Page 89 - 50th Alumni Success Stories Book

Salma Al Harthi I grew up in the Middle East in the country of Oman. I
attended an ophthalmic certificate program and for the
Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program next 10 years worked in my career at an army hospital.
Denver Campus When my boss began encouraging me to continue my
education, I researched around the world and found
Graduated 2021 Pima Medical Institute’s Ophthalmic Medical Technician
(OMT) program at the Denver campus. Once accepted,
I applied with my government and obtained approval to
go to the U.S. and THAT is when my journey began.

I am so glad I found Pima Medical

Institute. It changed my life.

I am a mother of five and moving to the U.S., adapting to
a new culture, learning to drive a car and not knowing
anyone was difficult. But, everyone at Pima Medical was
so helpful. When I first started my program, I was shy and
my accent was difficult to understand, but my instructors
tutored me and my classmates accepted me. I became
more and more confident each day and soon it felt like
my second home. When COVID-19 hit, my government
required me to go back home. I continued the OMT
program virtually until I was able to return to the U.S. to
complete my clinicals.
Upon returning to Oman, I resumed my job at the hospital
where I became supervisor of all the technicians. In the
future, I will be teaching and training other OMTs in our
school. When I returned, everyone wanted to hear about
my experience and now several of my colleagues plan
to study at Pima Medical. I tell them, “Change comes
with being around people who are different than you.” I
am so glad I found Pima Medical Institute. It changed my
life.

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