I had a strong desire to become a nurse and was completing prerequisites at a local community college, but the two-year waitlist was too long. Thankfully, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. It was perfect for my busy life as a mother of two. In less than three months, I graduated, secured a job in the medical field and was set up for success. Seeking more, I returned to Pima Medical and enrolled in the 22-month Respiratory Therapy (RT) program. The school's support system and faculty made it an obvious choice. I loved the RT program and was employed for years as a Respiratory Therapist in a hospital and sleep lab setting. I also worked as an autotransfusionist in the operating room.
Life took a difficult turn when my husband battled colon cancer, requiring a temporary relocation to Phoenix. During this time, I pursued my dream of a bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration (BSHCA). When things got really tough and I wanted to quit, the program director encouraged me to keep going. Each faculty member was understanding and compassionate and I'm so grateful they pushed me to finish. My husband's health issues persisted, I knew I had to become the family's breadwinner so I finally pursued my dream and enrolled in the nursing program. Sadly, my husband passed away a month later and I had to drop out. Nearly two years later, I returned to the program and I am now a proud registered nurse (RN) at Banner Hospital. The nursing program was very challenging, but I realize now the faculty are so tough because they truly care about putting good nurses out in the field.
I recently introduced my daughter to Pima Medical. Just like I had, she took a tour, met with an advisor, received financial aid information, completed an assessment and scheduled an interview for the Radiography program. I am excited for her and confident that Pima Medical will be an amazing experience, just as it was for me.
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I wasn't completely sure about going back to school until I walked through the doors at Pima Medical Institute. From the moment I took the tour and sat down for the exam, Admissions Representative Mary Mikiel made me feel welcomed and encouraged. I don't love taking tests, but her support and positive energy truly made a difference that day. A few days later, she called to tell me I had only missed one question - and that I was officially accepted into the Medical Assistant program.
Starting the program, I connected quickly with my classmates and discovered a great sense of community. My instructors were not only knowledgeable, but genuinely invested in my success. There were five of us who graduated together, and that experience gave me newfound confidence in myself. I was working full time while attending school, and although it wasn't easy, I proved to myself that I could push through the ups and downs and make it to graduation day. I started working at a fast-paced urgent care where everything I learned at Pima Medical came flooding back like second nature.
After about a year of hard work, I was encouraged to apply for a higher position. I'm proud to say I am now the Center Manager at Carbon Health Carlsbad. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement I received from the staff and instructors at Pima Medical. They believed in me when I didn't fully believe in myself and constantly pushed me to grow. For that, I will always be grateful. Pima Medical Institute didn't just prepare me for a career, they helped me believe in myself.
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Following gallbladder surgery, I remember a woman coming in every five minutes and telling me, "I need you to breathe, I need you to breathe." One month later I was back in the hospital having my appendix removed, and the same woman was telling me, "You need to breathe." Shortly after, I heard an advertisement on the radio for the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute, and I thought, "That's what that woman was - I want to do that!"
Prior to coming to Pima Medical, I had taken classes and really struggled in chemistry, but I had a wonderful chemistry instructor at Pima Medical who helped me understand and I passed with an A. The program was very fast paced but I loved it! I was the oldest person in the class and I know I probably asked too many questions, but I also rallied my fellow students to get together and study.
The process of finding a job is made simple with the help of the career services department and their commitment to sending job leads and assisting in the process. I am currently employed at a skilled nursing facility and I deal specifically with tracheostomies and breathing treatments. I love patient care and I truly believe I have found my calling. Most of the residents are there for the rest of their lives and sometimes we are the only people they see in a day.
I love the people at Pima Medical and I had an excellent learning experience.
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In high school, I saw a pamphlet about PMI but I wasn't sure what I wanted. My mom pushed me to become a Medical Assistant, but it just wasn't a good fit for me. One day while walking by a classroom, I saw a diagram listing drugs, their generic name, and their actions. It caught my attention and interest. After researching, I decided to enroll in the Pharmacy Technician program. It just clicked with me and I found my new passion. One of the things I loved about Pima Medical was the special bond formed with classmates. We shared information as we studied and then shared new discoveries with our instructors. We developed a great connection.
I now work at the AIDs Healthcare Foundation. As a team of pharmacists and technicians, we examine patient records and check for contraindications. I even had the opportunity to go into areas in the community and promote our pharmacy and the services we offered. Pima Medical gave me a great base knowledge about drugs and taught me how to continue learning as I moved into a very specialized area.
When I heard there was an instructor position at PMI, I jumped at it. I love teaching and getting my students engaged. Often I will say to them, "Let's learn this together!" Pima provided a great starting point and opened so many doors for me. Down the road, I definitely want to become a pharmacist and my ultimate dream is to specialize in HIV pharmacy.
