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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!
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By the time I was 11 years old, I knew I wanted to become a nurse and help others. I was excited when I began my community college's nursing program, but in my 3rd semester, I became pregnant with my first child. I was nervous about how this would impact my schooling, but the program director assured me that I could take my last semester off and then return to the program. However, after giving birth, I attempted to return and was told the rules had changed. My only option, despite perfect attendance and good grades, was to re-apply and start all over. I was devastated as I gave up my dream of working in the medical field, and began working in the car industry.
My passion for wanting to help others, however, never went away. I was introduced to Pima Medical Institute and signed up for their Medical Assistant program. I was a single mother, and very focused on accomplishing my goal. I had a couple of phenomenal instructors and some great classmates who helped me. I appreciated that PMI treated me like an adult and that part of my preparation was learning to be professional. This really paid off when I transitioned into my job. I've been working in the medical field for over 15 years now and am currently the site coordinator at Southern Arizona Orthopedics. PMI prepared me well for my job, and I would recommend the school to others. I want to thank my instructor, Lisa, who not only taught me the skills to be successful in my workplace, but also in life.
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I am a single father of four children. I came to Pima Medical Institute looking for a way to support my children and to do something that I could be proud of. I decided I wanted a career in the dental field, so I signed up for PMI's Dental Assistant program. While enrolled in the program, I held down a job, took care of my four children by myself, and maintained a 4.0 GPA. I did my externship at Longo and Associates General Dentistry. I am 40 years old and when I came to PMI, I was missing one of my front teeth. Dr. Longo gave me two gifts; a new front tooth and a job.
I was told I was hired because of my skills, a strong work ethic and my kindness to patients and fellow employees. I am just about to celebrate my first anniversary at the Dr. Longo's dental office and I am proud to be able to support my children and to have a career that makes me feel proud. I am so thankful to Pima Medical Institute for helping me to achieve both my career and family goals. It has changed my life!
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After a recent divorce my daughter asked me to move to Colorado Springs to care for her children while she went back to school. When I arrived she announced that while enrolling at PMI, she had made an appointment for me to meet with an advisor as well. I hadn't even considered going back to school, but when I went, I realized this was what I wanted to do. We started the same day. I went to morning classes for the Medical Assistant program, we handed off kids in the parking lot, and she attended afternoon classes for the Dental Assistant program. On the first day of class, I realized I was the oldest person there. I wasn't sure I could do it. But, the instructors were great, and I wanted to make my kids proud of me. Each day I gained more confidence.
Eventually, my daughter and I walked in the graduation ceremony together. We were both hired at our externship sites. In fact, on my last day of externship I only needed 3 more hours, so once I completed those I worked the remainder of my shift as an employee! My daughter and I both love our jobs, and we have been able to continue tag team caring for my grandkids. This whole experience has made me consider going back to school for a Nursing degree. Pima helped me realize I can do it. My daughter is starting school as a Dental Hygienist, and has set her goal on becoming a dentist.
It's never too late to get an education and do what you love! PMI changed my life!!
Pima is a great place for older people like me especially with their accelerated programs and supportive instructorsIt's never too late to get an education and do what you love! PMI changed my life!!
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I was attending a local community college and was interested in their Physical Therapist Assistant program, but there were lots of pre-requisites and a long waiting list. I attended an open house at Pima Medical Institute and found I could start their PTA program right away. When I began, I thought 18 months felt like forever, but and all of a sudden it was over! I graduated in December, took my licensing test in January and started working in February. I love my job couldn't ask for a better place to work!
I am currently supervising a PMI student. I feel like I was just there and now I'm on the other side as a professional. One of my favorite things about PMI is how the classes were already set up and the books are provided. It created a much less stressful environment than my experience with a community college and enabled me to focus on what was really important. My director and instructors not only knew my name, they knew me.
PMI did a great job preparing me. They gave me the knowledge I needed to step into my clinicals with confidence. They also taught me how to study and prepare us for the licensing exam. They even prepared me for things like resume writing and interviewing. They made sure I was ready in every way to get a job in my profession.
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I've wanted to become a pharmacist since I was in middle school. My grandma had an unfortunate incident where she was given too much heart medication which caused a heart attack. That day I decided I wanted to make sure that never happened to anyone else's family.
I chose Pima Medical Institute because I felt their pharmacy technician program would create a stepping stone and give me the experience I needed to prepare to one day becoming a pharmacist. My experience as a student was excellent; I learned a lot from each instructor and enjoyed every second. All three of my instructors helped me not only become a professional, but become a better person.
My goal was always to work in a hospital setting, so I was fortunate to be able to do my externship at Desert Springs Hospital. I completed my PTCB certification and was hired at Desert Springs after my externship. I continue to pursue my education. I currently working full time and attend PMI's online program. I have completed my associate's degree in Health Care Administration and hope to finish my bachelor's in Health Care Administration next year. I still have my sights set on becoming a pharmacist. I've really appreciated PMI, the knowledge I've gained, and all the instructors I've learned from. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical Institute to others!
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There are many reasons I chose to attend Pima Medical Institute. Being a military wife, I wanted to choose a school and program that would allow me to work in other states if necessary. Upon my first tour of the campus, I felt welcomed and at home. My admissions advisor believed in me and was so encouraging. I also chose PMI because of the schedule, smaller class size, and the hands on training. PMI made it easy for me to attend classes and work full time.
