Page 39 - 45th Anniversary Alumni Success Stories

I was a golf pro for ten years and a member of the PGA
of America here in Vegas. When our first daughter was
born, I didn’t want to put her in daycare, so I started a
golf business out of my home. Then the economy hit and
my business went under. My wife suggested I go back to
school but I just felt too old. I said, “By the time I graduate,
I’ll be 45!” In response, my 12-year-old daughter said,
“Aren’t you going to be 45 anyway?” So, I went back to
school.

When I looked at Pima Medical Institute’s accelerated
18 month Physical Therapist Assistant program, I knew
it was for me. During my whole tenure at Pima my days
consisted of waking up by 6am, dropping my kids off by
7:30am, going back home to study or sleep for a few
hours, going to my classes from 1 to 5pm, and then off
to work from 6pm to midnight. Then I would do it all
over again the next day. As grueling as this was, I discovered
I loved learning and going to school. The instructors were
extremely knowledgeable and I definitely felt prepared.

I love working as a PTA. I’m thankful and thrilled to
be in my position. I’d highly recommend PMI’s PTA
program to others; both older second career individuals
and young people. If someone doesn’t have six years to
give to become a physical therapist, this is a great way to
go. You can make a good living and have a great impact
on the community.

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