I had a strong desire to become a nurse and was completing prerequisites at a local community college, but the two-year waitlist was too long. Thankfully, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. It was perfect for my busy life as a mother of two. In less than three months, I graduated, secured a job in the medical field and was set up for success. Seeking more, I returned to Pima Medical and enrolled in the 22-month Respiratory Therapy (RT) program. The school's support system and faculty made it an obvious choice. I loved the RT program and was employed for years as a Respiratory Therapist in a hospital and sleep lab setting. I also worked as an autotransfusionist in the operating room.
Life took a difficult turn when my husband battled colon cancer, requiring a temporary relocation to Phoenix. During this time, I pursued my dream of a bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration (BSHCA). When things got really tough and I wanted to quit, the program director encouraged me to keep going. Each faculty member was understanding and compassionate and I'm so grateful they pushed me to finish. My husband's health issues persisted, I knew I had to become the family's breadwinner so I finally pursued my dream and enrolled in the nursing program. Sadly, my husband passed away a month later and I had to drop out. Nearly two years later, I returned to the program and I am now a proud registered nurse (RN) at Banner Hospital. The nursing program was very challenging, but I realize now the faculty are so tough because they truly care about putting good nurses out in the field.
I recently introduced my daughter to Pima Medical. Just like I had, she took a tour, met with an advisor, received financial aid information, completed an assessment and scheduled an interview for the Radiography program. I am excited for her and confident that Pima Medical will be an amazing experience, just as it was for me.
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I started my career as a medic on an ambulance and knew I wanted
to become a nurse. Everyone around me was doing it and it felt like
the natural next step. At the time, I was working toward a degree in
paramedicine at another college but their nursing program required
a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (CNA), which I didn't have.
I was ready to get started and Pima Medical Institute offered exactly
what I needed: a program that didn't stretch over an entire semester.
I enrolled in the CNA course, checked that box and had a great
experience.
Eventually, I was accepted into a nursing program elsewhere - but the
waitlist was a year and a half. That's when Pima Medical reached out.
They said, "You're an alum and we have a nursing program." It was
accelerated and could get me in right away, so I said yes. I completed
the Registered Nurse (RN) program and went straight to work as a
nurse.
My boss had always encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) and though it was something I wanted
to do, I just kept putting it off. I finally enrolled in another school's
program but didn't like the structure. They said it was "fully
online", but there were group projects and required meetings that
didn't fit my schedule. I dropped and gave Pima Medical a shot
again. The BSN program was amazing. It was clearly laid out,
well-paced and truly online. I had the support I needed but I
could also self-guide.
Today, I'm the clinic manager for a company that operates
12 occupational health clinics across five states. Plus, I've
been accepted into the Master of Science in Organizational
Leadership (MSOL) program at Pima Medical. I'm pursuing
this advanced degree to grow as a leader and bring more to
the table.
Pima Medical has always been honest, consistent and
structured. If you're a self-starter with a busy schedule, this
is the school for you.
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I was getting ready to retire from the department of corrections and I knew I wanted a second career in the medical field. My sister was enrolled in PMI's Occupational Therapy Assistant program and she encouraged me to join her, but I just didn't quite understand it. Then my mother-in-law had a stroke and as I visited her in the rehabilitation facility and asked questions of her therapist, I realized this was the field my sister was talking about. The light went on for me and I knew it was the career field I wanted.
A week after I retired, I started the OTA program at Pima Medical Institute. One of my first thoughts was, I am the oldest person here and I have nothing in common with my classmates. But, it wasn't that way at all! Everyone is on the same level, learning the same things, and you need each other. My instructors offered us life experience that you just don't find in a book and they were so encouraging.
No matter how good your education is in the classroom, you're never totally prepared for clinicals. But once I was there, everything seemed to click and I knew just what to do. I loved the clinic atmosphere and I fell in love with pediatrics. I wish I would have started 20 years ago, but I've learned you're never too old to learn!
My son was my at home study partner while I was in school. Now, he and his girlfriend have enrolled in the OTA program at PMI starting later this year. It's becoming a family affair!
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I had some major setbacks while I was a student at Pima Medical Institute. In the middle of my program we lost our condo and two cars due to flooding from Hurricane Harvey. About the only things we saved from high water were my textbooks which I'd left on a high table. My classmates, instructors and administrators rallied around and helped me during this time. In fact, they provided enough money for a down payment on my car. The support was amazing! Also, right before my finals I lost my father to cancer. I was left emotionally drained but more determined than ever to finish my program.
