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.
|
Starting over in a new career later in life was daunting, but my passion for healthcare pushed me forward. I initially enrolled at a local community college to complete prerequisites for a nursing program, only to face a two-year waitlist. Determined to find a quicker path into the medical field, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. This program's accelerated timeline was perfect for my busy life as a stay-at-home mother. In less than three months I gained essential skills and secured a job in the medical field. That first step ignited my passion for healthcare, and after gaining experience as a phlebotomist and clinical lab assistant, I returned to Pima Medical for the 22-month Respiratory Therapy program.
My journey wasn't without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my class's clinical rotations, forcing us to transition to remote learning. Balancing studies, work, and family was overwhelming, but I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize self-care. The instructors, many of whom were industry professionals, provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences that prepared me for real-world healthcare settings. As a result of my education, I secured a position at Banner Desert Medical Center, where I have been employed for the past eight years. During the pandemic, I practiced respiratory care under an emergency license, which provided me with critical experience in a high-pressure environment. Currently, I am working in Procurement and have recently been promoted to Test Management Training Coordinator. In this role, I oversee the training processes for new hires, externships, and existing staff members.
I am incredibly grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical for their dedication and support. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training prepared me for a fulfilling career.
|
Pima Medical Institute has become a family affair for me and my sisters. It all started when my sister, Miranda, began researching colleges. She was feeling discouraged on her visits to some of the larger institutions. But walking into PMI felt like just the right atmosphere. They made her feel like she was important and she signed up for the Medical Assistant program. Upon graduation, she was offered a position working for an ENT specialist.
As our family watched her walk across the stage at graduation, my twin sister Clarissa found herself thinking, "I want to do this!" It wasn't long before she signed up for the Medical Administrative Assistant program. She had such a positive educational experience at PMI, she is currently in their Health Care Administrative program and plans to continue on to get her bachelor of science in Health Care Administration.
Having been a stay at home mom for 10 years, I wasn't even considering going back to school until my sister began pushing me and saying, "You can do this, you HAVE to go to PMI!" I had so many doubts and fears about going back to school. But, the instructors made it inviting and I quickly made some great friends. I just finished my externship and am excited about getting my first job. My future goals include coming back to get more education.
Our family is so thankful for the careers Pima Medical Institute has given us. Now ... we're trying to talk our mom into attending!
|
I was a sushi chef for about ten years, but I wanted to get back into the business of helping others. I did my research on PMI, liked the idea of a two year program, and decided a change of career was long overdue. I had a very positive experience as a student. Although it wasn't easy, the teachers were helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive of me. The didactic portion of the program required many hours of studying and plenty of sacrifices. The clinical portion was where I felt I was able to shine and gain real-life experiences. I even received an Employee of the Month Award at my first clinical rotation.
I had two per diem student-tech jobs while I was still a PMI student. The hard work paid off and I graduated with honors. I'm currently a full-time x-ray tech, I'm cross-training into CT, and I am a Radiography instructor at PMI. I really enjoy teaching and passing on knowledge and experience to my students. I feel that the Radiography program has grown and, with the help of the faculty and directors, we are putting out some of the most competent, ethical, and professional students to ever wear a PMI uniform.
|
I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job!
It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision.
Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful.
When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!
|
I have been a Medical Assistant for almost 10 years and I love it! How did I get here? One day my aunt asked me to google a medical question for her. I found her answer in minutes, but I was fascinated reading about the body and how it functioned and got distracted for over an hour. That was the day I began considering a career in the medical field. Not long after, I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. While figuring out my financial aid, I learned it might be helpful if others from my family were in college. I went home and asked my sister if she wanted to do the MA program with me and she said, "OK!" We worked side by side throughout the program, pushed each other and both graduated with honors!
I had an amazing experience at Pima Medical! The teachers were phenomenal! Some of them were tough, but I learned so much and felt 100% prepared for my career in the medical field. I have worked for several companies and have been a Lead MA at three different locations. I really enjoy training new MA's; in fact I have trained over 15 MAs from Pima Medical. I'm currently enjoying working at a testing center where there is lots of variety and I get to meet different patients every day.
