Page 50 - 50th Alumni Success Stories Book

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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