I am a Medical Assistant at Children's Hospital of Colorado where I work in the pulmonary department, and I love my job! Believe it or not, I wake up every day excited to come to work. I can't wait to see the families and kids.
Way before PMI, I was trained in the animal science field, and later my husband and I ran an HOA management company for a number of years. Unexpectedly, two family members became very ill, and walking through this very difficult experience led me to desire a career in the medical field.
After finding Pima Medical Institute, I never hesitated. I thought of it one day, signed up the next, and started the Medical Assistant program a month later. It was not only the right timing, it was the right place, and it has been an amazing journey!
I had a great student experience at Pima, and the instructors were amazing. They cared about us and were available anytime any of us needed anything. To be honest, they actually became more like friends than teachers. My current job is a perfect fit for me, and I'm so grateful for my training at PMI!
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Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: I started out as a 20-year-old looking for a job that could get me out of being a waitress. I found Pima Medical Institute and was very interested in the pharmacy technician program. I started the program in 2010 and graduated in 2011. I was a pharmacy technician from 2011 to 2022. In 2019, I decided to go for my bachelor's degree in health care administration. From then I found a position in 2022 as a product manager/business analyst and continue to be a certified pharmacy technician. The bachelor's degree program helped me in my current career and it also helped me pursue my master's degree in information systems at the University of Denver.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Pharmacy Technician and Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration programs?
A: When I was a student in the pharmacy technician program at Pima Medical Institute, I was on campus and it was a great experience. Overall, I was able to socialize with those who were also interested in being a pharmacy technician. It was very nice to be in the classroom and have hands-on experience during that time. When I decided to go for my bachelor's degree, I was online full-time and it had everything that I needed to pursue my degree. It was a great experience as well because I was able to still manage my full-time job and also gain the experience I needed to pursue another position as a product manager/business analyst in 2022.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: One thing I would say that I appreciated about the education at Pima Medical Institute was how it prepared me for my pharmacy technician experience. I really liked the fact that I had an externship for it so that I could get hands-on experience and get into the field easily. I believe that Pima Medical Institute paved the way for my path to where I'm at today.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: I would recommend Pima Medical Institute to others because it started my career and it has developed me into what I am today. I was young, as a 20-year-old, not knowing what to do or where to go because I thought I was not able to be successful or be able to pay for an education, but when I found Pima Medical Institute, that is what helped me to be more successful. As I gathered more experience as a pharmacy technician, I was able to find ways to pursue my education even further. This got me to where I am today as a product manager with a master's degree in information systems with a specialty in business intelligence.
If I had not attended Pima Medical Institute, I do not believe I would be where I am today, because they gave me the tools I needed to succeed. I was able to be very successful in the pharmacy field. My 12 years of experience and dedication really helped me to earn the role I have today as a product manager in the pharmacy automation field.
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I came to PMI as an older student. I had been an EMT, owned my own business, and worked for other companies. But, I just couldn't find my niche - that one thing. I began to research schools that offered veterinary programs because I have been passionate about animals my entire life. Two of my family members had attended PMI and were thrilled with their choices, so I decided to enroll in their Veterinary Assistant program.
My first day I hesitated outside my classroom; knowing it wasn't going to be easy. But, I decided failure was not an option. I took a deep breath, walked through the door and opened the doors to a whole new life. Shortly before graduation, I was asked to consider enrolling in their Veterinary Technician program. I was apprehensive, but knew from experience my instructors would always be available to help answer my questions and would push me to do my best. I accepted the invitation, enrolled in the VT program, and as they say, the rest is history!
I'm currently employed by the same full-service clinic where I did my externship. No two days are ever the same - I may perform a dental procedure and soon after be scrubbing for surgery. No matter what emergency situation comes through our doors, I am 100% confident with my skills. Everything I learned, I learned from the best.
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I served in the US Marine Corps for 4 years and participated in the 1991 Gulf War. After my honorable discharge I worked at a casino as a dealer, pit boss and then shift manager, but smoke allergies ended any chance of continuing in that field. I began working as an auditor, but I wanted a new career. My girlfriend graduated from Pima Medical Institute and she suggested I check out the Dental Assistant program and I enrolled. Going back to school after 30 years was very intimidating, but both of my instructors were encouraging and made it easier for me. One of my biggest challenges was getting to class on time each morning since I was working as a night auditor. I met great people who helped me when I needed it. Most importantly, PMI gave me a new career.
