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I was 45 years old and working in sales when I had an experience that changed my life. My father fell very ill and after seeing him in and out of rehab facilities, I decided to take him home. I cared for him during the last six months of his life. As a result of that experience, I made the decision to leave my job and pursue a career in the nursing field.
After a little research, I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Nursing program. I hadn't been in a classroom since high school, so it was a little intimidating. It was a challenge, but the quality of the instructors and the quality of the program were great and I had a really supportive class. Clinicals are the real deal and where you work with your patients and get immersed into the culture. All of my clinical sites allowed me to be hands on and that set me up for success.
During the last week of nursing classes, Dependable Home Health gave a presentation explaining their company and nursing positions. I applied and have been working their ever since. I really enjoy home health because you have a different level of independence; you are required to use your critical thinking and reasoning every day and the doctors trust your assessments and opinions. After about a year of working in the field, I was promoted to their Clinical Manager position supervising other nurses, therapists, LPNs and aides.
I would highly recommend Pima Medical Institute to anyone looking for a career in the nursing field. The program is well structured and, although it's demanding, it is very rewarding!
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I got out of the military as a gunner's mate and, since there weren't really any jobs hiring for an ex-military ammunitions and weapons expert, I started looking for a school with an accelerated program to provide a new career. I found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program, and while on a waiting list, I enrolled in their Pharmacy Technician program. It really helped get me back into the swing of school after being out so long and the day I finished, I was able to start the RAD program. The accelerated pace of the program was tough and I spent many sleepless nights studying to keep up. However, no matter the struggle, it was worth it!
Pima Medical provides the best preparation for your profession and you don't waste time or money for unnecessary courses that don't benefit your field. Plus, they have the best clinical sites available. I felt prepared to work at any facility and in multiple modalities. I moved to Washington the week I finished my program to join my husband back from his deployment and I found a job near his station at Whidbey Health Hospital.
After two years, I enrolled and recently completed Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program. I am preparing to take my Mammography boards and then plan to begin classes and on the job training for Computed Tomography.
I regularly recommend Pima Medical to other students. I received a great education and the instructors were always helpful and available.
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My father is the Respiratory Therapy program director at PMI's Las Vegas campus and I heard about the program through him. After completing my application, I was awarded the Founder's Scholarship and was able to complete my BSRT all online while working full-time. My father always told me, "You can never be too smart!" so I didn't stop with my bachelor's.
I have recently completed my master's degree in Bioethics, with a concentration in end of life issues. I completed the program and was awarded my degree from The Alden March Bioethics Institute (AMBI) of Albany Medical College. Albany Medical College is one of America's oldest medical colleges, established in 1839 by Alden March. I was able to transfer all my credits from my undergraduate programs at Pima Medical Institute and The State University of New York. Getting my master's has been a great accomplishment for me! I am proud to be a PMI graduate and thankful for the generosity of the Luebke family. The BSRT I attained through PMI was truly the springboard for my graduation from Albany Medical College with my graduate degree.
My father shares my story with his students. It provides inspiration, clarity and proof of what students can do with a degree from the Pima Medical Institute RT program! Thanks PMI ... from both of us!
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I've been on my own since 2012 and graduated from high school as a homeless youth. When I contacted Pima Medical Institute in 2014, I was desperate and struggling to survive. My home was my car or a friend's house; I was struggling with depression and was at my wits end. I met with my admissions advisor and we connected right away. When she told me I'd passed the entry test she said, "You can do this!" For the first time in a very long time, I knew someone believed in me!
It wasn't long before I started PMI's Medical Assistant program. The staff and instructors helped me with my FASFA, studying, extra tutoring and extra time. I have never felt so supported! The career services department held my hand through the resume, application and externship process. I was hired at the UW Neighborhood Clinics before I'd even graduated.
Recently, I met with my advisor again. I excelled at the entry level test for the associate degree program in Health Care Administration. I am enrolled and plan to continue and have my bachelor's by February of 2018. After enrolling me, she looked at me and said "I am so proud of you, you've come so far!" I really don't know what I would have done without the personal support of everyone at PMI! I went from a struggling, confused, and anxious girl to a thriving woman in one year's time.
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I was a high school dropout. My husband and I had a baby, we held random jobs, and we struggled. After working in retail for 10 years in the exact same position, I realized I needed to make a change. I chose to go into the medical field because it's a growing field with a lot of opportunities. I had heard about Pima Medical Institute and their great reputation, so I began researching programs they offered and enrolled in their Pharmacy Technician program.
I rarely showed up for class in high school, but I knew I had to make school my priority now. What I found is that the instructors at PMI make it so interesting, you want to come to class. There's so much passion in that place. They love their students, you can feel it, and I actually enjoyed going to class each day. Not only that, but once I got into the program, I realized it is about way more than counting pills or processing insurance. It's about helping people, and that's what I enjoy doing! When I process medications, I know I am helping someone's grandma or baby sister get better. I just love my job!
I ended up being assigned to a major hospital for my clinical experience, and only eight days into my externship, I was offered a part-time job. A month later, I was offered a full-time position. I am currently working for Dignity Health and one day I hope to continue my education in the medical field, but for now, I absolutely love what I am doing!
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I began my education by attending a 4-year university and obtaining my bachelor's in Community Health. I found that my degree was very broad and, unfortunately, most employers were looking for experience. At that point, I realized I needed training in something more specific and in a field that was growing and in demand. My research informed me that a career as a Pharmacy Technician offered a great job market as well as job stability, which is what I needed.
