Growing up, I always wanted to become a police officer, so when I turned 18, I signed up for an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course. My plan was to get experience and improve my resume so that I could get into the police department, but I fell in love with emergency medicine during that course. I realized there was nothing more I wanted to do with my life than become a paramedic firefighter.
Upon the recommendation of a friend who had gone through Pima Medical Institute's Paramedic program, I enrolled in the program. On the first day, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that would be required, but my instructors were fantastic, and they helped us all along the way. It's a challenging and stressful program, but it is also a lot of fun and worth it! My classmates and I became great friends, and our class almost felt like one big, dysfunctional, happy family.
I was nervous at the beginning but learned so much and had great experiences during my clinical and field experiences. The whole EMS community is very small and supportive, and it's a great profession to be in. PMI has a really good reputation in the community and has does a great job preparing students like me for the paramedic field.
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After 25 years in restaurant management, I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but life kept getting in the way. In 2017, everything changed when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. One nurse, an older, highly skilled woman, was so inspiring that I thought, "If she can do this, so can I." Though I didn't want to be a nurse, I knew my management background could help me run a medical office. However, when I tried applying for receptionist jobs, I kept hearing the same thing-I needed medical experience.
That's when I decided to take a leap and enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. The nine-month program gave me the education I needed to get my foot in the door. It wasn't easy-after being out of school for 20 years, I had to relearn how to study and manage my time. But thanks to Pima Medical's support system and my fellow students, I got through it.
I landed my first job as an MA through my externship at Pima Heart. I soon enrolled in the online Health Care Administration (HCA) program, while moving up in my job and then continued into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Upon completion, I applied to administrative positions and was humbled to have 15 interviews scheduled. After considering numerous job opportunities, I chose to join Banner Health as a Practice Manager, overseeing a staff of 20 (with eight providers and 40 residents).
Pima Medical provided the education I needed to excel in the medical field. My instructors were there for me every step of the way. If you're considering going back to school, just do it! Choose Pima Medical and you will get the support you need.
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I chose the Physical Therapist Assistant program because of my own experience as a PT patient. I had both of my hips replaced from trauma that occurred while I was working as an EMT and fire fighter in 2008.
I was in a wheelchair for 3 years and I had to learn how to walk again. I had only been out of my wheelchair for 7 months before I began the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute. My education at PMI prepared me to enter the PTA field ready to work. I am now employed at Socorro Physical Therapy, where I completed a seven-week rotation as a student. The Physical Therapist I work for now was my personal Physical Therapist after my surgery.
Since graduating, I work a very full schedule and I also have the opportunity to travel all over the United States to gain more training in my field. I would definitely recommend PMI for people who want to train in the medical field. If you work hard and study hard it will change your life, like it changed mine.
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I've always been interested in sports and even considered becoming an orthopedic surgeon, but having kids at a young age derailed my plan As a stay at home mom while working part-time, I decided it was time to pursue a career that I could take with me as the military moved our family. I found Pima Medical Institute and discovered they were launching a brand new Physical Therapist Assistant program. I knew immediately this was for me. I really enjoyed interacting with my classmates and they became like family. My instructors were great and so knowledgeable!
After graduation, the military moved us to Colorado Springs. I took my boards and ended up achieving a perfect score on my exam! One of my clinical rotations had been in vestibular and balance. Colorado Sport and Spine was seeking someone to work with their vestibular therapist. Since I had experience, I was hired over all the other applicants. I love my job and I have great coworkers and mentors.
The physical therapists I work under are hugely into the betterment of our profession and encouraged me to get my bachelor's degree. I enrolled in PMI's online PTA bachelor program almost immediately. I was motivated to tackle it while I was still in student mode, plus I didn't want to wait 10 years until it might become mandatory. The online program was very good and I appreciated that my classmates and I were able to tailor our online experience to fit our day to day job. I had a wonderful experience at PMI and have nothing but good things to say about both programs.
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I had been working in retail for nine years and felt like my life was going nowhere. I had poor self-esteem, and I never seemed to have enough money to pay my bills. Several of my family members have careers in the medical field, and I always felt like that was where I needed to be, but I just wasn't sure how to get there.
I had a few friends who attended Pima Medical Institute and loved it, so I visited the school and found my place, enrolling in the Medical Administrative Assistant afternoon program. I continued working retail and would often do a morning shift, attend afternoon classes, and then work an evening shift. Even though I was busy, I had a great experience at PMI! Everyone was welcoming and supportive, and my instructors were available for one-on-one help whenever I needed it.
While working at my externship, I studied for and completed my Medical Administrative license with the State of Washington. Even though it felt like a long shot, I sent in my resume to University of Washington Hospital and was offered a position only 3 weeks after graduation. I am in the cardiology center where I work at the front desk as a Patient Service Specialist. I thought I'd be in retail forever and never thought I'd work at one of the biggest hospitals in Seattle.
A few weeks at PMI really will change your life!
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After graduating from high school, I attended UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) but despite attempting a number of majors, I still didn't have a plan. The thing that brought me joy was volunteering at the shelter where I adopted my dog. I really loved working with the animals and it made me realize that's what I was meant to do.