I was able to complete my externship at the Pima Hygiene Clinic and even worked there for a time while waiting for my position with the VA. I am currently working for the Veterans Administration in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Being a former veteran myself, it was a goal of mine to help other veterans. Once I am able to gain more experience, my eventual goal would be to come back to PMI as an instructor.
I would like to say "Thank You" to everyone at PMI - from the campus director to my instructors. If it were not for them, I would not be where I am today - enjoying my new career as a Dental Assistant.
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In 2012 I was in a bad accident and spent time in the hospital. This experience enabled me to observe the nurses and see how they cared for people. I had been working as a team lead at Target for a number of years but I decided that I wanted to do more than help people spend money, so I began pursuing the medical field. I started as a CNA and after 4 years decided I wanted to attend school to become an LPN.
I heard about Pima Medical Institute on the radio and got excited about attending their Practical Nursing program. I have to admit my first sequence of classes was really challenging! The whole program was a huge learning experience for me, but my hard work paid off. I appreciated how the whole program was laid out ahead of time, including our course work and the schedule. This really helped us be successful.
I was offered a job at my clinical site. The administrator took notice of me and offered me a position as a unit manager, not your typical first job as an LPN. I believe Pima Medical helped me develop a level of confidence that made a difference in obtaining this position. Recently, I was contacted by another facility and offered a job as another unit manager. I am honored and proud that in such a short time my education and hard work has provided opportunities for growth in my career. Pima Medical prepared me to be successful. The encouragement and support I got from my instructors was just overwhelming, and it's an experience I am always going to cherish.
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I started the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute just weeks after graduating from high school. To be honest, I really didn't have a plan and was just hoping to have some down time and find a job. My brother told me about Pima Medical and pushed me to go with him to check it out. We toured the campus, took the entrance test, met with financial aid and both enrolled in the program. It was literally life changing!
I knew it was going to be a challenge since I knew very little about the medical field or human anatomy, but I learned how to study and retain knowledge. It is an accelerated program, but I kept my pace and really thrived with all the physical hands-on instruction. My externship was fantastic! I was able to apply what I had been learning at Pima Medical and each day became more confident. As a brand new graduate, I was pretty concerned about finding a job. But in my very first job interview, I answered their questions, listened and made sure to complement their organization and two hours later they called and offered me a position. I am currently a medical assistant and endoscopy technician in a gastroenterology office and I love my patients. I enjoy talking with them and making them laugh and really enjoy seeing them improve.
I'm considering going back to Pima Medical to complete one of their associate/bachelor degree programs. I'm grateful to my instructors like Gene Rathburn, who made learning fun. Everything I do is because of what he taught me. Here I am 22 years old with a career in the medical field and it feels great!
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I had been a security officer for six years and was on leave for foot surgery. While my husband drove me to an appointment, I stared out the window feeling frustrated and miserable. Passing Pima Medical Institute, I saw - Dental Assistant Enrolling Now - and thought, I could do that. Within a week I was enrolled and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made!
I loved the structure and straight forward learning at Pima Medical. There's no fluff, everything is important. In fact, I never learned anything that I haven't used in my career. The support I received was amazing; everyone, from instructors to the janitor, is cheering you on and believing in you. While at my externship I learned of a new opportunity, and ended up stepping right into an administrative role as a benefits coordinator. Shortly after that, I enrolled in the Health Care Administration associate degree program.
Working full-time and going to school was manageable and I was able to take what I was learning and transfer it to my everyday job. After completing my associate degree, I began the bachelor's program. Once COVID hit, I took a position with the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corp as a Senior Administrative Officer at one of their care units. We took patients recovering from COVID to free up space in the hospitals for the more severe cases. It seemed everything I was learning in my online classes directly related to what I was working on, like writing policies, etc. Once I completed my bachelor's degree, I enrolled in the master's program. Each of the programs has built upon the knowledge I've learned in the previous program.
I was recently hired at Pima Medical as a part-time instructor. I love it! I say to my students - only five years ago, I was sitting in those chairs. Pima Medical has given me the tools I needed to change my life and I am so grateful!
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Dentistry was always in my plan, but life took a turn when I became a young mom while attending NMSU (New Mexico State University). Returning home, I started working for a family friend's dental practice, fell in love with the field, and decided to officially pursue a career in Dental Assisting (DA). I was looking for a fast-paced program and Pima Medical Institute was the perfect fit. My experience there was fantastic-I applied what I learned on the job and made lifelong friends.
