WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was a single mom with two children working as a clinic receptionist. While I dreamed of being a nurse, I couldn't find a nursing school that would accommodate my work schedule. At the recommendation of a coworker, I attended Pima Medical Institute's evening Medical Assistant program - a challenging year of heading directly from an eight-hour work day to evening classes at Pima Medical. Upon graduation, my receptionist position transitioned into a full-time Medical Assistant, which, for the next ten years, afforded me a much better opportunity to provide for my children, and I obtained additional income as a part-time MA Instructor for Pima Medical. As my family matured, I renewed my dream of becoming an RN, but one of my doctors challenged me to skip nursing and go directly into a Physician's Assistant Program. In 2011 I finished my Physician's Assistant degree, in 2016 I completed my Master's degree and I now am finishing my Doctorate degree with a projected graduation date in 2021. I continue to enjoy working in the specialty of Gastroenterology at Swedish Medical Center Seattle. I am on several committees, both in Washington State and nationally, and I help with the education and training of new PAs in our fellowship program at work. I was recently awarded the Nutrition Outreach Fellowship from the National PA Foundation, which will help me to become even more involved in my profession and in the community that I love! I am so thankful Pima Medical opened doors to the medical field and propelled me to enhance my career. I never dreamed of having such a rewarding career!

Before coming to PMI, I was a musician. I taught courses in music theory and music history, as well as maintaining a private instruction studio, touring, and recording. My wife and I were just starting our family and I knew I needed to find a career that had more security and less travel. After much research, I started the radiography program at PMI. Having been in many educational environments as both a student and a teacher, I noticed immediately that the atmosphere at PMI was different. The large anonymous lecture halls and apathetic students found in many higher learning institutions were replaced by an intimate learning environment and a faculty that was genuinely invested in the success of their students. The preparation they gave me for being a compassionate care provider would prove to be invaluable to my future success. I was offered a job at a hospital upon graduation and not long after, I was trained in CT. Even while attending school, I knew that someday I wanted to be an educator. While working in both x-ray and CT, I was able to start teaching a few classes for PMI. Preparing students to be competent and caring radiographers was very rewarding and I decided to pursue it full time. Now in my role as clinical director, I can give guidance to our students with the same emphasis on patient care and skill development provided to me when I was student.

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.

I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job! It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision. Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful. When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!

My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up! I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field. My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything! I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities. I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!

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.

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!

After twelve-plus years as a personal trainer, I found myself needing a job with benefits like a 401K and insurance, so I transitioned to a desk job. However, I was miserable and knew I needed a career that left me feeling fulfilled. I reevaluated my passions and realized I still loved working with bodies and physical health. A co-worker who had attended Pima Medical Institute for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program encouraged me to consider it. After researching and learning about the program, I decided to go back to school. Despite my experience, I wasn't initially accepted into the PTA program. Crushed but determined, I quit my desk job and worked as a rehab tech at an assisted living facility for a year. When I reapplied, I was accepted and I set a goal to graduate with honors. At 39, I was older than most of my classmates, but I felt more prepared for the professional aspects. My instructors were great clinicians and I was able to learn and draw on their experiences. My clinicals were challenging, especially when COVID hit, causing disruptions. Despite the added stress, our instructors ensured we gained the necessary practical experience. After graduation, I worked at a skilled nursing facility, which I enjoyed, but quickly experienced burnout. I accepted a Physical Therapist Assistant position at Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy, where I have been thriving. In fact, a year ago I was promoted to Clinic Director. I love my job, my patients and the challenges of managing the clinic. As a clinical instructor, I work with Pima Medical students, drawing on my experiences to engage them in hands-on learning. I'm proud to have graduated with honors and have even inspired a former client of mine to enroll in Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program. Now, both of us are medical professionals making a difference in people's lives. It's incredibly fulfilling!

My mom had been a nurse in the Philippines, but after moving to the US she cared for us and began working as a phlebotomist. This influenced my decision to go into the medical field after high school. On a whim one day, I stopped by Pima Medical Institute and ended up enrolling in the three-month Phlebotomy program which started two weeks later. It was fast paced and very different from high school as students were all ages and yet we were all looking for a change or a new career. Even though our time together was short, it felt like family. My first job was with a blood donation company and after moving to eastern Washington, I worked at a hospital. This gave me a variety of experiences and built my confidence and I later transitioned into dialysis. I knew I eventually wanted to become a Medical Assistant (MA) and even though Pima Medical was a long commute, I had confidence in them so I enrolled in the MA program. I was pregnant, worked full time and had a long commute each day, but I did it! I feel like Pima Medical helped shape me into a resilient person. After graduation I worked at a hospital and a few other sites as an MA. But it wasn't long before I began to envision myself in administration, so I chose to complete the Health Care Administration online associate degree. That program gave me so much confidence and I loved it. After graduating, I saw an opening for a Career Services Advisor at Pima Medical, applied, and got the job. Now, I get to guide students and share my journey with them. Watching them grow reminds me of my own transformation. Pima Medical has been a constant in my life, and I'm proud to be part of a team that changes lives every day.