I am so glad I found this rewarding career. I recommend Pima Medical all the time because they provide the one-on-one instruction students need to be successful. There are days I feel like I use every single skill I learned at Pima Medical. I love my job and the satisfactory feeling I get from helping others!
|
When I was younger I had a really good experience getting braces. I remember being fascinated with the mold impressions and the way my teeth were straightening. After high school, I worked for three years at a movie theater but my sister always encouraged me to consider the dental field.
After a little research, we found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant program. I remember walking up the stairs with my mom and sister and feeling super nervous. I'd had some bad experiences in high school, but I found Pima Medical to be a really friendly and helpful place. I am a caring person and I wanted to find a place to learn and then a career where I could be that kind of person. The program wasn't easy, but they provided lots of hands-on experience and I loved our labs. My instructors were the best. They shared their own experiences to help us and they were genuinely happy to see me succeed.
I am currently working at El Rio Community Health Center. My doctor loves that I have knowledge and the hands-on experience I received from Pima Medical. I feel like I am finally in a place where I can really care for my patients. We recently had a denture patient that had no family support. When she finally got her dentures she cried and thanked me for being there for her. My goal is to make people happy and bring hope. I feel like I've found the place where I belong.
Going to Pima Medical was the best decision I've ever made.
|
My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and trached throughout her life, so I was familiar with respiratory. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's RT program.
I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings, and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master's Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as their Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO.
I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it whether you're at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.
|
After earning a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology, I struggled to find a job and ended up in finance. When COVID hit, my new job offer was rescinded and I was forced to take a job at a grocery store bakery, far from my career goals. I kept hearing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute which piqued my interest in the medical field. This led me to enroll in their three-month Phlebotomy program, allowing me to work and study simultaneously with minimal school commitment. It was a way to dip-my-toe into the water of the medical field.
The Phlebotomy program was a turning point in my life. Small classes, hands-on experience, and an excellent instructor, Miss Denise, made a significant impact. I soon secured a position at Chandler Regional Hospital, where I interacted with various departments and realized my passion for patient care. Nursing stood out as the most versatile and impactful role, prompting me to pursue a nursing degree at the institute I trusted and I enrolled at Pima Medical's Mesa Campus. The Nursing program was challenging and intense, pushing me to grow and become accountable for patient care. Through diverse clinical experiences, I gravitated towards ER and ICU settings. I've recently accepted a position at OBS Banner Dessert, aiming to transfer to the ICU and eventually join the trauma team.
I am immensely grateful for my education at Pima Medical. The Phlebotomy program provided a crucial foundation, giving me the framework I needed for a career in the medical field. I invited Miss Denise to my nursing pinning ceremony and my dad told her COVID had been difficult for me and she had saved my life. He was right, Pima Medical Institute truly changed my life.
|
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.
|
When I got braces in high school, I was fascinated by how something so simple could transform a person's smile-and their confidence. That experience sparked my interest in the dental field, and after researching options, I found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. I enrolled right after high school and jumped into the program.
My instructors were incredible! I never considered myself a standout student, but the hands-on learning style was perfect for me. I learned so much, and when it came time for my externship, it felt like a breeze because I was so prepared. They even offered me a job as soon as I finished, and I worked there happily until I moved out of state.
Since graduating in 2011, I've worked in every part of a dental office-from assisting to managing the front desk to being an office manager. Today, I'm a mom of two fast-growing kids, and I want more flexibility to be with them, so I'm going back to school for billing and coding. This will allow me to continue working in the dental field from home.
I love the dental field because I get to make a difference-helping patients find relief from pain or transforming their smiles - and I'm excited about the next chapter in my dental career. Pima Medical is an amazing place with caring instructors and I would choose it all over again. It's changed my life.
|
had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for.
My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being.
I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.
|
