WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

During my childhood, one of my favorite places to go was the dental office. The memories stayed with me. In 1989 I saw a classified ad for PMI, which led me to the admissions office and a career as a Dental Assistant. As a student, I had many challenges; I had to take my son to the day care, I didn't have a car, and I relied on public transportation to get to school. I was pregnant during school and when my daughter came early, I had to go on a leave of absence. When I returned to school, I was able to continue my honor roll status. My instructors motivated me, and I really enjoyed learning. After graduation, I worked for several years as a Dental Assistant and enjoyed every minute. In 1993, I returned to PMI as an instructor and have been here ever since. It is easy for me to identify with many of my students, and I constantly get the opportunity to help others become successful. Some of my students have become Dental Hygienists and even Dentists, and I am extremely proud of them! I'm thankful to PMI and to God for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful organization. Theresa Romero-Diaz * Theresa was named "Instructor of the Year" in both 2000 and 2006

I didn't graduate from high school. I got married, had four children, and worked at restaurants. 11 years after quitting school, I decided to continue my education, and a week after earning my GED, I stopped in at PMI and signed up for the Pharmacy Technician program. I didn't have a vehicle, so I walked a mile and a half every day to class and back, only missing one day of school. I loved my classes! They flew by so quickly, but I dedicated myself to learning all I could. My instructors taught more than simple book learning; they taught us what they had learned out in the field. We were trained in what would be expected of us and even role-played, practicing how to handle patients in specific situations. I was hired at my externship site where I am now the IV Technician, dispensing medications for a long- term care facility, hospice and assisted living. Some days are rough, but I know that what I'm doing is beneficial both to myself and to my patients. Because I want to show my children the importance of life-long learning, I plan to continue my education through PMI's online Health Care Administration program. I'm really grateful I stepped out of my comfort zone and took the risk to create something different for myself and for my children. I graduated with honors, and my family couldn't be more proud of me. I'm so grateful for the opportunity PMI has given me. It has changed my life.

After graduating from high school, I attended UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) but despite attempting a number of majors, I still didn't have a plan. The thing that brought me joy was volunteering at the shelter where I adopted my dog. I really loved working with the animals and it made me realize that's what I was meant to do. I began researching schools with a veterinary program around El Paso and found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program. I cannot tell you how excited and joyful I was to finally start on a path to a career I knew I would love! I had a great experience during my 9-month program. My instructor was wonderful and I received lots of hands-on practice. I was placed in Boerne, near San Antonio, at the Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital for my externship and before I left to head back to El Paso, they offered me a position! After almost three years as a Veterinary Assistant I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program, this time at the Pima Medical in San Antonio. I have been learning so much and am enjoying getting exposure in different areas like exotics and livestock. I appreciate my instructors sharing their experiences and providing hands-on instruction. I plan to graduate later this year. I love the veterinary field and I am so thankful to Pima Medical for providing a path to a great career that I love!

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!

From a young age, I had a keen interest in science and technology, envisioning a future in computer engineering, software development, information technology, or aerospace. I also enjoyed helping others in study groups and frequently tutored friends and neighbors. Despite excelling in school, my college experience left me disillusioned with what felt like a dull and tedious curriculum. It was during this time that I found the Radiography (RAD) program at Pima Medical Institute. Entering the RAD program resulted in a rekindling of my passion for science and technology. The challenging and accelerated program, taught by passionate and knowledgeable faculty, inspired me to excel. During clinicals, I had a preceptor who was an inspired teacher with high standards and expectations, furthering my skills. His reputation for training knowledgeable technologists, along with the strong fundamentals I learned from the Pima Medical faculty, shaped me into the success that I am today. Upon completion of the program, I embraced my first job and discovered my love for mentoring students. Drawing on my lifelong penchant for teaching and the excellent education I received, I became a respected figure in my workplace. Currently, I am a Clinical Preceptor at a top-ranked Level 1 Trauma Center where I directly oversee more RAD students than any other hospital in our region. I feel a responsibility to give every one of my students the same tools I was given and hold them to the same high standards that I was held to; empowering them to become future technologists who provide exceptional care. My journey from student to preceptor is a testament to the transformative impact Pima Medical Institute had on my career.

After completing high school, I was looking for a temporary source of income that would pay enough to allow me to put myself through college. I had several family members who had attended various programs at Pima Medical Institute, so decided to enroll in their nine-month Pharmacy Technician program, figuring it might be a quick way to make more than the average college student. The class schedules were ideal, allowing me to work while going to school. It was a strenuous curriculum but my instructor, a Doctor of Pharmacy with many years of experience, ensured his students became successful Pharmacy Technicians. He knew exactly what made a great technician and he prepared us well to become nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technicians. I have spent the past 17 years as a Pharmacy Technician working in inpatient pharmacy performing sterile and chemotherapy compounding. I moved away from Arizona about seven years ago and I was hired at the VA Medical Center, where I was quickly promoted to Lead IV Trainer. Recently, the Mayo Clinic in Mankato reached out to me and offered me a job as their Technician Supervisor with a focus in Sterile Compounding. The temporary job I thought would support further education became my career. I am very proud of my work as a Pharmacy Technician and I'm thankful for my Pima Medical instructor. As a result of being trained by him, I feel like my career has been really distinguished and for that I will always be 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!

When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support. The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set. My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way. I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.

After 25 years in restaurant management, I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but life kept getting in the way. In 2017, everything changed when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. One nurse, an older, highly skilled woman, was so inspiring that I thought, "If she can do this, so can I." Though I didn't want to be a nurse, I knew my management background could help me run a medical office. However, when I tried applying for receptionist jobs, I kept hearing the same thing-I needed medical experience. That's when I decided to take a leap and enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. The nine-month program gave me the education I needed to get my foot in the door. It wasn't easy-after being out of school for 20 years, I had to relearn how to study and manage my time. But thanks to Pima Medical's support system and my fellow students, I got through it. I landed my first job as an MA through my externship at Pima Heart. I soon enrolled in the online Health Care Administration (HCA) program, while moving up in my job and then continued into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Upon completion, I applied to administrative positions and was humbled to have 15 interviews scheduled. After considering numerous job opportunities, I chose to join Banner Health as a Practice Manager, overseeing a staff of 20 (with eight providers and 40 residents). Pima Medical provided the education I needed to excel in the medical field. My instructors were there for me every step of the way. If you're considering going back to school, just do it! Choose Pima Medical and you will get the support you need.