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When I came to Pima Medical Institute, I was a single mom with a teenage daughter. I had attended college in the past but was left with a useless degree working a job that wasn't paying the bills. I like helping people but don't really like to touch them, so the Pharmacy Technician program was a perfect fit for me.
Since graduating in 2014, I've held various roles within the pharmacy community; from retail, to long-term care, to home infusion where I am currently working. I am part of an amazing team at Providence Infusion and Pharmacy where I get to help patients that are receiving home IV treatments. I've also recently expanded my knowledge and have moved into a billing role.
In the seven and a half years since I've graduated from Pima Medical, I've doubled my income and have been able to provide my daughter with a life we would never have had before. We take multiple vacations a year, we have our own home, and we both drive great vehicles and she is working on becoming a pilot. We have a life we never could've dreamed possible, and I was able to build amazing friendships in the process.
Pima Medical was most definitely the right choice for me. Most recently, I've been looking into continuing my education and going for a bachelor's in Health Care Administration. I can't thank Pima Medical enough for what they've done for me and my family. I wake up every morning excited to come to work and help people. I love what I do!
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At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field.
I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position.
I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program.
I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.
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My experience at PMI came during my transition from being a diesel mechanic to becoming a physician assistant. After graduating from the University of Texas with a bachelors degree in biology, I applied for PA school and was told I needed patient care experience. So, I found PMI and signed up for their Phlebotomy program. I chose phlebotomy over CNA because I enjoy technical skills and wanted to learn the skill of drawing blood.
My classes at PMI definitely prepared me for my profession as a phlebotomist. My instructor, Ms Lei Sean, made class fun and easy to understand. My externship at the VA clinic gave me so much experience, I was able to perform almost a thousand successful blood draws in 4 weeks. After I began my phlebotomist job at Banner Baywood, at the start of my shifts I was charged with collecting blood from patients that everyone else had difficulty with during the earlier shift. This happened because I was really good at blood draws on difficult patients. My training from PMI really helped me be successful.
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One day while working in retail assisting a customer who had a personal assistant and, obviously had a different lifestyle than mine, I struck up a conversation and ended up asking her what she did. She explained that she was a VP for San Ysidro Health Center and, after our conversation about her work, she gave me her card and asked me if I knew any CNA's to send them her way
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Something about that conversation caused me to look at my life differently and think about where I was headed. I'd been working in retail for 10 years and I just couldn't see it taking me anywhere. At the time, my cousin was attending Pima Medical Institute. He told me the school was great, the program was fast and it wasn't too expensive and encouraged me to attend. So I went to PMI and enrolled in the Medical Assistant program. It was the best experience I've ever had! I never considered myself a great student and wasn't very book-smart, but PMI was very hands on and I loved it. The instructors were super helpful and would come in early to help me and the students became my lifelong friends. Even the security guard was awesome.
I did my externship with a plastic surgeon and learned a ton. It had been 2 years since I'd had contact with that customer, but I found her business card, called her, and asked if she remembered me - Delilah from Pier One. She was blown away that she had touched me enough to encourage me to get my education and she told me she wanted to help me find a job at her company. She called me back and offered me a position as a health educator in their HIV department, with a brand new branch working with the Center for Disease Control and their federally funded grant. It is an amazing opportunity typically reserved for someone with a bachelor's degree. We offer free HIV testing and counseling for those who test positive for HIV.
Even though it was a little different route than I'd planned, if I hadn't gone to PMI and gotten my education, I would have missed a fantastic opportunity! I've kept in touch with Pima. I'm on their advisory board, I come back to speak to classes, and I am able to offer their students opportunities to volunteer with our organization. I am so grateful for my education at PMI!
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I already had my associate's degree in Radiography and was looking for an online bachelor's program for Radiology when I found Pima Medical Institute. I chose PMI's Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program because it was all online, it was set up for me to go at a pace that allowed me to continue to work full-time and they accepted my associate degree credits.
I had a great experience! My instructors were excellent! Up to this time, my only experience had been typical on ground classes, so there was a bit of an adjustment to learning online. But, the thing I appreciated most about my education at PMI was my instructors' willingness to help and accommodate my needs.
I am currently an Interventional Radiologic Technologist and I've been working for the same employer since getting my associate's in 1986. I look forward to continuing my work in Radiology and hope to move toward education and opportunities to teach.
I received a great education from Pima Medical Institute and would highly recommend them to others looking for a bachelor's degree. I want to say THANK YOU to all my online instructors for their help in advancing my education.
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After working at an animal shelter for about 10 years, I realized I wanted to become a Veterinary Technician. I did my research online and found that Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Technician program had a good reputation, and their morning classes worked perfectly with my schedule. I was able to be a single mom, go to classes in the morning, and work in the afternoon. I had previous degrees that I didn't use, and I've always enjoyed learning, but PMI's program was very accelerated, I learned so much so fast. My instructors were great and gave us really good feedback. I realize I was a bit of a late bloomer in deciding to go back to school at age 34, but I'm so glad I did.
During my Veterinary Assistant externship, I worked at Veterinary Specialty Center where I got great experience and a job. I was able to work while completing my Veterinary Technician program, and I recently became the internal medicine lead technician. I love my job in internal medicine, and I'm always learning. In fact, I am working towards my veterinary technician specialty license and even spend my vacation time going down into Mexico to participate in spay and neuter clinics. There are probably 20 of us PMI graduates at my work place. I have to say, it feels good to be surrounded by these graduates because I know they are well-trained and knowledgeable. This program really does set you up for success.