During my time as a student I faced many challenges. I was struggling with finances and I found out I was pregnant two weeks before classes started. But, my financial aid advisor answered questions, helped me apply for grants, and made the process seamless. My instructors were knowledgeable and challenged me to reach new heights. I'll never forget the encouragement they gave me. PMI helped me keep focused and even worked around my maternity leave.
Pima Medical Institute not only helped me with job placement, resumes, and interviews, they gave me the tools to succeed. After graduation, I was accepted into a company that promoted me to a lead assistant position in under two years. I now get to walk into a job that I love, and I am rewarded with the opportunity to help change lives one smile at a time.
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I remember working at a small animal practice as a veterinary assistant and wanting so badly to be a veterinary technician. When I was ready to start working toward my goal, I researched several schools until I found Pima Medical Institute. When I learned their classes were only 4 hours a day, I knew it would be a good fit for me as a single mom.
I worked full-time while a student and it wasn't easy. It seemed I was always struggling financially, but it was a good reminder to make studying and school a priority. Thankfully, I had 3 amazing instructors who helped prepare me for my profession. They cared about me and invested in helping me succeed. I wouldn't be where I am without them. One of my instructors helped set up my externship at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, where I had always hoped to work. Upon completion I was offered a position and it was a dream comes true!
As soon as I complete my license, I hope to begin my bachelor's in animal science. I'm so thankful for the incredible support I had from the people at PMI. Today I am an emergency veterinary technician and I love my job!
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I had recently graduated from high school and was considering becoming a dental hygienist, when I heard an ad on Pandora for Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant Program and decided to enroll. I found the program to be pretty intense and I even considered dropping out at one point. But, my instructor was amazing and I made some of the best friends I've ever had. When it came time for me to begin my externship, I felt extremely confident that I was prepared. This is due to the thorough hands-on training the program provided me. In fact, on my first day of externship, my dentist told me I was born for this and I was offered a job! That was pretty fun and after I completed externship I started there as a dental assistant.
There were times when I wanted to give up, but now I am so thankful that I persevered and finished the program. Graduation was amazing and I was so proud to walk across that stage! My PMI experience not only provided me with the skills for a great job, but it instilled me with confidence. I have decided to continue my education, not as a hygienist as I originally thought, but as dentist or orthodontist. Thanks PMI!
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I absolutely love my new career as a Pharmacy Technician. My experience at Pima Medical Institute was invaluable and it gave me the confidence I needed!
While working at an assisted living facility where the work was becoming more difficult, I found myself focusing more and more on learning about my patients' medications. One day I was online and saw an advertisement for Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. I was curious and completed the form and before I knew it, I enrolled in the program.
I was able to continue working full-time while attending the program. I was also a single mom and I had not been to school in over 20 years. So, it felt really scary! I was a much older student, but I loved my instructors and I fell right in step with my studies. In fact, I remembered how much I loved learning and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
During my externship, I worked with a pharmacist who was kind and enjoyed quizzing me about pharmaceutical names while we worked. When my externship was completed, there were no job openings there, but I was soon hired at a Target CVS. I originally thought I wanted to work in a hospital setting, but I discovered I loved retail and the challenge of untangling difficult insurance issues, which, ultimately saves patients money on their prescriptions. I love my job!
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After my husband and I were transferred from the East Coast to Seattle, I began researching reputable Medical Assistant programs. My search brought me to Pima Medical Institute.
I found the MA program to be fast paced, but my instructor was excellent and she was always there to help if there was something I didn't understand. It was more than book learning; our instructors had us practice techniques and geared our learning toward what we needed to know to be a professional. The whole process was quite smooth.
I am currently employed by MultiCare as a Medical Assistant for a primary care doctor. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed at my new job. The doctor is fun, easy to work for, and he takes it upon himself to help me learn. The manger is also very flexible and would like to promote me if I were to further my education.
So, I have enrolled in PMI's online Health Care Administration associate's degree and plan to continue in the bachelor's degree program. I had such a great experience at PMI's Renton Campus and felt so well cared for by my instructors and Career Services, I trusted I would have the same kind of support in the online programs. I love my job and I'm looking forward to a long career in health care.
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I served in the US Marine Corps for 4 years and participated in the 1991 Gulf War. After my honorable discharge I worked at a casino as a dealer, pit boss and then shift manager, but smoke allergies ended any chance of continuing in that field. I began working as an auditor, but I wanted a new career. My girlfriend graduated from Pima Medical Institute and she suggested I check out the Dental Assistant program and I enrolled. Going back to school after 30 years was very intimidating, but both of my instructors were encouraging and made it easier for me. One of my biggest challenges was getting to class on time each morning since I was working as a night auditor. I met great people who helped me when I needed it. Most importantly, PMI gave me a new career.
I was able to complete my externship at the Pima Hygiene Clinic and even worked there for a time while waiting for my position with the VA. I am currently working for the Veterans Administration in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Being a former veteran myself, it was a goal of mine to help other veterans. Once I am able to gain more experience, my eventual goal would be to come back to PMI as an instructor.
I would like to say "Thank You" to everyone at PMI - from the campus director to my instructors. If it were not for them, I would not be where I am today - enjoying my new career as a Dental Assistant.
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