WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I always wanted to be successful, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life until my son was born. After a year of being a stay at home mom, I realized I wanted to find a position in the medical field where I could help others. I found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. I chose this career path because there are endless job opportunities and I'm able to help others who need assistance. I was excited to put all the knowledge I'd learned in my classes to work at my externship site. As the end of my program neared, I began nervously submitting my resume to various facilities. I was so concerned I wouldn't get any responses. But, I started getting calls almost every day for job interviews and my worries went right out the window! I was blessed to get two job offers right away at a doctor's office and an urgent care. Two months later I received a call from a health insurance company and got the job I'd been longing for. I am proud to say I work for an amazing company that has given me the opportunity to be the OB Coordinator for six hospitals in the state of Arizona!

After working for a time as a Metropolitan Transit System bus operator, I realized I couldn't do it my whole life. After my daughter was born, I decided to pursue a career. My mom had completed the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute years earlier and I have always had an interest in the medical field. So, I went to Pima Medical, heard about their program offerings and the Pharmacy Technician program piqued my interest and I enrolled. I loved the program. Everyone talked about pharmacy math being hard, but it just stuck with me and I didn't find it difficult. My classmates were wonderful and I made great friends. Pima Medical's externship program gave me experience in multiple settings. I enjoyed both, but learned that I definitely preferred the fast-paced setting of the hospital over the retail site. After graduation I ended up with two job offers. I chose a position at Scripps Mercy Hospital since it offered both full time and benefits, which I needed to provide for my little girl. I've since been promoted to a Technician II position and I just love my job and my new career! I love the environment, my co-workers and the busyness; there's never a dull moment and always work to be done. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical Institute. I had a great experience and the best instructor. The opportunities for my future are endless; I've considered becoming a buyer, a narcotics specialist, a system analyst or even becoming a pharmacist.

I was injured while playing soccer in high school and my physical therapist said to me, "I think you'd be a really good physical therapist!" I tucked that away until I was at Texas State University heading toward becoming a nurse when I realized it just wasn't for me. I switched to Exercise Sports Science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After graduation, the doctorate physical therapy programs were extremely competitive and I just didn't have the confidence to apply - still a regret. Instead, I reviewed my options and began searching for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and found Pima Medical Institute. It was a challenging, accelerated 18-month program, but my instructors were super motivating. Although they were hard on us, they gave us all the tools needed to be the best professional clinicians we could be. I was awarded the most "outstanding student" at graduation and offered a job at each of my clinical rotations. I began my therapist journey as a pediatric PTA until I found the place I really loved; working in sports medicine and rehabilitation. During my five plus years in orthopedics, I worked with multiple students as a clinical instructor. This drew my passion for education and I began my journey as a clinical director and instructor back at the same PTA program I'd attended. I tell my students I've been down their same path and I am going to give them everything they need to be a success in their clinical experience. I remind them that I am invested in their success because not only is Pima Medical's reputation on the line, so is mine as a graduate of this program. Pima Medical provided what I needed to become a great therapist and for that I am thankful. I believe I've found my place in education and I am hoping to further my education through the master's degree program in the future.

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!

My journey with Pima Medical Institute has been nothing short of transformative. After high school I started classes at the community college, but I just didn't like it. I didn't know what to do with my life and was spending my days playing video games. Encouraged by my parents, I began searching for a phlebotomy program, an interest of mine, and that's when I found Pima Medical. The pivotal moment came during a tour with my advisor, where we explored different programs and the Pharmacy Technician program grabbed my attention. I was still nervous and unsure, but I returned a year later feeling ready and I enrolled. Pima Medical's small, close-knit community made the first few weeks feel different from any other school experience. The journey through the program had its challenges, especially for someone like me who isn't fond of reading. However, the camaraderie among classmates, my new friendships and the guidance from Mr. Silva, our instructor, made it an enriching experience. The real test came during my externship, and despite feeling terrified, I excelled. Pima Medical not only equipped me with technical skills but also nurtured my interviewing abilities and landing a job at UMC Surgical Hospital was a dream come true. The fast-paced environment, combined with the hands-on experience I'd gotten in school, made the transition seamless. Even when I'm off for a few days, I find myself eager to get back to work. At just 20 years old, I'm happy in my new career and am dreaming about future possibilities in the medical field. From transforming my unhealthy lifestyle to instilling a newfound passion for my work, Pima Medical has been the guiding force that has not just shaped my career but my entire life.

In 2005, while browsing technical programs online, Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant (VA) Program caught my eye. I filled out a request for more information and, to my surprise, Niki Riggleman, a recently retired yet highly esteemed instructor, called me immediately. Despite never having had an interest in veterinary medicine before, that call changed my life. I can't imagine being in any other field today and I'm so grateful Niki called me! I completed the VA Program and returned to complete the Veterinary Technician (VT) Program in 2007. It was a privilege to be part of the very first VT class at the Seattle Campus. One aspect of Pima Medical I truly appreciated was its accessibility; the ability to attend night classes and work during the day allowed me to maintain a steady income while pursuing my education. The hands-on classroom experience, combined with working in the field, was crucial to my professional growth. My journey with VCA Animal Hospitals began with my first externship, where I was hired even before completing it. Almost 20 years later, I'm still with VCA and grateful to have found my place there. I worked as a VA, a VT and then quickly moved up to Technician Supervisor and a regional training role. In 2020, I became the Regional Technician Director for the Northwest & Hawaii Group, supporting veterinary teams across five states. Additionally, as the current President of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT) and a former District Chair for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), I am dedicated to improving the careers of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Ensuring their optimal utilization and safety is crucial to our profession, helping us continue to serve our patients effectively.

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.

I have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume. Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!

After retiring from the military in 2007 and working ten years as a corrections officer in a supermax prison, I decided it was time for something new. In 2019, I used my military education benefits to enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program (PHL). That led to Medical Assistant (MA), then Health Care Administration (HCA) and finally Veterinary Assistant (VTA). I also enrolled in Respiratory Therapy (RT) for a short time, but I realized it was not the right fit. In total, I completed four programs at Pima Medical. The reason I kept coming back was simple: the people. There's a real sense of community here. When I finished my last program, I felt like something was missing. I applied for a position on campus, not expecting much, but the team saw potential in me and offered me a role in financial aid. At first, I thought I wasn't qualified. They told me they could teach the technical side, but what they really needed was someone who could connect with students. That gave me the confidence to accept the job. I came here to learn, and I ended up staying to serve. Now I get to work with students every day, and I always try to check in with the ones who stand out. I let them know they're not alone, that someone here is rooting for them. It's not just about numbers or forms. It is about connection. Math used to be something I wasn't crazy about, but now I use it every day and even enjoy it. Back when I started the Phlebotomy program, I would have laughed if you told me I would be in business attire, in an office, helping students plan their futures. This job changed my perspective. I come in each day not just to work, but to make a difference. I tell my boss all the time: if it is not here, it is not anywhere. Pima Medical isn't just where I studied - It's where I belong.