Page 104 - 50th Alumni Success Stories Book

Stacey Smith At Pima Medical, I got an education

Medical Administrative Assistant (now called Health Care
Administration Certificate) Program in a short time, a career and they
Health Care Administration Program helped me find a job. That’s more
(Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Program) than a four-year university offers!

Renton & Online Campuses
Graduated 2018, 2020 (2022) When I was 18 years old, my dad really wanted me to

go to Pima Medical Institute. In fact, he offered to pay
my tuition, but I told him I wasn’t interested because I
wanted to go to a four-year college. Well that never
happened, and I always regretted my decision. I ended
up working for a Third Party Administrator (TPA) for 22
years, followed by several low paying dead end jobs. I
finally decided it was time to go to Pima Medical.

After meeting with an advisor, I chose the Medical
Administrative Assistant (now called Health Care
Administration Certificate) program. At age 42, I was a
little scared to go back to school, but my classmates
became my friends, despite my age. I completed the
program with a 4.0 GPA! My instructors were excellent
and had experience in the field, which helped with
realistic expectations. As a result, I felt prepared for my
externship. I was offered a job during the first week, which
I accepted. At Pima Medical, I got an education in a
short time, a career and they helped me find a job. That’s
more than a four-year university offers!
I am currently working in the emergency room for St.
Francis Hospital and I recently graduated from Pima
Medical’s online Health Care Administration program.
I will finish my bachelor’s degree in Health Care
Administration next year and as soon as I finish, I plan to
enroll in the online Master of Science in Organizational
Leadership program. My long-term goal is to work in
hospital human resources. I want to keep learning and
be an example for my kids.

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