WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I found myself, a 46 year old single parent of four children, facing the difficult challenge of supporting my family on my own. I had been working part time as a medical transcriptionist, but knew I would need to find a more lucrative career. I enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute and, although I knew the next 18 months would be hard and challenging, I was determined to have a career. I worked part time, was a full time student, and a full time mom to four amazing children. My mantra was "take it one day at a time". I had great classmates and was fortunate to belong to an amazing study group where we were able to work together to help each other be successful. Soon enough I found myself completing the last of my three clinical rotations and studying for the final exam and the national board exam. I completed school with a 4.0 GPA, and the best ending to my story was that I passed the board exam with a perfect 800 score! But, my greatest accomplishment was that I was able to prove to myself and to my children that we can do hard things, persevere, and get through tough situations. They make me proud to be their mom and I would not have been able to succeed without their love and encouragement. I now have a job I love and I am able to support my family. Thanks PMI!

I once dreamt of a high power job working on the top floor of a sky scraper. I graduated with my bachelor's and obtained a good position with a fortune 500 company where I learned valuable information, but felt unfulfilled. I had a desire to help people and make a difference, so when my mother suggested looking into occupational therapy I jumped in feet first. I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant program because their accelerated curriculum, class schedule and location fit my needs. My experience was quite different than my bachelor's had been, in that the instructors had on-the-job experience and there was significantly more hands-on learning. As students, we were encouraged to become involved in the OT community and I continue to play an active role by holding board positions and sitting on ad hoc committees in our state associations. Through networking, I received a position in subacute rehabilitation and worked my way into management. Currently, I am an OTA instructor back at the PMI campus where I once attended. It wasn't that long ago I sat in those same chairs and, consequently, I understand the challenges and pressures my students face. I didn't just find a job; I found a profession and a career I am proud of and extremely happy to support on a daily basis. I am thankful to PMI for the education I received and now for the opportunity to continue to educate others in the OTA profession. I'm not in a sky scraper (although my office is on the 5th floor) but I love my job!

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!

I joined the US Army National Guard my senior year of high school, six months after 9/11 and was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in 2006. While in Kabul, I discovered the possibility of becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). After graduating with my associate degree in Maryland in 2010, I've worked as a PTA for Medstar Health for 11 years and have been an adjunct PTA faculty member. I attempted several times to return to a four-year college to get my bachelor's degree but the passion for the content of general studies was hard to dive into. While researching, I found Pima Medical Institute's Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (BSPTA) program, but it seemed too good to be true. A program full of what I loved and dedicated to the PTA world I so deeply cherished? I enrolled. I found the content and curriculum to be completely relevant to my job. It was challenging working full time while a student, but it was worth it. Then COVID hit. Healthcare changed completely; the challenges were on a different level. All of the instructors were understanding, kind and caring. I felt I could openly talk to them about content, challenges, life and all the bumps that came during 2019-20. I made friends and connections that I hadn't expected as we shared experiences and learned together, from afar. Now that I've completed my BSPTA degree, my goals are to be director of PTAs for all 54 clinics, promote the hiring of PTAs and to eventually become full time faculty in a PTA program and lead the future PTAs. Thank you to the staff and faculty of Pima Medical for the constant encouragement and a caring and safe space to fulfill my dream!

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!

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.

My journey with Pima Medical Institute has been nothing short of transformative. After high school I started classes at the community college, but I just didn't like it. I didn't know what to do with my life and was spending my days playing video games. Encouraged by my parents, I began searching for a phlebotomy program, an interest of mine, and that's when I found Pima Medical. The pivotal moment came during a tour with my advisor, where we explored different programs and the Pharmacy Technician program grabbed my attention. I was still nervous and unsure, but I returned a year later feeling ready and I enrolled. Pima Medical's small, close-knit community made the first few weeks feel different from any other school experience. The journey through the program had its challenges, especially for someone like me who isn't fond of reading. However, the camaraderie among classmates, my new friendships and the guidance from Mr. Silva, our instructor, made it an enriching experience. The real test came during my externship, and despite feeling terrified, I excelled. Pima Medical not only equipped me with technical skills but also nurtured my interviewing abilities and landing a job at UMC Surgical Hospital was a dream come true. The fast-paced environment, combined with the hands-on experience I'd gotten in school, made the transition seamless. Even when I'm off for a few days, I find myself eager to get back to work. At just 20 years old, I'm happy in my new career and am dreaming about future possibilities in the medical field. From transforming my unhealthy lifestyle to instilling a newfound passion for my work, Pima Medical has been the guiding force that has not just shaped my career but my entire life.

I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field. I was just a few months from graduating high school when I came across Pima Medical Institute. Sitting down with the admissions advisor and hearing about the different programs, we both agreed that the Medical Assistant (MA) program would be a great fit. I enrolled and was able to begin shortly after graduating from high school. It was challenging finding a work/school balance at the beginning of my program, as I worked a graveyard shift and attended morning classes. But, my instructors gave me all the support and resources I needed to make it easier for me. My classmates and I supported and helped each other and I made many lifelong friends in the MA program. Our instructor, Ms. Knight was an amazing instructor; not only providing great instruction but holding us accountable and being honest about what we might encounter in the field. I was hired immediately after completing my externship at the site. I've worked in family medicine, pediatric oncology and hospice care. I currently work for Nathan Adelson Hospice as an MA traveling around the state vaccinating patients who live in rural areas who don't have access to the Covid19 or flu vaccines. I feel proud to have a career in the medical field, thanks to Pima Medical. Often when I speak to people about my career and how I got where I am, they are surprised by my age. They say, "You've done all of that and you're only 21 years old?" I wouldn't have been able to do it without the staff at Pima Medical who gave me guidance, my MA classmates and, of course, Mrs. Knight who taught me the skills I use every day to treat my patients.

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.