Page 49 - 50th Alumni Success Stories Book
P. 49

Estrella “Andy” Sandoval                                                     Since starting my education at Pima Medical Institute,
                                                                                           my career has grown from dental assistant, to office
              Dental Assistant Program                                                     manager, to benefits coordinator and now to my new job
              Health Care Administration Program                                           as a director of operations.

              Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Program
              (Master of Science in Organizational Leadership Program)                         I’ve decided I want more ... I’m not
              Albuquerque & Online Campuses                                                    finished yet!

              Graduated 2015, 2019, 2021 (2023)

                                                                                           After battling a severe eating disorder for more than 10
                                                                                           years of my life, I knew I needed a career I would enjoy.
                                                                                           While on the road to recovery, I searched online and
                                                                                           found Pima Medical Institute’s Dental Assistant program
                                                                                           and enrolled.

                                                                                           I had no family support and really struggled, but I
                                                                                           completed the program and afterwards moved to
                                                                                           Hawaii where I worked as a dental assistant for several
                                                                                           years. After realizing I wanted more, I enrolled in Pima
                                                                                           Medical’s online Health Care Administration associate
                                                                                           degree program. When I completed that program, an
                                                                                           instructor encouraged me to keep going, so I moved
                                                                                           back to Albuquerque and completed the Bachelor of
                                                                                           Science in Health Care Administration program. Recently
                                                                                           after finishing my professional portfolio, I was offered an
                                                                                           amazing new job with a great salary, benefits and lots of
                                                                                           paid vacation.

                                                                                           My Pima Medical instructors valued me and helped me
                                                                                           see a different perspective. I used to have a huge chip
                                                                                           on my shoulder and now I just want to motivate people
                                                                                           and keep my office a happy place. Every program and
                                                                                           every course I’ve taken pertained to my career and
                                                                                           made me a better healthcare professional. I’ve decided
                                                                                           I want more, so I am currently enrolled in Pima Medical’s
                                                                                           Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. I’m not
                                                                                           finished yet!





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