The Dental Hygiene program was a very challenging and an accelerated program, but a great experience! Pima Medical prepares you and gives you the tools to move into the real world of your occupation. I had been interning at a small dental office and after graduation the dentist offered me an opportunity to begin building my customer base. After 4 months, I had worked up to full-time and was able to create and implement my own set of procedures. While at Pima Medical, I mentored a student in the class behind me and I was able to bring her on at my clinic. I now have a full schedule and she is building her customer base.
Although I had some major setbacks while at Pima Medical, I bit my lip and soldiered on. I'm grateful for the support of my instructors and others at Pima Medical. I am proud of my success and I even had a perfect score on my boards!
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I am a single dad. I bounced around to so many different jobs trying to provide for us. But, I knew if I wanted my son to get an education someday, I needed to be a model for him. I had a friend who was a respiratory therapist and after learning about his job, I signed up for the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute. I loved it! Every instructor I had was amazing! I was not really a book learner and I had many challenges as a single dad, but the instructors really cared about me and worked with me. During my first rotation, I fell in love with respiratory therapy. I currently work at Banner Desert Hospital, a level one trauma center. About three months after being hired, I was moved into our ICU (intensive care unit). It has been quite a learning curve but I work with some really smart people, many of them Pima Medical graduates, and I have learned so much from them.
Working with COVID-19 patients has been scary. I'm learning every day; from handling codes, to PPE, to proper proning techniques. We have such an important job caring for these people. I'm currently continuing my education through Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program. I want to show my son the importance of education and I'm doing it for myself because I love learning. It's been a challenge focusing on classes during COVID-19; seeing the things I'm seeing and experiencing high levels of stress and fear at my job. But, the instructors are there for me. I would certainly encourage others to consider the respiratory field and Pima Medical Institute for their training. I was a single dad with no money and Pima Medical went above and beyond for me; providing a work study job, gas cards and caring about me as a person. Most importantly, they got me ready for my new career. I'm dealing with life and death on a daily basis and I feel prepared. Thanks PMI!
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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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While facing setbacks in my undergraduate BSPS (Bachelors in Science of Pharmaceutical Science) program due to grade issues, I decided to step away. My advisor from the University of Arizona (UA) suggested I apply to Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. From the moment I stepped into the program, I knew I was in the right place. I had wonderful instructors to help guide me on the path of reaching my goal. I enjoyed meeting new and different people, each with their own unique story. Probably the biggest obstacle I faced was the poor performance that was lingering from my time at UA and wanting to show that I wasn't the reason for not doing well there. I'm proud to say I cleared that hurdle and finished my program with a 4.0 GPA.
One of the most invaluable aspects of Pima Medical was the accessibility of instructors for one-on-one guidance and always knowing I could easily ask questions and get help. This bolstered my confidence during my externship, enabling me to be comfortable with my colleagues and have the confidence to ask questions. I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Banner University Medical Center Tucson. My time there as an extern showcased my capabilities, earning me a position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
I owe immense gratitude to my instructors Shaun, Sara and Grace for their unwavering support and dedication to my success. Pima Medical Institute is able to offer opportunities to those that believe they don't deserve it, when in reality they do!
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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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After 12 years working primarily as a public health nurse at a Federally Qualified Health Center (BQHC) serving medically underserved populations, I became a supervisor at the Florida Department of Health. It was then that I realized that I needed to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to remain competitive in the job market. When I changed jobs, my new employer offered a deal I couldn't pass up; a FREE RN to BSN program, with the only contingency being that I remain with them 12 months after my degree attainment.
I was initially accepted at a much larger and well-known university for an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, but the communication between myself and their recruiters left a lot to be desired, and as an older student who had never taken online classes, it spooked me. I searched and found Pima Medical Institute's online BSN program. I applied and was immediately welcomed by a veritable squad of people helping ease my fears and walk me through a new-to-me online educational experience. The director even called me personally to ensure the program fit my needs for maximum success. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA this past May, and I couldn't praise my professors or fellow students more! I had access to kind and
helpful staff even at odd hours, and it has helped me become so much more confident in my current practice.
My positive educational experience at Pima Medical has me seriously considering the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) online program. This is something that was never on my radar before and I know I would only want to tackle this goal with Pima Medical Institute.
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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.
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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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