I came to Pima Medical Institute right out of high school looking for a career in the medical field. After researching a few different programs, I spoke with the director of PMI's newest program, Surgical Technology, and decided to enroll. The program was both challenging and fun. I found the instructors to be very well-trained, knowledgeable, and helpful.
My role in surgery is to scrub in, prepare my cart with the specific items needed for a particular surgery, scrub in again, open everything, and organize my table. Everything on that table is mine and totally my responsibility. Once the patient is brought into the room, I may help prep and drape the patient, and once the surgery begins, I assist the surgeon. I'm like the right-hand-man to the surgeon, attempting to give him what he needs before he may even know he needs it.
I am grateful PMI placed me in a prestigious hospital for my clinical site because the experience enabled me to get a job quite quickly. I am currently working at a plastic surgery center. My goal down the road is to get back to a hospital setting where I can work with the da Vinci surgery robot, something I find fascinating. If you're looking for a fast-paced career where you can test yourself or a career with a lot of possibilities for growth and specialty paths, the Surgical Technology Program at PMI would be a great fit for you.
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I grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level.
Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family.
I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.
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I had some friends who had attended PMI and recommended it to me. I checked online to get more information and it felt like it was a good fit. I chose Respiratory Therapy because there were so many different avenues - long term care, acute hospitals, home health care - and I liked the versatility it offered. The program was a lot of work! But, it was rewarding because I could see my efforts paying off. My instructors were well read, helpful, and eager to help me learn.
I knew I received a great education, but it was confirmed when I was in my clinical rotations and received compliments like, "You had a great vent instructor!" After graduation I stayed in contact with one of my clinical sites and as soon as they had an opening, they called me, told me to come down quick and hired me. I've been working fulltime there since. I want to pursue my bachelor's degree as soon as I get a set schedule.
When I was researching schools, I noticed Pima had less people finishing their program than other schools, but more graduates who were employed. So I knew they were turning out a better product. I found this to be true. Thanks Pima!
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After spending time working with my aunt, a Physical Therapist in California, I decided to pursue a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant. I researched online and found the PTA program at the Pima Medical Institute in Tucson and moved to AZ to begin my program.
The program was challenging, but the instructors were amazing! They made it easy to come to them for help and it, actually, felt like a family. After graduation, I was hired at Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, AZ, where I had completed one of my clinical rotations. They say your clinicals are like an extended job interview and they are right.
About 5 months into my job, I saw a patient who showed some physical signs that concerned me. I informed the PT of my concerns and the patient was referred to her primary care doctor. She was given the OK to resume therapy and she came to me again. Again, based on my observations, we determined she should see a cardiologist. After passing all the tests, she returned a third time but, again, seeing her symptoms, I was uncomfortable treating her. So, I walked her down to the ER where they found serious concerns that may have caused her death if I had done therapy with her.
PMI taught us to look for symptoms and stand our ground. Despite being a new clinician, I had the knowledge and confidence to give my patient an opportunity to have an improved outcome. The hospital acknowledged my actions and doctors stopped me in the hall to express their appreciation. I'm so thankful for the amazing education I received at PMI!
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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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While in high school it was always my goal to attend East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). The minute I walked into their Medical Assistant (MA) room and saw the students giving each other injections, I knew this was the program for me. I attended the 9-month MA program during my senior year, and a month before graduation, they offered me the opportunity to begin Pima Medical Institute's (PMI) Health Care Administration (HCA) program. I loved the idea that the classes were all online and it would provide a fast track for me to get my associates degree.
EVIT was actually the most fun I had in high school! After completing my externship at a primary care office, I started as an MA the day after graduating from high school. I worked full-time while attending the HCA program online. I found the PMI instructors to be really helpful, understanding and great at communication. This associate degree program totally prepared me by giving me the knowledge and skills for my current job working in HR. Our company has doubled in size since I started, they've told me there is room for me to grow and I know this is my forever job.
I just turned 21, I'm making good money at a great job with potential for growth and I just finished paying off my school tuition. Believe it or not, every Sunday night I get excited to go to work. I would definitely recommend EVIT and PMI to anyone looking for a career path into the medical field.
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I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician!
I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me.
I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program.
I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!
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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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When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute.
My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.
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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.
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At age 19, I started at Pima Medical Institute after realizing that my initial path at UNM wasn't the right fit for me at that time. A friend suggested looking into CT technology, and after some research, I found that Pima Medical's Radiography (RAD) program offered a quicker and more fitting path to my career goals. The structured environment in the RAD program was exactly what I needed, although it wasn't always easy. My father passed away during my second semester, which made it tough to stay on track, but with the support of the school, I persevered. The clinical experiences were mostly positive, giving me valuable hands-on learning. Even in challenging situations, I gained skills by working independently, which proved to be great learning experiences.
Graduating in 2004, I entered the workforce during a tech shortage and quickly landed a job. I started in x-ray and, over the years, expanded my expertise by becoming registered in mammography, bone density, and MRI. However, I chose to focus on mammography, as it offered a better work-life balance compared to MRI.
After a decade at a hospital, I transitioned to a quieter clinic setting where I could work more independently, which suits me well. I've been at a small clinic for nearly a year now, enjoying the stability and better hours. Alongside my career, I'm also completing my bachelor's degree in university studies, thanks to a state program offering free classes to those close to finishing their degree.
Looking ahead, I'm content with where I am but open to new opportunities, possibly in management. Pima Medical set me up for success, giving me the tools I needed to start and grow my career in radiology. Now 20 years later, I'm grateful for the education and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.
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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!
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