I always loved animals and it's been my goal to have a career working with them. I was so impressed when I took a tour at Pima Medical Institute, because there were animals everywhere. I chose this school because I knew their emphasis was going to be hands on versus just reading a book. Plus, their class schedule allowed me to continue to work and support myself while going to school.
Everyone at PMI knew all of us by name and if we ever had an issue, there was always someone willing to help and guide us. I felt knowledgeable and very prepared for every topic on the Veterinary Technician National Examination and I passed it on the first try!
I was hired immediately after graduation at the location of one of my externships and I really enjoy my job. I would like to thank everyone for all of their help and support. Down the road, I'd like to continue learning and possibly become a technologist
specializing in behavior issues. But for now, I'm just excited to work in my new career. Thanks PMI!
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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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Prior to becoming a licensed PTA, I worked in food and beverage for 11 years in one of the biggest, well-known hotels in Las Vegas. Don't get me wrong, being a part of a customer's wonderful experience in Las Vegas was a very rewarding career. While the money was great, the work was tough due to non-stop, repetitive heavy-lifting and reoccurring injuries. One day it hit me that my body was not going to allow me to continue in this work. I didn't know what to do, but my wife suggested I look into the physical therapy field since I love helping people. I began researching and found Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant program. Shortly thereafter, I was enrolled.
The curriculum was far from easy, but it was achievable with determination and persistence. From the endless days and nights of study, the fatigue and exhaustion, we always found a helping hand within reach. Our professors were always there to get us through our trials. PMI not only gave me the skills and tools to pursue my career as a licensed PTA, but it also gave my classmates and me the guidance we needed to grow and become the best of the best in our career.
I am currently working in a hospital setting where I work with all types of patients and populations, helping them take steps toward independence. I'm applying the skills I learned from my instructors at PMI and upholding the reputation of professionalism, excellence, and greatness that PMI produces.
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Before attending Pima Medical Institute, I had tried taking classes at the university, worked a few years as a lifeguard, and had been unemployed for a year. When my grandmother encouraged me look into a career taking x-rays, I researched and found Pima Medical and enrolled in their Radiography program.
Going back to school at 30 years of age was challenging, but what a difference it was being in a class of only 25 students at Pima Medical rather than my previous experience of 300-500 students at ASU. I found it so much easier to focus and my instructors were great! By the time I graduated I had job offers from both of my clinical sites. I worked in a hospital setting as a radiologic technologist for two years and then returned to school to pursue a post-graduate education in St. Louis. In April 2019 I graduated from Logan University with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.
Pima Medical not only gave me the start I needed in the medical field, it gave me a huge advantage over my classmates at Logan. Even though I was taught by many well-known chiropractic doctors, I still consider my Pima Medical instructor, Mike Hawkes, to be the best instructor I ever had.
At 39 years of age I am opening my own business, Pyle Family Chiropractic, in Peoria, AZ. If you had told me nine years ago when I started Pima Medical that I would be a doctor and a small business owner, I would have said you were crazy! I'm so thankful for the start Pima Medical provided me! Dr. Nicholas Pyle DC R.T.(R)(ARRT)
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I have been a Medical Assistant for almost 10 years and I love it! How did I get here? One day my aunt asked me to google a medical question for her. I found her answer in minutes, but I was fascinated reading about the body and how it functioned and got distracted for over an hour. That was the day I began considering a career in the medical field. Not long after, I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. While figuring out my financial aid, I learned it might be helpful if others from my family were in college. I went home and asked my sister if she wanted to do the MA program with me and she said, "OK!" We worked side by side throughout the program, pushed each other and both graduated with honors!
I had an amazing experience at Pima Medical! The teachers were phenomenal! Some of them were tough, but I learned so much and felt 100% prepared for my career in the medical field. I have worked for several companies and have been a Lead MA at three different locations. I really enjoy training new MA's; in fact I have trained over 15 MAs from Pima Medical. I'm currently enjoying working at a testing center where there is lots of variety and I get to meet different patients every day.
I am so glad I found this rewarding career. I recommend Pima Medical all the time because they provide the one-on-one instruction students need to be successful. There are days I feel like I use every single skill I learned at Pima Medical. I love my job and the satisfactory feeling I get from helping others!
