Page 43 - 45th Anniversary Alumni Success Stories
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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
bachelor’s degree in biology, I applied for Physician
Assistant school and was told I needed patient care experi-
ence. 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 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 four weeks. After I
began my phlebotomist job at Banner Baywood, I was
often charged with collecting blood from “difficult” patients
who had presented major challenges for the other phle-
botomists. My training from PMI really helped me be
successful!
After obtaining the patient care experience I needed, I
was accepted into a Physician Assistant program. I have
recently graduated and have secured my first job as a PA
in an Emergency Department, where I not only use my
skills as a Physician Assistant, but also as a Phlebotomist.
Thank you PMI!
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