After 15 years of employment with company I planned to retire from, I was let go due to the economic meltdown. I decided to go back to school and chose PMI. My biggest obstacle was overcoming my own lack of self-confidence. My first days as a student were very hectic, not only did I have to learn the course content, but I also had to learn how to become a student all over again. In the end, it was very rewarding and I had this overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that I had been missing in my life.
I arrived at each of my clinical sites with the motivation, drive and determination to become a medical professional. I was hired immediately after graduation at New Mexico Orthopedics and on my first day there, I received a phone call from The University of New Mexico Hospital. Based on my performance there as a student, they wanted to know if I would be interested in a position. I went from being a student to having two jobs within 30 days after graduation. I couldn't have been happier!
With the knowledge obtained through my work experience, I have recently moved into the Interventional Radiology department at UNMH. I've also recently completed my Bachelors of Radiologic Science through PMI's online program. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all of my instructors for believing in me and always encouraging me. I would definitely recommend PMI to anyone who is planning to go back to school or is in need of a change in their life.
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I was born and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, and I'm proud to be a first-generation college student. My interest in radiology began in fourth grade after a broken wrist landed me in the ER. I was fascinated by the X-ray process, and that moment never left me.
After high school, I shadowed in the radiology department at a local hospital where my mother worked and decided to apply at Pima Medial Institute. I didn't get in the first time, but I gained more experience, took classes and eventually reapplied after COVID. I was accepted! And that changed everything.
The program was tough, especially being far from home and dealing with personal loss. But I was never alone. Kristen Miller, Jolene Pobrislo and Jeff Botkin supported me every step of the way. They believed in me, and I always knew I could reach out for help.
Today, I work as a radiologic technologist performing X-rays and bone density scans. I hope to add Computed Tomography (CT) to my credentials and grow into a hospital role. Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence and care to make my dreams possible. And now, I get to show my grandparents every day that their sacrifices were worth it.
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I moved to the United States from the Philippines in 2011. I worked at a bait shop and as a nursing assistant, but I was uncertain and not my best self. I wanted to do more in the medical field. I would see commercials for Pima Medical Institute; the students looked so happy, and for a long time, a goal of mine was one day attending PMI.
In 2017, I rearranged my work schedule so I could finally begin attending Pima Medical Institute. I was so thankful for the opportunity and met so many wonderful people. I faced challenges, like starting work at 6 am and working all day before attending evening classes. I also questioned whether I could still learn at my age. However, my instructors encouraged me, and my classmates became lifelong friends.
PMI matched me with a perfect site for my externship, and I enjoyed every minute. I applied for and was offered jobs at four different organizations, some even included sign-on bonuses. I chose Swedish Ballard Primary Care where I assist an internal doctor and nurse practitioner. After just 45 days of employment, I was given a raise and encouraged to take on additional roles. As a result, I am considering continuing my education with PMI's online Health Care Administration program in order to someday become a clinical administrator.
I am so happy, and I am able to help support my family in the Philippines. I am thankful for everyone at Pima. I would not be where I am today without their help and support.
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Pima Medical Institute gives you everything you need to do your job well in your new career. I find myself recommending them to everyone.
Before I started at Pima Medical, I was a stay at home mom to my two kids. As they got older, I started looking for something that would work for someone who had been out of school for 10 years, and a place with a good reputation. A lot of my motivation was my kids; I needed something stable for them. I've always had an interest in the medical field, and after seeing an advertisement on a bus for Pima Medical, I decided to look into their programs. I applied online, later stopped in for a tour of the campus and signed up for the Medical Assistant Program.
The program, my teachers and my classmates were a perfect fit for me. My classmates were helpful and we had a lot of fun. I had the help and support from instructors not only for my education, but personally as well. My instructors have become my friends.
I was hired on at Presbyterian Medical Center as a Medical Assistant in their orthopedic department. It was a transition for my kids to have me go back to work, but I am teaching them the importance of an education. My kids are looking up to me and I'm proud of my new career.
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After my divorce in 2013, I was going from job to job, tired of being laid off and unable to provide stability for myself and my children I decided it was time to find a career. I had attended 4 different community colleges prior to getting married, but never finished a degree. After researching, I found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled. I didn't realize at the time that it would change my life.
It wasn't easy. When I started the program I was working a 12 hour night shift at the post office, getting my kids off to school, sleeping for a few hours and then attending class and before heading back to work. But I had a goal, something I didn't have at the community colleges I'd attended. I was able to be successful because of the structure of the Radiography program at Pima Medical. I knew my classes, my schedule and the expectations. The instructors were amazingly supportive and encouraging. In fact, this experience completely changed me as a person because my instructors fed my confidence. I am so proud that as a 37 year old single mother, I became a Radiologic Technologist.
The day I completed and passed my state boards, I came out to my car and found a message from Northwest Hospital asking me to come in for an interview. I love my work and my patients. Pima Medical was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I did it for me, but I've set a great example for my children. You always hear "if I can do it, so can you" and this statement is absolutely true!
