When I signed up for the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute, I was a full-time husband, a full-time dad, and I had full-time bills and responsibilities. I worked nights as a patient care technician while attending school during the day. During my clinical rotations, I would leave my house early Tuesday morning, work my rotation from 7:30 am until 5 pm, go straight to my job, and work from 6 pm until 4:30 am. Then, I would take a shower at the hospital, drive to my clinical rotation, sleep for a little over an hour in my truck, and do it all over again. On Saturday morning I would return home to my wife and 4 kids. I did this for the last 16 months of my program. If it weren't for my family and my Lord, I would not have been able to do it. Because of their support, I graduated from PMI with a 3.8 GPA.
My PMI instructors had a passion for what they taught and they cared for their students. In fact, they are among the best people I've ever met in my life. My classmates and I helped each other through and became like a family. I currently work for two great companies - St Joseph's Hospital and Honor Health. They are training me in interventional radiology, not typically an honor given to new graduates. I love my job and am thankful for my education at PMI. It's been worth all the hard work and sacrifice. I'm here to tell everyone that no matter what you're facing or going through, if you're willing to make the sacrifices you can do anything!
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Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me.
While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business.
After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.
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I chose PMI because of the quality of instructors and because the local community college would take three times as long and I want to reach my goals as quickly as possible. I found my instructors really cared about the progress of the students and our ability to care for patients. I felt my experience was enhanced because I was active in student groups, including two years as president of the NSNA. This helped me develop my leadership skills and exposed me to other professionals locally and nationally. PMI did an excellent job of preparing me for my profession. We had a lot of lab and clinical hours which was invaluable real world experience that translated directly to my future career.
I found my first job with ABQ Health Partners by networking with other medical professionals in the community. My comfort in speaking with health care professionals, because of my medical knowledge, experiences and training from PMI, was vital in obtaining a job. Since then I have moved from being the Lead RN at one clinic to RN supervisor overseeing three different clinics at ABQ Health Partners. I have continued my education and in just a few months I'll have my master's of nursing and will begin working as a Family Nurse Practitioner. My long term goal is to open my own clinic.
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I always was interested in the pharmaceutical field, but I never took steps to pursue that goal. I faced an indescribable tragedy when I lost my young son to an accidental shooting and I dealt with the loss by holing up in the house. Six months later, my husband drove me to Pima Medical Institute to visit the campus and I left signed up for the Pharmacy Technician Program. He knew that's what I needed and he enabled my dream to become a reality.
During my time at PMI I benefited from the care of the professors and the fellow students. They were the strong community that supported me through the loss of my son. Toward the end of my externship I faced personal medical challenges that kept me in the hospital up until the day of my graduation. I was determined to walk with my class and at the last minute was able to convince my doctor to release me. One of my classmates picked me up from the hospital and took me to the ceremony. I received the Student of the Year Award, and although my speech was hindered by my illness, I rose to the challenge because of the encouragement of my instructor.
PMI put me into the right atmosphere and gave me the confidence I needed during that season of my life. I'm so grateful for the people I met at PMI and for my new career.
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I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I began working as a CNA, and through my experiences in the hospital, I became excited about a possible career in the medical field. I heard a commercial about Pima Medical Institute and decided the quickest way into a career was enrolling in their 9 month Medical Assistant program. That opened the door for me, but I loved learning and knew I wanted more.
My dad passed away in 2015 from a drowning incident and that experience pushed me toward the respiratory therapy field. Through that incident I was able to observe the amazing work that respiratory therapists do and I said to myself, "I want to be one of them". One year after completing the MA program, I started Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program and I loved every moment of it! The program was challenging, but our classes were small and I connected with my classmates. We developed an almost family-type relationship. I loved my instructors; they really wanted us to succeed.
After completing my clinical experience, I was hired at St Anthony North Medical Health Center in Westminster, CO. I love my job! Recently, I have been working in the COVID ICU. I help intubate, manage ventilators and endotracheal tubes and give breathing treatments to those struggling to breath. I feel like I have found my calling.