I began researching schools with a veterinary program around El Paso and found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program. I cannot tell you how excited and joyful I was to finally start on a path to a career I knew I would love! I had a great experience during my 9-month program. My instructor was wonderful and I received lots of hands-on practice. I was placed in Boerne, near San Antonio, at the Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital for my externship and before I left to head back to El Paso, they offered me a position!
After almost three years as a Veterinary Assistant I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program, this time at the Pima Medical in San Antonio. I have been learning so much and am enjoying getting exposure in different areas like exotics and livestock. I appreciate my instructors sharing their experiences and providing hands-on instruction. I plan to graduate later this year.
I love the veterinary field and I am so thankful to Pima Medical for providing a path to a great career that I love!
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Before becoming a Medical Assistant, I was cleaning houses for a living. It paid the bills but it wasn't something I wanted to do forever. So I made the difficult decision to go back to school and that decision came with many sacrifices. My instructors at Pima Medical Institute were amazing and helped me through hard times and never gave up on me. I really appreciated everything the staff hdid for me and my classmates. Best of all, I'm grateful to have met amazing people that I am happy to call friends and co-workers.
I love being a Medical Assistant! I really enjoy helping people and every day is different. Spring Branch Community Health Center gave me an opportunity to work in their West Houston location after my externship in the OB/GYN department. Although my main department is Women's Health, I am being cross trained in all departments including family practice and pediatrics.
I dropped out of high school and later completed my GED. I didn't believe in myself when I came to Pima Medical, but my instructors believed in me until I could believe in myself and I'm so grateful for that. Although my program was only 9 months long, I had a lot to deal with and it was a rough ride for me. Now that I've graduated, I have so much confidence in myself and believe nothing can get in my way!
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My dream has always been to care for animals as a veterinary nurse/technician at a zoo. As the spouse of an active duty Marine, I began looking for a fully accredited, accelerated Veterinary Technician (VT)program so I could obtain my RVT licensure in any state and keep up with the constant rotation of military moves. Pima Medical was the perfect choice for me!
My experience was extremely positive. My campus had an attached animal shelter which acted as a teaching hospital, allowing me to constantly gain hands-on experience. My biggest obstacle was the 2-3 hour commute each day from Camp Pendleton. Gratefully, my program director placed me at clinicals near my home that were best suited to build a zoo veterinary nurse/technician's resume.
Upon graduation, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, a Registered Veterinary Nurse/Technician internship between the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo's Safari Park. Shortly after completing my internship, my husband received orders to Okinawa, Japan. While there I became an American Red Cross paraveterinary volunteer to provide aid to domestic and wild animals during natural disasters. I also worked as an RVT at the US Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on Kadena Airbase while I obtained my bachelor's degree online. During this time, I began writing as a freelance veterinary medical journalist for a magazine, called "Today's Veterinary Nurse." We are moving to North Carolina soon where I will be working as an RVTg at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital as I study for my master's degree. I also hope to earn my veterinary technician/nurse specialty in zoological medicine.
One thing I appreciated about my education at Pima Medical was how attentive every staff member was to my needs. I cannot thank each of you enough for how much you taught me and how well you prepared me to excel and to flourish in my career.
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After moving from Texas to Colorado for a fresh start, I was determined to build a stable career in the medical field. Research led me to Pima Medical Institute, and from the moment I began speaking with admissions, I knew it was the right choice. Despite facing many challenges, I embarked on the Medical Assistant (MA) program with unwavering determination.
I started living in my car three weeks after starting the MA program. I was juggling homelessness, school and a full-time job. I struggled finding safe places to park, hot and cold nights, and finding time between work and school to do homework, sleep and get to the gym to take showers. I found incredible support from caring and understanding instructors who became like family to me. They provided resources and encouragement, helping me navigate the toughest moments. As difficult as my situation was, school was my biggest motivation and the people at Pima Medical were my support and prepared me for my future. Thanks to great instructors and comprehensive training, I excelled at my externship at Advanced Urgent Care, impressing my supervisors enough to secure a job offer before even graduating.
To my instructors at Pima Medical, I owe a debt of gratitude. I am the person I am today because of you. Your unwavering support and belief in me kept me going when times were toughest. Thank you for never giving up on me. You've shaped me into the professional I am today and I will forever be grateful.
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Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother.
After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.
Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.
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When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support.
The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set.
My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way.
I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.
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I had an amazing experience in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I had the best instructors and, as we spent time studying together, my classmates became amazing friends. I had always known I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people and I wanted to work with children. My older sister had completed the Veterinary Technician (VT) program at Pima Medical, so I knew it was a school I could trust and enrolled in the MA program.
I appreciated all the knowledge and information they gave us about working in the real world. The hands-on experience helped us feel prepared for our new career. Since graduating in 2018 I have worked for three clinics or organizations as an MA and have gained experience in family practice, OB/GYN and specialty clinics and have learned so much!
I love my job! Every day is different and I am constantly learning new things. I am so very grateful for my instructors at Pima Medical for helping me to be able to achieve my dream job. I love what I do and I am so grateful I took the leap to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
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