After working as a dental assistant for a year, I decided to further my career and enrolled in the Dental Hygiene (DH) program at Pima Medical. The program was challenging, but the instructors were incredible. I was taught by some of the icons of dental hygiene and I thrived in the rigorous environment. Upon graduation, I quickly secured a job as a dental hygienist, working five days a week to maximize my education. Over time, I got married, had another son, and excelled in my career, and began working in a corporate dental setting. In 2021, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor in the hygiene clinic, a full-circle moment. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Not only did I find my passion for teaching, I got to continue learning alongside my students.
Currently, I'm preparing to open New Mexico's first dental hygiene studio to meet the needs of preventative care. I hope to employ several dental hygienists and we plan to collaborate with local dentists. I'm also starting a dental hygiene consulting business. I am excited about this business venture and genuinely credit my success to the education I received at Pima Medical. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors for shaping me into the professional I am today.
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When I got braces in high school, I was fascinated by how something so simple could transform a person's smile-and their confidence. That experience sparked my interest in the dental field, and after researching options, I found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. I enrolled right after high school and jumped into the program.
My instructors were incredible! I never considered myself a standout student, but the hands-on learning style was perfect for me. I learned so much, and when it came time for my externship, it felt like a breeze because I was so prepared. They even offered me a job as soon as I finished, and I worked there happily until I moved out of state.
Since graduating in 2011, I've worked in every part of a dental office-from assisting to managing the front desk to being an office manager. Today, I'm a mom of two fast-growing kids, and I want more flexibility to be with them, so I'm going back to school for billing and coding. This will allow me to continue working in the dental field from home.
I love the dental field because I get to make a difference-helping patients find relief from pain or transforming their smiles - and I'm excited about the next chapter in my dental career. Pima Medical is an amazing place with caring instructors and I would choose it all over again. It's changed my life.
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I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare but wasn't sure which path to take. While working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), I met a patient receiving Occupational Therapy (OT). I had never heard of OT before, but it intrigued me. After some research, I discovered the wide range of opportunities in the field, especially working with children. I was hooked! That's when I found Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
My time at Pima Medical was incredible. My cohort was fun and supportive, and the instructors were knowledgeable and kind. There were challenges along the way, like COVID delays during clinicals, but I never regretted my decision. The hands-on learning experiences truly prepared me for the field.
After graduation, I pursued my dream of working with children and was hired at Piller Child Development. Knowing I wanted to eventually attend graduate school, I enrolled in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. The program was quick, flexible, and allowed me to balance work, school, and life.
Now, I'm working as a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant with Mariposa Therapy Services, supporting children in schools, while attending Northern Arizona University to earn my Doctor of Occupational Therapy. I've developed a passion for feeding therapy, including sensory-based treatments and lactation consulting. My ultimate goal is to open my own feeding therapy practice.
I'm so excited for the future, and I'm grateful to Pima Medical for giving me the foundation to build a career I love.
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Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made.
My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared.
Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home.
In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy.
I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!
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I started my career as a medic on an ambulance and knew I wanted
to become a nurse. Everyone around me was doing it and it felt like
the natural next step. At the time, I was working toward a degree in
paramedicine at another college but their nursing program required
a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (CNA), which I didn't have.
I was ready to get started and Pima Medical Institute offered exactly
what I needed: a program that didn't stretch over an entire semester.
I enrolled in the CNA course, checked that box and had a great
experience.
Eventually, I was accepted into a nursing program elsewhere - but the
waitlist was a year and a half. That's when Pima Medical reached out.
They said, "You're an alum and we have a nursing program." It was
accelerated and could get me in right away, so I said yes. I completed
the Registered Nurse (RN) program and went straight to work as a
nurse.
My boss had always encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) and though it was something I wanted
to do, I just kept putting it off. I finally enrolled in another school's
program but didn't like the structure. They said it was "fully
online", but there were group projects and required meetings that
didn't fit my schedule. I dropped and gave Pima Medical a shot
again. The BSN program was amazing. It was clearly laid out,
well-paced and truly online. I had the support I needed but I
could also self-guide.
Today, I'm the clinic manager for a company that operates
12 occupational health clinics across five states. Plus, I've
been accepted into the Master of Science in Organizational
Leadership (MSOL) program at Pima Medical. I'm pursuing
this advanced degree to grow as a leader and bring more to
the table.
Pima Medical has always been honest, consistent and
structured. If you're a self-starter with a busy schedule, this
is the school for you.
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