WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

Ronda Figueroa, a Tucson Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) graduate in 2006, is currently a full-time faculty member of the PTA program she graduated from. Prior to her education at PMI, Rhonda worked in a physical therapy office as a technician. Because of the limited duties as a technician, Rhonda was seeking a way to be more challenged at work. So when PMI started the first PTA program at the Tucson campus in 2006, she jumped at the opportunity to graduate from an accredited PTA program and in turn improve her technical skills, critical thinking, and ability to help the patients she served. As a student at PMI, Rhonda had a "very good experience," but a challenging one compared to previous college due to her family responsibilities. According to Rhonda, "having a family made school a challenge, but it also helped because my family was so supportive." Rhonda went on to state, "The education at PMI was outstanding, I was prepared for the workforce, and I passed the national exam with a 784 out of a total of 800 points." The 98% Rhonda received was one of the highest scores in the country. After three years of practice as a licensed PTA, Rhonda started teaching in the PTA department at PMI and has been in that position for over 4 years.Is Rhonda a good teacher? Her students reported the following comments: • "She loves to teach, knows how to teach, and has knowledge about everything" • "She doesn't talk down to us and is always willing to help by staying late or coming early" • "She is concerned that you understand the material and cares enough to reinforce it" • "She prepares us for the real world" As a teacher, Rhonda has been known to use innovative teaching methods. For instance, she often requires students to learn line dancing in lab to better understand human motor development. Rhonda's favorite part of being a teacher is the fact she gets paid to talk about a subject matter she loves and that she learns something new every day. Happiest when students are graduating and beginning their careers as a PTA Rhonda stated, "I love seeing the evolution of people that know nothing about physical therapy. We put them through a grinder and it spits them out as a PTA." Rhonda continued by stating, "Personally, I have seen PMI improve the qualities of people's lives." Rhonda aspires to continue her life-long learning by obtaining master's degree over the next few years.

I wanted to go back to school for years but I always made excuses not to go. One day I heard a commercial for Pima Medical Institute on the radio and I knew it was time to go to school and change my future. I chose their Medical Administrative Assistant Program because I was afraid of giving shots and dealing with injuries, plus I like the paperwork and administrative side of business. When I started the program I was worried I had made a mistake and would never make it. But I didn't give up and ended up finishing with a 4.0 GPA and perfect attendance. Everything I learned at Pima Medical was exactly what I needed to be successful in my field. They gave us confidence in our skills and even taught us how to dress and act in an interview. After completing my externship, I was fortunate to be hired at Cardiac Intervention Specialists. I enjoyed my educational experience so much, I continued on and earned my associate degree through Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program and I am currently enrolled in their Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. The online option is wonderful because I'm still able to work and spend time with my family all while earning a degree. I am forever grateful for the patience of my instructors and the knowledge I gained, both in Houston and online. The whole Pima Medical staff genuinely cares about helping students achieve their goals. I love my new career and it has been the greatest experience I have ever had!

I thought I might want to follow in my mother's footsteps and become a nurse. But, I started having kids at a young age and got a job working as a CNA to support them. Twelve years later while pregnant with my fifth child, I decided it was time to go back to school. I found Pima Medial Institute, set up an appointment with an advisor and walked out enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. Thinking about starting the program was scary because I hadn't been a student since high school. But once I arrived, everyone was warm and welcoming and I felt better. I attended the evening MA program so after class I went directly to work, worked all night, then came home, got my older three kids off to school and came home and cared for my two younger children and studied. It was rough and I really struggled academically at times, but when you have wonderful teachers and classmates it makes it easier. I remember one day when I was at my breaking point and wanted to quit, one of my instructors took the time to talk with me and help me see that I could finish. I'm so grateful for that. I did it and my kids are so proud of me! I didn't have any trouble finding a job. I am currently working at Destiny Internal Medicine; my coworkers are wonderful and it feels like one big family. I just LOVE my job! If you're looking to further your career or change your career, I really recommend going to Pima Medical. Pima Medical Institute changed my life.

