My parents really valued education and wanted all 7 of us all to go to college, but they were unable to help us financially. I spent years working full time and taking classes part time, but it was such a slow process. Eventually, I became interested in pharmacy, spent 8 years working in the pharmaceutical industry while going to school and just missed getting accepted to pharmacy school. While I waited for the next opportunity, I came across Pima Medial Institute's Radiography program and it interested me. A few months into the program I realized this is what I really wanted to do. There are unlimited growth opportunities in this field.
When I came to PMI my classes felt like family. I quickly realized the PMI instructors believed in their students and wanted the best for us. Before I'd even graduated, I had a job offer at a level one trauma center. I worked there for 3 years gaining experience and growing both as a professional and as an individual. I knew I wanted to continue my education, so I enrolled in PMI's online bachelor degree program. PMI's online classes are not only very flexible; they are designed to help you be a better professional in your field. I recently came back to PMI as an instructor. I think having been a student here and recently working in the field, I'm able to understand my student's struggles and help them learn what's really important. There is a sense of true value working at PMI. It's more than a philosophy or mission statement, they really care about their employees and their students. I'm happy to be back.
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When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it.
I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
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I wanted more for myself, and my family this led me to check out PIMA. I was nervous and excited to begin my new venture as a student. I always felt like the faculty and staff actually cared about my future. When I completed my externship with Dr. Kulkarni (family practice), I was offered a position, I've been working at this office ever since and have never looked back. The patients are a part of my family.
I answered an ad in the newspaper for an evening instructor at PMI. I truly appreciate the opportunity I was given. My first day as an instructor I remember I was really nervous, but as I wrote on the dry erase board a smile was on my face and I though "hey check me out I'm writing on the board" Silly I know but it really made me happy.
I remember people asking me how I could work full-time at the office and then teach until ten pm. My answer was always because I really, really love teaching. I appreciate being able to provide my students with the knowledge to allow them to change their lives. At this point in my teaching career I've had many students that I still keep in touch with. The most rewarding part of teaching is when a student emails me and not only thanks me but "thanks me for challenging them, making them think, for not giving me the answers, for being patient with them. " These words make all the late nights grading and all the headaches worth it.
I recently completed my bachelor of science in Health Care Administration online with PMI and I am the lead MA instructor at our Albuquerque West Campus. I can honestly say that I love my job and not many people can say that. PIMA has been both life changing and life fulfilling for me.
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My military career was coming to an end in 2012 and I had two young children to provide for. I've always had an interest in the medical field, so when I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute, I decided to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
On my first day in the program I found myself questioning my decision. Many of my classmates were much younger than I was, plus I hadn't been in school for years. Not to mention, I was working a full-time job and raising two small children while attending classes and studying. But, the one thing I appreciated about my education at Pima Medical was the encouragement my instructors gave me and others. They not only provided needed advice and support, they prepared me well for my career.
My first job wasn't a great fit, so I signed up with a hiring agency who sent me to different locations as needed. One of those was a small family practice that just felt like family to me. They appreciated me so much, they hired me, bought out my contract and provided me with a very good salary. I knew I wanted more education so I enrolled in Pima Medical's Health Care Administration (HCA) online associate degree program and then continued on, obtaining my bachelor's degree. I am currently working as an Alcohol Substance Abuse Program Coordinator with the US Army.
Pima Medical was my foot in the door and it can be yours. Start your future! I encourage anyone considering the medical field to enroll at Pima Medical Institute.
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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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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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When I was in high school, I wanted to become a doctor, but life happened and I spent the next 15 years doing what I thought I had to do, instead of pursuing what I loved. After my grandfather passed away in 2017, I spent four years caring for my grandmother. During this time, I realized I needed to follow my dream. I felt as though it was too late to become a doctor- as I would be 60 by the time I finished- but my research showed there were many alternative positions needed in the healthcare field.
I was familiar with their reputation, so I chose Pima Medical Institute for my education. I appreciate how they exclude unnecessary classes that are typical of traditional colleges and universities, and on day one teach key concepts and skills that will be used in the field. I attended and graduated from the Nursing Assistant program and obtained my license as a CNA. My externship really opened my eyes to just how well-prepared Pima Medical makes you for the workplace. Despite the higher cost of attending, I was very impressed with how quickly they were able to get me into the program versus other schools. Wanting to do more and have more responsibility, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. For my externship, I was placed at a pediatric site that fit my skills and personality and ended up being offered an MA position at the end.
I have decided it's not time to stop learning. I am currently enrolled in the online Healthcare Administration program to obtain my associate's degree by next March and my bachelor's degree the following year. For anyone interested in working in the medical field, I highly recommend Pima Medical. My instructors were encouraging and attentive to my learning style and taught me the important concepts of healthcare. I want to thank everyone at Pima Medical for my success and continued education, especially Misty Byrnes and Allie Settles.
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At age 18 I got a job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. After gaining more experience at several hospitals as both a receptionist and an assistant, I knew I wanted to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). It seemed everyone I had worked with in the Seattle area had attended Pima Medical Institute, so that made their VT program an easy choice. I had struggled in classes at a traditional college, but loved my classes at Pima Medical. The instructors were excellent and very understanding. Everything I was learning seemed to apply to my experience at my job, giving me a conceptual understanding of the material. I felt very prepared for my clinicals and was offered a position at one of my sites. I worked at a number of clinics and an ER in the Seattle area, volunteered at a wildlife hospital and worked at a high- volume spay neuter clinic.
When we moved to rural Alaska, I spent a short time at a bear sanctuary before landing at Sitka Animal Hospital. I am the hospital supervisor and lead LVT and we see everything at the facility. Last week we cared for a ferret, a gecko, dogs, cats, bunnies, rodents, as well as performing surgery on a duck that had been attacked by a bald eagle. I am also on the board of a nonprofit animal shelter and a municipal animal hearing board where we hear appeals for animal control.
I am currently in pursuit of a master's degree. I hope to be part of the first group of technicians emerging into a mid-level practitioner position, much like a veterinary nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. Almost every day I think about my Pima Medical instructors and how grateful I am to have learned from them. I am proud of my successful career and I know I have them to thank.
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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 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!
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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!
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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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