My training as a student at Pima Medical Institute was quite different than my university experience. The program was only 9-months long, and the class sizes were much smaller which allowed for plenty of one-on-one time with my instructor. Pharmacy math isn't easy, but PMI offered me all the help I needed to succeed. I also really appreciated all of the hands-on learning.
I was hired at the site where I completed my externship and I worked there for one year. Recently, I accepted a job with PharMerica, a long-term pharmacy specializing in senior living, where I have more responsibility. I really enjoy my job and I always feel like I'm learning. I'm even considering going on to school to become a Pharmacist.
I enjoyed my experience at PMI very much. In fact, I miss it. I enjoyed my classmates and have stayed in touch with them. I would encourage anyone looking for a quick way to start a career in the medical field to consider Pima Medical Institute.
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I am currently a Registered Respiratory Therapist and a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist. I work for SleepMed Inc., the largest sleep company in the United States. I run two sleep centers here in Tucson and where I do the hiring, training, quality assurance, physician's reports, and more.
I was working on my bachelor's in psychology when a couple of my immediate family members experienced respiratory issues. This began my understanding and then passion for the respiratory field. It wasn't long before I knew I wanted to become a Respiratory Therapist and I scheduled a meeting at Pima Medical Institute. I loved my experience as a student! My instructors were caring and kind, my classmates were so supportive, and we all became like a big family. I had amazing clinical experiences and the relationships I built with some of those physicians are relationships I still have to this day.
Now, I get to host PMI students on their clinical rotations. PMI instills a confidence in their students so that when they come to me they are respectful, versatile, and willing to ask questions. There is simply a different culture with PMI students and when I have an opportunity, I hire them. Since PMI, I've obtained a bachelor's in Health Science and I'm currently pursuing a master's in Public Health, with the goal of doing sleep research. PMI has changed my life in so many ways and I'm so grateful!
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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 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!
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I've always wanted to be a nurse; I come from a family of 12 and I am a caregiver at heart. I researched many different schools, but so many had a two-year waiting list just to begin. I was able to start Pima Medical Institute's Nursing program the fall after graduating from high school. I was not a straight A student so I knew it would be difficult and I'd have to be willing to put in the work. My teachers were kind, patient and accommodated my learning style. They even offered one-on-one tutoring, which made a big difference for me. My classmates and I had study groups, shared notes, and many are still my friends to this day.
The instructors at Pima Medical genuinely want you to succeed. They are always available to help and often shared their personal nursing experiences with us. After completing my clinicals at Banner Baywood Hospital, I was offered a job. I continued my education with Pima Medical, completing the online RN to BSN program and I found it quite easy to manage work and school life balance, even in the midst of a pandemic.
I've worked in many different departments; neurology, progressive care unit (PCU), resource nurse working with all different departments, and currently I'm working in the ICU. There are endless opportunities for nurses and I am considering both research and travel nursing in my future.
I am thankful for each of my instructors - they were incredible! I was only 17 years old when I started the nursing program, now I am 22 and have my bachelor's degree. I would recommend Pima Medical to anyone wanting to become a nurse.
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I was born with asthma and my grandfather had emphysema so I've always known about respiratory. In fact, I was in and out of the hospital most of my childhood as a result of my asthma. When I decided to get my education, I reached out to Pima Medical Institute and their program director encouraged me to shadow a respiratory therapist for a 12-hour shift. I took her advice and fell in love and knew then respiratory was my calling. I really appreciated the small class size at Pima Medical. I had excellent instructions and they all had an open-door policy, were available if you were struggling, and never made you feel stupid.
After graduation, I initially worked at a PFT (pulmonary function test) lab and later was hired at Oro Valley Hospital. After 7 years my husband and I moved to Virginia where I obtained a position here at St Francis Medical Center. I've been the Lead Respiratory Therapist for the past year and was recently promoted to a Manager position. Although I journeyed through COVID as a pregnant respiratory therapist, I never worried for my own safety. My department protected me and I spent most of the time working in the NICU rather than with COVID patients.
I'm currently writing a paper for my bachelor's degree on the mental health of health care workers. COVID showed us that we have dropped the ball in the area of mental health. I am currently managing 20 respiratory therapists, many who are travelers, and I want to learn to ask the right questions and provide care for those who may be struggling.
I'm grateful for the educational foundation I received at Pima Medical that has brought me to this point in my career.
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I was studying to be a chef when I realized it just wasn't what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I researched the medical field and enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. My instructors saw I was eager to learn and pushed me to do my best. My externship at William Beaumont Army Medical Hospital ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. I obtained a wealth of experiences working in the ER and trauma bay. During my last week, the master sergeant and staff surprised me by awarding me a Challenge Coin (the first one given to a student) for all my hard work and dedication. It was such an honor!
Since graduating from my 9-month MA program, I have had a ton of great experiences. My first job was with a podiatrist where I assisted with minor surgeries and general foot care. I later worked for a rheumatologist where I became the head MA. I spent time working in dermatology, as a traveling MA and later for a pediatric GI doctor. Throughout this whole time, I'd had my application in with the federal government and recently obtained a position as a Clinical Certified Medical Assistant working with the Customs Border Patrol Medical Unit at the Port of Entry. We treat immigrants, detainees and our own officers. We make sure they get medications and assist in everything from wound care to labor and delivery.
I love the medical field and I love to learn. I am considering continuing my education to become an RN, nurse practitioner or flight paramedic. I'm so grateful I chose Pima Medical and found my place in the medical field!
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