Page 81 - 50th Alumni Success Stories Book
P. 81

Oscar Aguilera                                                               As  a single dad I bounced around to many different jobs
                                                                                           trying to provide for us. I knew if I wanted my son to get
              Respiratory Therapy Program                                                  an education someday, I needed to be a model for him.
              Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program                           I had a friend who was a respiratory therapist and after
                                                                                           learning about his job, I signed up for the Respiratory
              Mesa & Online Campuses                                                       Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute. I loved it!
              Graduated 2019 & 2020                                                        Every instructor I had was amazing! I was not a book
                                                                                           learner and had many challenges as a single dad, but
                                                                                           the instructors really cared about me and worked with
                                                                                           me. During my first rotation, I fell in love with respiratory
                                                                                           therapy. I work at Banner Desert Hospital, a level one
                                                                                           trauma center. About three months after being hired, I
                                                                                           was moved into our Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
                                                                                           Being a Respiratory Therapist during the pandemic has
                                                                                           been extremely taxing. We have such an important
                                                                                           job caring for these people and it’s beyond rewarding.
                                                                                           I continued my education through Pima Medical’s
                                                                                           online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT)
                                                                                           program. I love learning and wanted to show my son
                                                                                           the importance of an education. I am also showing my
                                                                                           employers that I want to learn and put time into my craft.
                                                                                           It has also impacted my pay scale.



                                                                                               I knew if I wanted my son to get an

                                                                                               education someday, I needed to be

                                                                                               a model for him.



                                                                                           I encourage others to consider the respiratory field and
                                                                                           Pima Medical for their training. I was a single dad with
                                                                                           no money and Pima Medical went above and beyond
                                                                                           for me; providing a work study job, gas cards and caring
                                                                                           about me as a person. They got me ready for my new
                                                                                           career that I love. I feel so lucky for where I’m at in life
                                                                                           right now. Thanks, Pima Medical!




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