I was in the military and later did contract work overseas. Although I had an associate degree in maintenance management and a bachelor's in business and project management, I had difficulty finding and keeping a job here in the states. I kept being laid off or let go because of contracts or downsizing.
I just wanted a career that wasn't here today and gone tomorrow, so I decided to become a Pharmacy Technician. I found PMI one day, came in and registered, and I started the program the following Monday. I was the oldest student -- even older than my instructors -- and I had to relearn how to learn. My instructors helped me stay focused during the fast-paced program, though, and it was a great learning experience!
Thanks to the practice I had at PMI, I caught on quickly while at my externship at the local VA Hospital. I continued to volunteer at the VA until I was hired at Primrose St. Francis Hospital where I'm currently working as a Pharmacy Tech 2. It's very fast-paced; there are 11 floors, and I walk 12-15 thousand steps a day, but I enjoy it! I'm currently working on another bachelor's in health care management. My PMI instructors always encouraged us to continue our education, so I'm keeping my doors open. PMI is a great school and it provided me my start in the medical field!
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I started my career as a medic on an ambulance and knew I wanted
to become a nurse. Everyone around me was doing it and it felt like
the natural next step. At the time, I was working toward a degree in
paramedicine at another college but their nursing program required
a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (CNA), which I didn't have.
I was ready to get started and Pima Medical Institute offered exactly
what I needed: a program that didn't stretch over an entire semester.
I enrolled in the CNA course, checked that box and had a great
experience.
Eventually, I was accepted into a nursing program elsewhere - but the
waitlist was a year and a half. That's when Pima Medical reached out.
They said, "You're an alum and we have a nursing program." It was
accelerated and could get me in right away, so I said yes. I completed
the Registered Nurse (RN) program and went straight to work as a
nurse.
My boss had always encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) and though it was something I wanted
to do, I just kept putting it off. I finally enrolled in another school's
program but didn't like the structure. They said it was "fully
online", but there were group projects and required meetings that
didn't fit my schedule. I dropped and gave Pima Medical a shot
again. The BSN program was amazing. It was clearly laid out,
well-paced and truly online. I had the support I needed but I
could also self-guide.
Today, I'm the clinic manager for a company that operates
12 occupational health clinics across five states. Plus, I've
been accepted into the Master of Science in Organizational
Leadership (MSOL) program at Pima Medical. I'm pursuing
this advanced degree to grow as a leader and bring more to
the table.
Pima Medical has always been honest, consistent and
structured. If you're a self-starter with a busy schedule, this
is the school for you.
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I had a successful career as a technical writer for a large software company, but I still saw it as only a job. In 2004, I was fortunate enough to go to Romania on a volunteer vacation, working with children who had been abandoned. As a team, we were able to choose the group we worked with and I chose the group no one else wanted to work with, the special needs group. That single choice made a significant, life-changing impact. Returning to work back in the U.S. made me realize how meaningless my job was as a technical writer.
I decided to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I called Pima Medical Institute, which had the best reputation in Colorado, and the following Monday I started on my new career path. The program was challenging but the dedication of the instructors helped to keep me motivated. I love this profession and feel passionate about motivating people to do things they thought they could not do. Last year I was appointed the PTA Caucus Representative for the New Mexico American Physical Therapy Association, where I represent the profession of PTAs in the state. I also have the privilege to be an instructor in the PTA program at Pima's Albuquerque Campus. Each day I wake up excited to share this passion with others and, hopefully, pass it on to my students.
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In 2009, I decided to change careers at 38 years old. I decided on the Radiography program at PMI's Las Vegas campus because I loved that the field is always evolving and Pima had a great reputation. I graduated with Honors in 2011 with an associate degree in Occupational Radiologic Science.
Just a month after I graduated, I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. My new career was put on hold while I immediately had several surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Although this changed my plans a little I was determined to continue my education and get a BS in Radiologic Sciences. It was very challenging for me since I was having to deal with health issues and cognitive effects of my treatments, but I was very motivated.
In 2013 I completed my BSRS and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I love the career I chose! It enables me to help others and to also continue pushing myself to learn every day. My disease makes it difficult for me to work full time but I still work in surgery a few days a month. I now spend most of my time advocating for other lung cancer patients, lobbying on Capitol Hill, and running a support group, but I'm so proud that I made the decision to advanced my education. It has been life-changing.
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I have always wanted to be a nurse, but it took until my forties to become an RN. Right after high school I became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked in nursing homes. Not long after, I married a military man and we moved to Japan with our first child and I had to put my dream on hold. After more life situations, I ended up divorced and back in Tucson as a single mom of two children. I wanted to attend nursing school but knew I needed to wait until my kids were older before investing in myself, so I worked as a Patient Care Technician. When I was finally ready, I enrolled at Pima Medical Institute where I could avoid waiting lists and start immediately. I was in my late 30's and was the oldest person in my class and it was challenging. I wasn't very savvy with computer skills and preferred to take notes on paper, but my instructors were great! They were tough but they taught us what we needed to be successful.
While a student at PMI, I made a connection with a hospital administrator while volunteering at a nursing conference. She knew my interest in working in a psychiatric unit and suggested I meet with the director of the recently opened Geriatric Psychiatry Unit at Tucson Medical Center. That meeting led to a clinical rotation and a job offer before I had even graduated. I have been an RN in that Gero Psych Unit for over two years and I am currently assisting in a leadership role on the unit. I am so thankful to PMI for a career I love! This is my passion and I am right where I want to be. It may sound cheesy, but I was born to do this!