I love Pima Medical. They did so much for me. Down the road I hope to continue my education by getting my bachelor's degree and possibly even obtaining my master's degree in the respiratory field.
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My life before Pima Medical Institute involved low paying jobs and starting many things that I never finished. I was a single mom living with my parents wanting more but not knowing where to go. My niece was interested in nursing and had set up an appointment at Pima Medical but was nervous about going alone and asked me to go with her. She never showed up for the interview and, knowing I needed a change; I began talking with the advisor about a possible career for myself.
Before I knew it, I was starting the Respiratory Therapy program. I hadn't been in a classroom in 20 years. It wasn't easy and it was very humbling, but the campus director, the staff, and the instructors were very supportive and encouraging. Crystal, one of my instructors, became my mentor and every time I struggled, she would NOT let me quit. In the past, this had been my pattern to quit, but she helped me break that pattern, and she is the reason I finished the program.
I felt like I hadn't accomplished anything in 43 years, but now I have a job at Banner Desert and I feel so good about myself. My daughter is so proud of me. I finally completed my associate's degree, and I realized I CAN finish things, so I'm not stopping. I just enrolled in Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program.
My life after Pima Medical Institute has improved so much, and it is incredible! If you would have told me two years ago that I would have a career and be working on my bachelor's, I would never have believed it. I feel alive and blessed!
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My dream has always been to care for animals as a veterinary nurse/technician at a zoo. As the spouse of an active duty Marine, I began looking for a fully accredited, accelerated Veterinary Technician (VT)program so I could obtain my RVT licensure in any state and keep up with the constant rotation of military moves. Pima Medical was the perfect choice for me!
My experience was extremely positive. My campus had an attached animal shelter which acted as a teaching hospital, allowing me to constantly gain hands-on experience. My biggest obstacle was the 2-3 hour commute each day from Camp Pendleton. Gratefully, my program director placed me at clinicals near my home that were best suited to build a zoo veterinary nurse/technician's resume.
Upon graduation, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, a Registered Veterinary Nurse/Technician internship between the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo's Safari Park. Shortly after completing my internship, my husband received orders to Okinawa, Japan. While there I became an American Red Cross paraveterinary volunteer to provide aid to domestic and wild animals during natural disasters. I also worked as an RVT at the US Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on Kadena Airbase while I obtained my bachelor's degree online. During this time, I began writing as a freelance veterinary medical journalist for a magazine, called "Today's Veterinary Nurse." We are moving to North Carolina soon where I will be working as an RVTg at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital as I study for my master's degree. I also hope to earn my veterinary technician/nurse specialty in zoological medicine.
One thing I appreciated about my education at Pima Medical was how attentive every staff member was to my needs. I cannot thank each of you enough for how much you taught me and how well you prepared me to excel and to flourish in my career.
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After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary.
Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!
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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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After 25 years in restaurant management, I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but life kept getting in the way. In 2017, everything changed when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. One nurse, an older, highly skilled woman, was so inspiring that I thought, "If she can do this, so can I." Though I didn't want to be a nurse, I knew my management background could help me run a medical office. However, when I tried applying for receptionist jobs, I kept hearing the same thing-I needed medical experience.
That's when I decided to take a leap and enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. The nine-month program gave me the education I needed to get my foot in the door. It wasn't easy-after being out of school for 20 years, I had to relearn how to study and manage my time. But thanks to Pima Medical's support system and my fellow students, I got through it.
I landed my first job as an MA through my externship at Pima Heart. I soon enrolled in the online Health Care Administration (HCA) program, while moving up in my job and then continued into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Upon completion, I applied to administrative positions and was humbled to have 15 interviews scheduled. After considering numerous job opportunities, I chose to join Banner Health as a Practice Manager, overseeing a staff of 20 (with eight providers and 40 residents).
Pima Medical provided the education I needed to excel in the medical field. My instructors were there for me every step of the way. If you're considering going back to school, just do it! Choose Pima Medical and you will get the support you need.
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had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for.
My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being.
I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.
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I have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume.
Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!
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