WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I began my education by attending a 4-year university and obtaining my bachelor's in Community Health. I found that my degree was very broad and, unfortunately, most employers were looking for experience. At that point, I realized I needed training in something more specific and in a field that was growing and in demand. My research informed me that a career as a Pharmacy Technician offered a great job market as well as job stability, which is what I needed. My training as a student at Pima Medical Institute was quite different than my university experience. The program was only 9-months long, and the class sizes were much smaller which allowed for plenty of one-on-one time with my instructor. Pharmacy math isn't easy, but PMI offered me all the help I needed to succeed. I also really appreciated all of the hands-on learning. I was hired at the site where I completed my externship and I worked there for one year. Recently, I accepted a job with PharMerica, a long-term pharmacy specializing in senior living, where I have more responsibility. I really enjoy my job and I always feel like I'm learning. I'm even considering going on to school to become a Pharmacist. I enjoyed my experience at PMI very much. In fact, I miss it. I enjoyed my classmates and have stayed in touch with them. I would encourage anyone looking for a quick way to start a career in the medical field to consider Pima Medical Institute.

Attending Pima Medical Institute was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Before PMI I bounced around from job to job trying to find a fit, make enough money to cover my bills, and raising a family. Unfortunately, my family was torn apart and I found myself trying to raising my children on my own making only $24k as a correctional officer. I had seen the commercials for PMI, so I stopped and spoke with the admissions office and enrolled in their Respiratory Therapy program. The instructors were wonderful and very knowledgeable. Class schedules made it possible for me to see my kids off to school and pick them up after class. Before I'd even graduated, I was offered full time positions at two facilities where I had completed my clinical rotations and I was working within two weeks of graduation. PMI helped me achieve my personal and professional goals while providing for my family in a stable and very rewarding career. I've done travel assignments and have worked in Arizona, Idaho, Texas and New Mexico. I have saved lives, helped many patients and their family members in their time of need, and I've never had trouble finding a job. At the age of 40 I was one of the oldest members in my class, but I always felt welcome. I was fortunate to find the right path as a Respiratory Therapist and I am a PMI success story. I can't thank PMI and the staff enough for the guidance and skills that gave me such a wonderful and rewarding career!

I was injured while playing soccer in high school and my physical therapist said to me, "I think you'd be a really good physical therapist!" I tucked that away until I was at Texas State University heading toward becoming a nurse when I realized it just wasn't for me. I switched to Exercise Sports Science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After graduation, the doctorate physical therapy programs were extremely competitive and I just didn't have the confidence to apply - still a regret. Instead, I reviewed my options and began searching for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and found Pima Medical Institute. It was a challenging, accelerated 18-month program, but my instructors were super motivating. Although they were hard on us, they gave us all the tools needed to be the best professional clinicians we could be. I was awarded the most "outstanding student" at graduation and offered a job at each of my clinical rotations. I began my therapist journey as a pediatric PTA until I found the place I really loved; working in sports medicine and rehabilitation. During my five plus years in orthopedics, I worked with multiple students as a clinical instructor. This drew my passion for education and I began my journey as a clinical director and instructor back at the same PTA program I'd attended. I tell my students I've been down their same path and I am going to give them everything they need to be a success in their clinical experience. I remind them that I am invested in their success because not only is Pima Medical's reputation on the line, so is mine as a graduate of this program. Pima Medical provided what I needed to become a great therapist and for that I am thankful. I believe I've found my place in education and I am hoping to further my education through the master's degree program in the future.

After earning a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology, I struggled to find a job and ended up in finance. When COVID hit, my new job offer was rescinded and I was forced to take a job at a grocery store bakery, far from my career goals. I kept hearing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute which piqued my interest in the medical field. This led me to enroll in their three-month Phlebotomy program, allowing me to work and study simultaneously with minimal school commitment. It was a way to dip-my-toe into the water of the medical field. The Phlebotomy program was a turning point in my life. Small classes, hands-on experience, and an excellent instructor, Miss Denise, made a significant impact. I soon secured a position at Chandler Regional Hospital, where I interacted with various departments and realized my passion for patient care. Nursing stood out as the most versatile and impactful role, prompting me to pursue a nursing degree at the institute I trusted and I enrolled at Pima Medical's Mesa Campus. The Nursing program was challenging and intense, pushing me to grow and become accountable for patient care. Through diverse clinical experiences, I gravitated towards ER and ICU settings. I've recently accepted a position at OBS Banner Dessert, aiming to transfer to the ICU and eventually join the trauma team. I am immensely grateful for my education at Pima Medical. The Phlebotomy program provided a crucial foundation, giving me the framework I needed for a career in the medical field. I invited Miss Denise to my nursing pinning ceremony and my dad told her COVID had been difficult for me and she had saved my life. He was right, Pima Medical Institute truly changed my life.