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My military career was coming to an end in 2012 and I had two young children to provide for. I've always had an interest in the medical field, so when I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute, I decided to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
On my first day in the program I found myself questioning my decision. Many of my classmates were much younger than I was, plus I hadn't been in school for years. Not to mention, I was working a full-time job and raising two small children while attending classes and studying. But, the one thing I appreciated about my education at Pima Medical was the encouragement my instructors gave me and others. They not only provided needed advice and support, they prepared me well for my career.
My first job wasn't a great fit, so I signed up with a hiring agency who sent me to different locations as needed. One of those was a small family practice that just felt like family to me. They appreciated me so much, they hired me, bought out my contract and provided me with a very good salary. I knew I wanted more education so I enrolled in Pima Medical's Health Care Administration (HCA) online associate degree program and then continued on, obtaining my bachelor's degree. I am currently working as an Alcohol Substance Abuse Program Coordinator with the US Army.
Pima Medical was my foot in the door and it can be yours. Start your future! I encourage anyone considering the medical field to enroll at Pima Medical Institute.
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My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and trached throughout her life, so I was familiar with respiratory. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's RT program.
I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings, and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master's Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as their Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO.
I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it whether you're at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.
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I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician!
I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me.
I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program.
I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!
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At age 18 I got a job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. After gaining more experience at several hospitals as both a receptionist and an assistant, I knew I wanted to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). It seemed everyone I had worked with in the Seattle area had attended Pima Medical Institute, so that made their VT program an easy choice. I had struggled in classes at a traditional college, but loved my classes at Pima Medical. The instructors were excellent and very understanding. Everything I was learning seemed to apply to my experience at my job, giving me a conceptual understanding of the material. I felt very prepared for my clinicals and was offered a position at one of my sites. I worked at a number of clinics and an ER in the Seattle area, volunteered at a wildlife hospital and worked at a high- volume spay neuter clinic.
When we moved to rural Alaska, I spent a short time at a bear sanctuary before landing at Sitka Animal Hospital. I am the hospital supervisor and lead LVT and we see everything at the facility. Last week we cared for a ferret, a gecko, dogs, cats, bunnies, rodents, as well as performing surgery on a duck that had been attacked by a bald eagle. I am also on the board of a nonprofit animal shelter and a municipal animal hearing board where we hear appeals for animal control.
I am currently in pursuit of a master's degree. I hope to be part of the first group of technicians emerging into a mid-level practitioner position, much like a veterinary nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. Almost every day I think about my Pima Medical instructors and how grateful I am to have learned from them. I am proud of my successful career and I know I have them to thank.
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My family always told me I would thrive in the veterinary field, but I didn't believe in myself. I was 24, working and intermittently taking general education classes at the community college or university with no clear direction. Everything changed when I visited Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant (VA) and Veterinary Technician (VT) programs. These programs ignited my passion for the veterinary field, and I was finally on a career path I loved.
The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible, providing both education and valuable connections in the veterinary field. While attending the VT program, I balanced two full-time jobs in the industry, applying my classroom learning to real-world situations. This hands-on experience was invaluable. My instructors were always available and understanding of my very demanding schedule, even making sure I had snacks when I hadn't taken time to eat.
After graduation, I spent six years at a fast-paced ER. Today, I am the Hospital Administrator at Pima Pet Clinic where I am able to utilize both my technical skills and administrative expertise. Additionally, I serve in the United States Army Reserves in a Veterinary Detachment, training medical personnel on K9 emergency assessments. Utilizing a remote-controlled robotic dog, I create scenarios (increased heart rate, insinuating pain, blood flow sensors, stomach inflation, even amputations) in order to practice real-time medical emergencies.
The mix of knowledge and experience I gained at Pima Medical has been instrumental in my career and my ability to teach. Participating in these training exercises has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. The connections and the education I received at Pima Medical have truly transformed my life.
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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.
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I had been working at a grocery store for 12 years when I decided it was time for a change. I hadn't been in school in a very long time and wasn't quite ready to commit to a four-year university. When I found Pima Medical Institute, it felt like the right fit for me in my stage of life. I chose the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program because I viewed it as a great stepping stone into a career in the medical field.
I really enjoyed my time at Pima Medical. It was exciting to be in a learning environment surrounded by students who were all motivated to succeed. My biggest challenge was balancing full-time work with evening classes while still finding time to study. It wasn't easy, but I did it! The thing I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the genuine commitment to student success. There was always help available whenever I had questions or needed support. Because of that, I walked out of the program feeling prepared and confident in my new profession.
Upon graduation, I quickly found a job and began working as a Medical Assistant with Providence in family practice, where I stayed for six years. Currently, I work for Optum Primary Care, continuing my career in family medicine. While at Providence, I had the opportunity to be a preceptor in the apprentice program, and I hope to take on that role again at Optum in the future. Educating and mentoring others is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the field of healthcare.
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