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Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online?
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration online program. Time is flying and I am already in the middle of the third semester out of four. I remember asking myself; "Is it possible to go to school while I'm working full time?" I realized that the answer was "absolutely!" after speaking to some of my colleagues who have also furthered their education online. Now that I have been in the program for quite some time, I also realize that online classes have allowed me to balance my work, school and family time.
What made you choose PMI's program?
PMI is well respected in the community and recognized to deliver top-notch education. I can attest to that being a former graduate of the Respiratory Therapy program. I can also attest to this because I believe I work with some of the most caring and passionate instructors in the state. The faculty are truly dedicated to giving quality education to each student. PMI equipped me with all the skills and education to excel as a respiratory therapist once before and I knew they could help me reach the next level in my career through their bachelor program.
What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load?
My biggest concern when inquiring about going back to school was balancing work, school and family time. I knew I would have to make a sacrifice, but I didn't know how flexible school would be. The assignments are normally given on a weekly basis versus traditional school which is typically a new lesson each day. This gives YOU the ability to choose how to distribute your education efforts throughout the week. If I knew then what I know now, I would not have hesitated to start the program.
Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession?
Each class that I have taken has helped me expand my knowledge of the health care industry and improve myself professionally. Since the first semester, for example, I immediately learned new Microsoft Office skills that I didn't even know existed! I was able to apply these new skills right away in my current role as an instructor. The program improved my professional communication skills and I can now speak the health care administration language as I learned about health care laws and policies.
Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program?
Many of us work hard on our jobs, no doubt. However, we also have to work hard on OURSELVES. One way we can improve ourselves is through education. Pima Medical Institute delivers life-transforming education that can help you open doors of opportunity in your career.
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As a proud Pima Medical Institute BSRT graduate, my journey from an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT), to a bachelor's degree, to achieving my dream job as a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children's Mercy has been nothing short of remarkable. While in school for my associate's at Concorde College, they highly encouraged us to continue our education and recommended Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). I knew a bachelor's would increase my salary and would also be helpful for future supervisory or management positions. The flexibility of online classes made it manageable for me to work full-time at Salem Health, a level II trauma center with a level III NICU, while pursuing my degree.
My dream of working in medical transport began at age 17, when I was a volunteer patient for the local fire department and experienced being flighted out of our neighborhood. After years of experience as an RT, I landed my dream job. As a Critical Care Transport RT, I participate in various types of transports, from helicopters and fixed wing, to jets and ground transportation, proving support to hospitals nationwide. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is one of the busiest transport teams, covering a wide range of patients including neonates, pediatrics, maternal and fetal cases. Working with limited resources challenges me to think on my feet and be creative with patient care. The transport team, comprised of brilliant minds, requires continuous education, certifications, and simulations to improve patient care. During my downtime, I enjoy visiting former patients and their families and witnessing their progress.
I love to do PR at community events where I hope to inspire young girls to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I'm appreciative for the role Pima Medical played in shaping my success and making my dream job a reality.
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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.
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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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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!
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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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When my children were heading off to college, I realized it was my turn to invest in myself. I wanted a career that aligned with my passions-health, fitness and helping people-while also offering job stability and global opportunities. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) checked all the boxes, and after researching different programs, Pima Medical Institute stood out as the perfect fit for my timeline and lifestyle.
Going back to school after 15 years as a stay-at-home soccer mom was the hardest thing I've ever done. The fast-paced, condensed program challenged me academically, and the commute from Tacoma to North Seattle meant long days followed by even longer nights of studying. But Pima Medical provided endless support-faculty were always available, and I took advantage of every extra lab and hands-on practice session. They held us to high standards because patients deserve the best, not just someone getting by.
After graduation, I started at an orthopedic outpatient clinic, later transitioning to Olympic Sports and Spine, where I earned my orthopedic sports certification and became a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Eventually, I sought a setting that allowed more personalized patient care, leading me to a private practice where I now enjoy one-on-one treatment sessions. I plan to retire here.
Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism to succeed. Even after graduating, I've stayed connected with my instructors, who were always honest, supportive and dedicated. My career allows me to keep learning and growing, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
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