I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients. I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job. Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.

After graduating from high school in Rio Rico, I moved to Tucson to attend a community college, but it just wasn't the right place for me. One of my friends had gone to Pima Medical Institute, and after checking out their Medical Assistant (MA) program, I thought-this is perfect! The program was fast, flexible, and had no wasted classes. Since there were options for morning, afternoon or evening classes, I was able to continue working while attending school. At just 19 years of age, I graduated with my certificate and started working in a "grown up job" while most of my friends were still in college. I knew I had made the right choice. I landed a job at Catalina Pediatrics where I worked as an MA for 13 years, eventually becoming the back-office manager. Wanting more, I considered nursing, but a co-worker suggested I look into Respiratory Therapy (RT). When I found out Pima Medical had an RT program, I knew it was for me. The classes were challenging, but my instructors were supportive, and my classmates and I helped each other through the program. The biggest challenge I faced was during my ICU rotation, when COVID hit and we were sent home. After graduating, I saw a job opening at Banner Main as Program Manager for their Sleep Research Lab. I applied, and got the job! It was a tough first year learning the ins and outs of research, but now I love the responsibility and even the pressure. If I hadn't gone back to school for RT, I wouldn't be where I am today, with a job I love. My advice? Whether you're 19 or 39, go to school. Pima Medical gave me opportunities I never imagined, and it can do the same for you!

My journey into healthcare wasn't planned. During my senior year of high school, I was preparing to study engineering when my dad passed away. It was a tough time, and I decided to take a break. My mom, a nurse, suggested I become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), so I completed an accelerated program and started working at Silver Hills Healthcare Center in Las Vegas. I never imagined a career in long-term care, but I excelled as a CNA and was promoted to rehab aide. One day my regional director, who saw potential in me, signed me up for an informational seminar at Pima Medical Institute for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. I attended, was intrigued, and decided to enroll. Balancing school and work wasn't easy, but Pima Medical made it possible. I worked flexible hours, attended classes and studied late into the evenings. The instructors were experienced, and the small class sizes made learning enjoyable. When I took the national licensing exam, I achieved one of the highest scores my instructor had ever seen. After working in the field, I wanted to grow my career even more, so I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Today, I'm an Assistant Administrator at Alta Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, finishing my Administrator in Training program. Soon, I'll sit for the licensing exam to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and my ultimate goal is to own a skilled nursing facility. Pima Medical gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. Their programs may cost a bit more, but they are efficient and effective with no prerequisites. I received a quality education at Pima Medical and I'm proud to be a graduate!

I grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level. Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family. I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.

My wife, a nurse for 12 years, always encouraged me to join the medical field, but I kept putting it off. I worked as an insurance adjuster, traveling to areas hit by natural disasters, often being gone for 21 days at a time. With young children and older kids involved in activities, I was missing too much. One day, I told my wife I was ready to resign and pursue a medical career at the end of the year. Just a week later, I was let go from my job. We actually laughed at the timing. At the same time, my grandmother began having health problems. Caring for her made me realize the urgency of getting into the medical field-not just for my career, but to better understand her needs. My best friend had gone through Pima Medical's Practical Nursing (PN) program and had encouraged me to join him, but I wasn't ready then. Now, I knew it was the right choice and the right timing. The PN program was very challenging for me, but I developed a strong small group of classmates who supported me and I had caring instructors who offered extra help. However, when my dear grandmother passed away on Christmas Eve, I was crushed. She had raised me and was my biggest cheerleader and I just wanted to quit. I arranged to meet with my director to withdraw from the program, but she encouraged me to stay. My wife reminded me why I had started the program, and decided to continue. I completed the PN program but still struggling with the loss, I failed my NCLEX exam twice. I felt so defeated, but I knew I couldn't give up. After passing on my third attempt, I drove to Pima Medical to hug my program director and we shared an emotional moment. I am excited for my new career at the Center at Lowry, a rehabilitation facility where I did clinicals. I can't thank Pima Medical Institute enough; the instructors, especially Director Risner, were amazing and I wouldn't be where I am without them!