My dad had a bout of pneumonia and ended up on a ventilator and I was fascinated watching the respiratory therapist control my dad's breathing. I'd been working in the auto industry, never thought I was college material, but I my family believed in and motivated me to look into the field. I set up a tour of Pima Medical Institute with the program director and as I saw the facility and listened to her, I fell in love with her passion for respiratory therapy. Being a student at Pima Medical was certainly challenging for me, but the support I had from instructors and classmates was amazing. Our class decided that no one was going to fail, so when someone was struggling with a concept, we all rallied around them. The instructors were always available for extra help and by the time I got to clinicals, I really felt prepared. Prior to graduation I obtained a position with Banner South, a hospital that had been part of my community since I'd been a child. While performing bedside care as a respiratory therapist, I recognized that healthcare doesn't stop at the bedside. I became interested in looking at how, for example, a patient's social economic situation impacted their outcome. Knowing I wanted to make a bigger impact and with the confidence I gained from my time at PMI I went on and continued my education earning my bachelor's in applied management and ultimately my MBA. I navigated my way throughout the healthcare system from beside care, care coordination, to quality improvement. Wanting to be more proactive than reactive, I took a position as Senior Manager of Medicare Administration. We not only looked at how we delivered advantage plan benefits, I'm proud to say we instituted a non-traditional innovative program for our patients. Recently, I accepted a position as Director of Care Delivery Operations for Banner Health Corporate. I recognize that in order for bedside staff to offer their best care, processes and supply have to be in place. I can now play a role in making that happen and that is very exciting! Pima Medical provided the necessary educational and support a guy - who didn't think he was college material - needed in order to have the confidence to be successful. Next step - CEO!

While initially interested in Dental Hygiene (DH), at age 18, I chose to pursue Dental Assisting (DA) instead, partly because I was hesitant to commit to a university four-year DH program. Later, as I learned about Pima Medical Institute's two-year DH program, my research told me it was highly reputable and very challenging. This both intrigued me and motivated me and I enrolled. During my third semester an unexpected pregnancy brought huge challenges. My baby son was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a high-risk condition requiring frequent medical visits and a 54-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Despite the challenges of being a new mother and the emotional strain of the situation, I remained determined to succeed in my studies. I studied and completed assignments while at the NICU, my son serving as my inspiration. He was a reminder of my strength and my determination to never give up on my dreams. My DA employer had been supportive and excited about my becoming a Dental Hygienist and invited me to join their team as a DH upon obtaining my license. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of my instructors at Pima Medical for their unwavering support during my journey, especially as I navigated the challenges of my son's condition. Each instructor was incredibly helpful and supportive, always striving for my success. I am confident in the quality of education I received and would enthusiastically recommend it to others. While the program is rigorous, it is definitely achievable-I am living proof of that!

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.

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!

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.

I was looking for a change from my previous jobs in food service and explored various community colleges in Seattle. After considering culinary arts, I decided to pursue a healthcare career where I knew jobs were more in demand. I chose Pima Medical Institute because the stories from previous graduates resonated with me. They were just like me, seeking change and career advancement. Despite having no prior knowledge or experience in pharmacy, I chose the Pharmacy Technician program to challenge myself. My experience at Pima Medical was fun and engaging. The courses, from Career Prep to the Pharmacy Technician classes, were well planned. I learned everything I needed to succeed. The biggest challenge was balancing homework and projects with a full-time job, but it was worth it. The support from the staff at Pima's Renton campus was invaluable. The admissions and financial aid advisors helped me with my FAFSA, easing my financial worries. My Career Prep instructor made learning exciting and engaging. The staff provided support and organized stress-relieving activities like the Halloween costume contest. My instructor imparted all the pharmacy knowledge I needed and now apply daily in my work. Since graduating from Pima Medical in 2018, I worked at ReadyMeds for nearly four years and I've spent the last several years working as a Specialty Pharmacy Technician at Kaiser Permanente of Washington. I highly recommend Pima Medical Institute for the support and programs they offer to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your career. Now I'm one of those graduates sharing my story to inspire others!