WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

In 1996 I made a decision to reach for higher goals. I left my job as a salesman at an upholstery shop and began working toward a degree in Radiography at the PMI Tucson campus. The day I took the assessment test for entry into the program, I noticed a poster with a picture of a PMI graduate, hand raised in the air and wearing an honors sash. I made a promise to myself that I, too, would graduate with honors. Two years later I became the first member of my family to complete college, and I graduated at the top of my class. I was immediately hired at St. Mary's Hospital, where I performed all aspects of diagnostic radiography, eventually earning a position as CT technologist. After 2 years I was hired in Benson, AZ where I served as Clinical Instructor and Chief Technologist. After 3 years I again made a decision to reach for a higher goal. I had always dreamed of becoming a teacher in radiologic sciences and I accepted a position as a full-time instructor at Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in an online Bachelor's degree program in Radiologic Science. In 2006 I was appointed to the position of Program Director at PMI, and I am currently completing my Masters in Education. PMI provided me with a strong foundation on which to build and gave me the confidence to reach even higher. It was the catalyst that helped me achieve more than I ever thought possible. Michael Hawkes, BSRS, RT (R) (ARRT)

I was driving past Pima Medical Institute one day and noticed a sign for their EMT program. When I stopped in and my advisor told me about the Medical Assistant program, and I learned I could finish in 9 months while still working full-time, I decided it was for me. I fell in love with the MA program! My life pretty much fell apart while I was a student at PMI. My mom was diagnosed with stage 5 renal failure and was in the hospital for months. I worked a 40-hour-a-week job during the day, attended classes in the evening, and squeezed in visits with my mom. My mom and I had shared our bills, and I couldn't keep up financially without her. I received an eviction notice and eventually lost my car. I felt like I was suffocating. During all of this, my instructors and classmates supported me, and Pima helped me with food boxes and other resources. I came to school on the night my mom died because that's where my support was. Emotionally, I could not have asked to be surrounded by a better group. Pima's amazing people - from instructors and student services to career services and front desk staff -- are the reason I kept going and didn't quit school. I ended up being hired by my externship site, and I've now moved on to another employer, but I have to say that I just love getting up in the morning and going to work as a Medical Assistant. I've never been able to say, "I love my job!" before. I am so utterly grateful for absolutely everything Pima Medical Institute has done for me. I don't know where I would be without them. Thanks, PMI!

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 entered Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program back in the 80's right after I'd graduated from high school. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but a friend suggested Radiography and Pima Medical had the most recognized program in the state and didn't require prerequisites. I had some challenges while in the program as I got married and my wife became pregnant with twins. But, I found I loved radiology, I had great instructors and it was completely worth it. I was hired at my clinical site, Presbyterian Hospital, after graduation and spent most of my career working in interventional radiology and the cardiac cath lab. I was able to raise a family on one income while living in Southern California by being on call almost every night for 25 years. I advanced all the way to Director of Imaging Services at a large hospital in Los Angeles, CA with just my associate degree, but I always knew I wanted to get my bachelor's degree. So once my kids were grown, at age 52, I decided to go back to school. I was researching programs and found Pima Medical had a BSHCA (Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration) program and, even though it had been 30 years, they accepted all of my credits and I was able to complete the program in 20 months. The BSHCA program not only opened my eyes to thoughts of pursuing an executive position (like COO) at the hospital, it's given me the confidence to apply. I found such success at Pima Medical that both my mother and sister later attended the Medical Assistant program at the ABQ Campus and my sister, seeing my success, enrolled in a Radiography program in North Carolina. I encourage others to go into this field. It has been a wonderful journey for me over the last 30 years and I'm not finished!

My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program. My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well. Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN. Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.

My mom had been a nurse in the Philippines, but after moving to the US she cared for us and began working as a phlebotomist. This influenced my decision to go into the medical field after high school. On a whim one day, I stopped by Pima Medical Institute and ended up enrolling in the three-month Phlebotomy program which started two weeks later. It was fast paced and very different from high school as students were all ages and yet we were all looking for a change or a new career. Even though our time together was short, it felt like family. My first job was with a blood donation company and after moving to eastern Washington, I worked at a hospital. This gave me a variety of experiences and built my confidence and I later transitioned into dialysis. I knew I eventually wanted to become a Medical Assistant (MA) and even though Pima Medical was a long commute, I had confidence in them so I enrolled in the MA program. I was pregnant, worked full time and had a long commute each day, but I did it! I feel like Pima Medical helped shape me into a resilient person. After graduation I worked at a hospital and a few other sites as an MA. But it wasn't long before I began to envision myself in administration, so I chose to complete the Health Care Administration online associate degree. That program gave me so much confidence and I loved it. After graduating, I saw an opening for a Career Services Advisor at Pima Medical, applied, and got the job. Now, I get to guide students and share my journey with them. Watching them grow reminds me of my own transformation. Pima Medical has been a constant in my life, and I'm proud to be part of a team that changes lives every day.

Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made. My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared. Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home. In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy. I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!

Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me. While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business. After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.