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Before attending Pima Medical Institute, I had tried taking classes at the university, worked a few years as a lifeguard, and had been unemployed for a year. When my grandmother encouraged me look into a career taking x-rays, I researched and found Pima Medical and enrolled in their Radiography program.
Going back to school at 30 years of age was challenging, but what a difference it was being in a class of only 25 students at Pima Medical rather than my previous experience of 300-500 students at ASU. I found it so much easier to focus and my instructors were great! By the time I graduated I had job offers from both of my clinical sites. I worked in a hospital setting as a radiologic technologist for two years and then returned to school to pursue a post-graduate education in St. Louis. In April 2019 I graduated from Logan University with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.
Pima Medical not only gave me the start I needed in the medical field, it gave me a huge advantage over my classmates at Logan. Even though I was taught by many well-known chiropractic doctors, I still consider my Pima Medical instructor, Mike Hawkes, to be the best instructor I ever had.
At 39 years of age I am opening my own business, Pyle Family Chiropractic, in Peoria, AZ. If you had told me nine years ago when I started Pima Medical that I would be a doctor and a small business owner, I would have said you were crazy! I'm so thankful for the start Pima Medical provided me! Dr. Nicholas Pyle DC R.T.(R)(ARRT)
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I was interested in the medical field but was struggling academically at the local community college. I knew something had to change, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. What I love about Pima Medical is you start your medical classes immediately and your prerequisites are incorporated into the program. My class sizes were smaller and I had dedicated instructors who were available and catered to my learning style. They really wanted me to succeed and I did!
I completed my externship at a family practice and, even though I was nervous, I found I was pretty good and they hired me. Being an MA helped me get my feet wet in the medical field but I always wanted to be a nurse. So after a year, I met with my original admission's advisor and he walked me through the process (something the community college doesn't do) to enroll in the nursing program.
It was a very challenging program, but our instructors kept telling us to trust the process. Partway through, COVID hit. We went from in-person to distance learning and I began caring for COVID patients at my urgent care job. Our instructors did a great job of helping us transition. Our whole cohort is proud to say we went through nursing school during a pandemic, knowing what was ahead. I'm proud of all of us!
During my clinical experience I found I had a passion for working with critical patients, so I am excited to begin my nursing career working in a neuro ICU. I am a success because of the support I received while attending Pima Medical Institute. It was the best decision I've ever made!
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I was at a place in my life where I just didn't know what I wanted. One day after driving past the sign for Pima Medical Institute I walked in and enrolled in their Medical Administrative Assistant program. It was a rough time for me. My mom, who I was living with, became very ill with stomach cancer and I had to care for her. In fact, I almost quit, but thankfully the instructors at Pima Medical supported me and encouraged me to not give up. She passed away right before graduation but I not only finished, I graduated with honors.
I have been employed at a mental health clinic for about three years now and I believe I have found my calling. I am the senior intake and I take on all the hard patients; dealing with bipolar and schizophrenia in adults and severe autism in children. I am able to calm the patients and make the parents feel comfortable. I feel like it's my calling. Pima Medical invited me to be on their advisory board and I was able to give my input about the need for education surrounding the mental health field. Today, I have four Pima Medical students completing their externships at my clinic. They are often nervous at first, but it's exciting to give students exposure to a different area of the medical field.
I want to thank Pima Medical for giving me the tools I needed to succeed. I loved how the teachers cared about you as a person. I enjoy going to work every day and I'm excited to continue my education so one day I can operate my own mental health clinic.
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I have always been interested in the medical field, but when my father had a heart attack it validated my desire to help people like him. After hearing a radio advertisement for Pima Medical Institute, my husband pushed me to inquire. His support gave me the confidence to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. I wasn't very focused in high school, but despite having to work and take care of my young son while in the program, I am proud to say I graduated with honors.
I completed my externship and was hired at a combined urgent care and family medicine office. I had a fantastic experience and worked for two brilliant physicians who helped further my education. I worked there for seven years and eventually worked my way up into management. After 11 years in the field, I decided to return to Pima Medical to complete the online Health Care Administration program, which helped prepare me for my current position as Lead MA Instructor at Pima Medical's Denver Campus.
One of the things I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the instructors. My MA instructor gave me confidence and unwavering support, even after I was no longer her student. Both my on ground and online instructors prepared me for every aspect of my career and helped me realize what a bright future I had. I am planning to continue in the bachelor's program and I recommend Pima Medical to anyone interested in pursuing an education in the medical field.
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When I received straight A's while growing up my parents would often reward me with a gift. One day I asked for two snakes for my reward and that's when my love of animals began. I just didn't see myself going to a university after high school, so I decided to lean on my love of animals and enrolled in East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). During my junior/senior years I completed the Veterinary Assistant (VA) program.
I learned so much about animal care and just loved my EVIT experience. While at my externship, I realized there were limitations to what I was allowed to do, so I decided to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). Pima Medical Institute partners with EVIT by hosting seminars and having representatives available on campus. Since they had a good reputation and would accept my 30 credits, it was an easy decision and I started the VT program shortly after high school graduation.
The instructors were incredibly creative and flexible in their instruction, especially considering the COVID restraints, and we had plenty of hands-on practice opportunities. One of our requirements was to submit at least three applications to employers. The first resume I sent out was to Trilogy Veterinary Medical Center where I ended being hired as a Veterinary Technician. I really enjoy my clinic; it's relatively new and there's lots of room for growth.
Pima Medical Institute was one of the hardest things I've done to date, but it was a great investment in myself and I wouldn't change a thing. I am 20 years old and I have a career in a field that I love!
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My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!
I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field.
My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything!
I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities.
I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!
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