one had ever taught me that. I write emails all day long and I'm so grateful for my education. I feel so much more confident in my skills. My management class increased my confidence and, in fact, I recently applied for a coordinator position. I would never have felt comfortable pursuing a new position without this program.
My educational experience at Pima Medical has had quite the trickle down effect on my family. My oldest daughter completed the Medical Assistant program, my youngest daughter graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program, and her boyfriend is enrolled in the Radiography program. My husband's niece graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program, her boyfriend completed the Dental Assistant program and his other niece is considering enrolling in the HCA program. I have been able to help so many family members with a new career!
I love Pima Medical so much and this program gave me so many new skills. I am considering continuing in the bachelor's degree program.
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My military career was coming to an end in 2012 and I had two young children to provide for. I've always had an interest in the medical field, so when I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute, I decided to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
On my first day in the program I found myself questioning my decision. Many of my classmates were much younger than I was, plus I hadn't been in school for years. Not to mention, I was working a full-time job and raising two small children while attending classes and studying. But, the one thing I appreciated about my education at Pima Medical was the encouragement my instructors gave me and others. They not only provided needed advice and support, they prepared me well for my career.
My first job wasn't a great fit, so I signed up with a hiring agency who sent me to different locations as needed. One of those was a small family practice that just felt like family to me. They appreciated me so much, they hired me, bought out my contract and provided me with a very good salary. I knew I wanted more education so I enrolled in Pima Medical's Health Care Administration (HCA) online associate degree program and then continued on, obtaining my bachelor's degree. I am currently working as an Alcohol Substance Abuse Program Coordinator with the US Army.
Pima Medical was my foot in the door and it can be yours. Start your future! I encourage anyone considering the medical field to enroll at 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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I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients.
I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job.
Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.
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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 knew since I was a child that I wanted to be in the medical field. When it came time for me to graduate from high school, I wasn't interested in a four-year college or university because I just wanted to jump right into the workforce as soon as possible and begin my career in the medical field. After explaining this to my gramma, she recommended Pima Medical Institute. We visited together and took a tour; I knew then that the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program was the best fit for me.
My experience as a student was amazing! The MA program is an accelerated program and while you're learning lots of information in a short time, the hands-on practice helps you apply your skills and prepares you for the profession. All the nerves, tears and anxiousness were so worth it. I was so well prepared for my six-week externship that I was offered a position as an MA upon completion. I am still employed there and I recently began going back to school to obtain my associates in Nursing with plans to continue on to get my bachelor's (BSN) degree.
I want to say thank you to every single one of my instructors. Pima Medical changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the education I received, the lifelong relationships I built with my instructors and classmates, and the lasting career it has given me.
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