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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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After my husband required a couple of serious heart surgeries and suffered severe heart damage, I took on the role of providing for us and our three children. For 10 years I worked 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week as a waitress. I missed out on so much family time and events in my children's lives. I always wanted to go back to school, but never felt like I had the time. Then COVID hit ... and I finally had time. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant program because everyone I talked with made me feel like I was family.
All of my classes were taught virtually, which was challenging for me. But my instructors were encouraging, quick to respond to questions and went the extra mile for us. There was a time I almost dropped out when it became financially very rough for us, but Pima Medical provided a work study position, which I loved and it helped us stay afloat. When it came time for in-person labs and hands-on experience, everything made sense.
My externship provided great experience. I was recently hired at Presbyterian Healthcare Services and I can't wait to start my new career as an MA. I will finally be able to provide for my family, cover medical expenses, and most importantly, have time for my family. This is going to be such a blessing for us!
I am so grateful to Pima Medical for helping me achieve my dream. Don't wait and don't be afraid ... chase after your dream!
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As a working mother, I'd always had an interest in rehabilitation. So once my kids got older, I transitioned to a new job and started my education. I met an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) at work who told me I was wasting my time at the university and encouraged me to check out Pima Medical Institute's OTA 20-month program. I checked it out and was hooked.
The classes were personal and the instructors were great! After graduation, I obtained a job at a skilled nursing facility. Within a few months, I noticed I was drawn to the administrative side. Another Pima Medical graduate strongly encouraged me to consider in the online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program, and I enrolled. The program offered real-world education I could use immediately.
Getting my bachelor's degree led me back to Pima Medical as an OTA instructor and subsequently the Clinical Education Director at the Mesa Campus. Being a graduate of the same program allowed me to relate to the challenges and struggles of my students. I was able to help them have a sense of pride in their accomplishments. That's what my instructors had done for me.
When Pima Medical launched its master's degree program (MSOL), I enrolled in the first class. Recently, I was offered the position of Director of Therapy over all three Abor Clinics in the Phoenix area. My degree totally prepared me for this job. Many master's degrees are theoretical in nature, but this degree has provided the skills I need to do exactly what I'm doing now and I love it.
Choosing to continue my education was certainly a sacrifice, but in the end that sacrifice was worth it. Everything I gave up for a time has come back to me tenfold and I can't believe it's only taken me six years to get here! Pima Medical helped me view myself through the lens of success.
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Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother.
After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.
Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.
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I had an amazing experience in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I had the best instructors and, as we spent time studying together, my classmates became amazing friends. I had always known I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people and I wanted to work with children. My older sister had completed the Veterinary Technician (VT) program at Pima Medical, so I knew it was a school I could trust and enrolled in the MA program.
I appreciated all the knowledge and information they gave us about working in the real world. The hands-on experience helped us feel prepared for our new career. Since graduating in 2018 I have worked for three clinics or organizations as an MA and have gained experience in family practice, OB/GYN and specialty clinics and have learned so much!
I love my job! Every day is different and I am constantly learning new things. I am so very grateful for my instructors at Pima Medical for helping me to be able to achieve my dream job. I love what I do and I am so grateful I took the leap to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
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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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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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My wife, a nurse for 12 years, always encouraged me to join the medical field, but I kept putting it off. I worked as an insurance adjuster, traveling to areas hit by natural disasters, often being gone for 21 days at a time. With young children and older kids involved in activities, I was missing too much. One day, I told my wife I was ready to resign and pursue a medical career at the end of the year. Just a week later, I was let go from my job. We actually laughed at the timing. At the same time, my grandmother began having health problems. Caring for her made me realize the urgency of getting into the medical field-not just for my career, but to better understand her needs. My best friend had gone through Pima Medical's Practical Nursing (PN) program and had encouraged me to join him, but I wasn't ready then. Now, I knew it was the right choice and the right timing.
The PN program was very challenging for me, but I developed a strong small group of classmates who supported me and I had caring instructors who offered extra help. However, when my dear grandmother passed away on Christmas Eve, I was crushed. She had raised me and was my biggest cheerleader and I just wanted to quit. I arranged to meet with my director to withdraw from the program, but she encouraged me to stay. My wife reminded me why I had started the program, and decided to continue. I completed the PN program but still struggling with the loss, I failed my NCLEX exam twice. I felt so defeated, but I knew I couldn't give up. After passing on my third attempt, I drove to Pima Medical to hug my program director and we shared an emotional moment.
I am excited for my new career at the Center at Lowry, a rehabilitation facility where I did clinicals. I can't thank Pima Medical Institute enough; the instructors, especially Director Risner, were amazing and I wouldn't be where I am without them!
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