WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

When I signed up for the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute, I was a full-time husband, a full-time dad, and I had full-time bills and responsibilities. I worked nights as a patient care technician while attending school during the day. During my clinical rotations, I would leave my house early Tuesday morning, work my rotation from 7:30 am until 5 pm, go straight to my job, and work from 6 pm until 4:30 am. Then, I would take a shower at the hospital, drive to my clinical rotation, sleep for a little over an hour in my truck, and do it all over again. On Saturday morning I would return home to my wife and 4 kids. I did this for the last 16 months of my program. If it weren't for my family and my Lord, I would not have been able to do it. Because of their support, I graduated from PMI with a 3.8 GPA. My PMI instructors had a passion for what they taught and they cared for their students. In fact, they are among the best people I've ever met in my life. My classmates and I helped each other through and became like a family. I currently work for two great companies - St Joseph's Hospital and Honor Health. They are training me in interventional radiology, not typically an honor given to new graduates. I love my job and am thankful for my education at PMI. It's been worth all the hard work and sacrifice. I'm here to tell everyone that no matter what you're facing or going through, if you're willing to make the sacrifices you can do anything!

I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. When my oldest child headed to college I felt like I had lost my identity and purpose, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to be behind a desk and I enjoyed being on my feet and using my hands. So when I saw the commercial for the Dental Assisting Program and Pima Medical Institute, I decided it might be a fit for me. It was somewhat intimidating going back to school when I was the oldest student in the class and it was certainly challenging having homework again while balancing family and home life. But, my instructor was helpful and cheered me on. I felt very prepared, although extremely nervous, for my hands on externship experience. But I learned so much and it helped me understand that I really wanted to work in a specialty area of dentistry. I was initially hired at a general practice but soon found the place I really belonged; a periodontist office. I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. I have great coworkers and wonderful doctors who continue to teach me about their specialty. I love it all and am so happy! Pima Medical has been so good in helping me go from "what's my purpose?" to "this is where I should be!" Finding that out and being happy where I am has been everything. It has done so much for me! Plus, my kids are really proud of me. I love the patients! It's different every day! It's a lot of fun. I love it! I'm so glad I did this!

I grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program. I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff. While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics. My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.

I received my Medical Assistant (MA) certificate from Pima Medical Institute's Renton Campus back in 2007. I was a high school dropout at age 16. A few years later, I was working at a grocery store and felt like I wasn't going anywhere. I found Pima Medical through a coworker who was attending and since my mom had been an MA and I felt I had disappointed my parents, I signed up. I did not stay in medical assisting, but I used my education from Pima Medical to further my career in the healthcare field on the administration side of things. Over 14 years I have worked at a number of healthcare facilities, including Neurology, Ear, Nose, and Throat, and Facial Plastic Surgery. In 2020 I received an alumni email from Pima Medical Institute which prompted me to continue my education in their online Health Care Administration program. I've just completed my associate degree and am enrolled in the bachelor's program with the goal of continuing on to the master's program. I work full time at my dream job where I help teach providers how to use function medicine in their clinics. Recently, as a result of completing my associate degree, I received the promotion I have been waiting for as the Senior Production Specialist. I am so thankful for Pima Medical, I would not be where I am today without their help. My online classes taught me exactly what I needed to be successful in my current job. All of my instructors helped me get through this year; they were always available when I had questions and made the process extremely smooth and comfortable. Pima Medical gave me an amazing career in the medical field and I can't wait to see what my future holds!

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.

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.

I spent nearly seven years working as a Medical Assistant (MA) before I finally decided to continue my education and complete the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was my commute - I live in Colorado Springs, so this was a 74-mile drive each way to attend class at the Denver Campus. That meant spending at least two and a half hours a day just on the road, in addition to my coursework, clinicals and job at UCHealth. The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible. They were more than just educators-they were mentors who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. The program was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I loved every moment of it, and I genuinely believe that the hands-on, real-world experience I gained during my time there has set me up for success in my new career. One of the most exciting parts of this journey was being hired to work for both UCHealth and Penrad Imaging before even completing my program. I was offered a full-time position at Penrad Imaging and later, I was hired as a PRN at UCHealth. It was a huge confidence boost, knowing that I was already making an impact in the field even before passing my ARRT registry exam. Now, I'm officially a Radiologic Technologist, and I couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of my career. Every challenge, every late night, every moment of doubt was worth it. Thank you Pima Medical!

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.

Maria Christina Baxley is a two-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute. Baxley earned an Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree in 2017 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration in 2026. Baxley is now sharing that knowledge and love for OTA as an instructor at our El Paso campus. How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute? My journey to Pima Medical Institute began when the school stepped up in El Paso to help students from a closing institution complete their education; a group that included my brother-in-law. Hearing their experiences revealed how my background in construction and ADA compliance naturally aligned with the field, particularly in home modifications. As I looked deeper into the program, I realized this was my next path. I wanted to serve my community on a deeper level, moving beyond structural changes to actively participate in client care, track their progress, and be a meaningful part of their rehabilitation. What was your experience like as a student in your program(s)? Stepping back into academia after a 20-year gap was one of the toughest challenges I've faced. Entering the medical field without prior experience meant starting from scratch, but I leveraged the unique skill set I developed in construction and bartending. I used practical mnemonic strategies to master complex concepts. Fueled by a determination to redefine my future, I dedicated myself entirely to the program. Earning this degree proved that those sacrifices were completely worth it. What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute? One of the things I appreciate most about Pima Medical Institute is the strong alignment between the administration and the instructors. Their shared priority isn't just student turnover or enrollment numbers, it's a genuine commitment to student well-being and education. This supportive environment ultimately empowers us to provide the highest quality care to the patients in our communities. After completing my Level II fieldwork, I earned my COTA certification and state license, beginning my career in pediatric practice. Over the next three and a half years, I gained invaluable clinical experience working with children. When the opportunity arose to join Pima Medical Institute as a Lab Assistant, I jumped at the chance. Teaching as an OTA instructor had long been a goal of mine, and this role marked an exciting first step toward fulfilling that dream. Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why? Yes- I would recommend Pima Medical Institute! Over the past six years, I have transitioned into an Instructor role while earning my Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration through the institution. Looking ahead, I am actively pursuing HSE and OSHA 500 certifications. My next professional milestone is to combine my clinical, educational, and trade experience to become a Safety Coordinator Instructor. Looking back, I am deeply grateful for every opportunity I embraced and for the perseverance that kept me moving forward. My journey taught me that with determination and the right support, no challenge is out of reach. I set a goal, built a plan, and executed it, and today, I am living the result. Thank you, Pima Medical Institute for being such a vital part of my success!