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I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job!
It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision.
Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful.
When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!
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In 2012 I was in a bad accident and spent time in the hospital. This experience enabled me to observe the nurses and see how they cared for people. I had been working as a team lead at Target for a number of years but I decided that I wanted to do more than help people spend money, so I began pursuing the medical field. I started as a CNA and after 4 years decided I wanted to attend school to become an LPN.
I heard about Pima Medical Institute on the radio and got excited about attending their Practical Nursing program. I have to admit my first sequence of classes was really challenging! The whole program was a huge learning experience for me, but my hard work paid off. I appreciated how the whole program was laid out ahead of time, including our course work and the schedule. This really helped us be successful.
I was offered a job at my clinical site. The administrator took notice of me and offered me a position as a unit manager, not your typical first job as an LPN. I believe Pima Medical helped me develop a level of confidence that made a difference in obtaining this position. Recently, I was contacted by another facility and offered a job as another unit manager. I am honored and proud that in such a short time my education and hard work has provided opportunities for growth in my career. Pima Medical prepared me to be successful. The encouragement and support I got from my instructors was just overwhelming, and it's an experience I am always going to cherish.
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I had been working at an assisted living facility for a number of years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a QMAP (Qualified Medication Administration Personnel). I had worked my way up to management, but was feeling burnt out. I had a few friends who had attended Pima Medical Institute and spoke very highly of it. I began researching the programs and Surgical Technologist captured my interest, so I enrolled.
Most of my classes were online, because of COVID, but I found my instructors to be knowledgeable and encouraging, even from a distance. For clinicals, I was placed at Denver Health. I was terrified, but both my clinical director and OR educator were always available for questions and upon completion, they offered me a job.
I absolutely love going to work and am fascinated by every part of my job! Plus, I get to work with lots of other Pima Medical graduates. Here's what my typical day might look like: I check the board for my first assignment, do my first surgical scrub, begin preparing the OR. I gown and glove then prepare the back table and appropriate instruments for that surgery. After the patient and surgeon come in, I help gown and glove the surgeon, drape the patient, and set up suction, cautery, and instrumentation, keeping everything sterile. During surgery I anticipate the needs of the surgeon, often helping with retraction or bleeding. After, I help clean up the OR and begin preparing for my next surgery.
I cannot tell you how much I love being a Surgical Technologist. My husband sees how happy I am and he is considering attending the same program. I'm thankful for Pima Medical and the education and support I received from my instructors. I recommend it all the time.
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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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After graduating from high school in Rio Rico, I moved to Tucson to attend a community college, but it just wasn't the right place for me. One of my friends had gone to Pima Medical Institute, and after checking out their Medical Assistant (MA) program, I thought-this is perfect! The program was fast, flexible, and had no wasted classes. Since there were options for morning, afternoon or evening classes, I was able to continue working while attending school. At just 19 years of age, I graduated with my certificate and started working in a "grown up job" while most of my friends were still in college. I knew I had made the right choice. I landed a job at Catalina Pediatrics where I worked as an MA for 13 years, eventually becoming the back-office manager.
Wanting more, I considered nursing, but a co-worker suggested I look into Respiratory Therapy (RT). When I found out Pima Medical had an RT program, I knew it was for me. The classes were challenging, but my instructors were supportive, and my classmates and I helped each other through the program. The biggest challenge I faced was during my ICU rotation, when COVID hit and we were sent home. After graduating, I saw a job opening at Banner Main as Program Manager for their Sleep Research Lab. I applied, and got the job! It was a tough first year learning the ins and outs of research, but now I love the responsibility and even the pressure.
If I hadn't gone back to school for RT, I wouldn't be where I am today, with a job I love. My advice? Whether you're 19 or 39, go to school. Pima Medical gave me opportunities I never imagined, and it can do the same for you!
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I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare but wasn't sure which path to take. While working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), I met a patient receiving Occupational Therapy (OT). I had never heard of OT before, but it intrigued me. After some research, I discovered the wide range of opportunities in the field, especially working with children. I was hooked! That's when I found Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
My time at Pima Medical was incredible. My cohort was fun and supportive, and the instructors were knowledgeable and kind. There were challenges along the way, like COVID delays during clinicals, but I never regretted my decision. The hands-on learning experiences truly prepared me for the field.
After graduation, I pursued my dream of working with children and was hired at Piller Child Development. Knowing I wanted to eventually attend graduate school, I enrolled in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. The program was quick, flexible, and allowed me to balance work, school, and life.
Now, I'm working as a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant with Mariposa Therapy Services, supporting children in schools, while attending Northern Arizona University to earn my Doctor of Occupational Therapy. I've developed a passion for feeding therapy, including sensory-based treatments and lactation consulting. My ultimate goal is to open my own feeding therapy practice.
I'm so excited for the future, and I'm grateful to Pima Medical for giving me the foundation to build a career I love.
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Starting over in a new career later in life was daunting, but my passion for healthcare pushed me forward. I initially enrolled at a local community college to complete prerequisites for a nursing program, only to face a two-year waitlist. Determined to find a quicker path into the medical field, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. This program's accelerated timeline was perfect for my busy life as a stay-at-home mother. In less than three months I gained essential skills and secured a job in the medical field. That first step ignited my passion for healthcare, and after gaining experience as a phlebotomist and clinical lab assistant, I returned to Pima Medical for the 22-month Respiratory Therapy program.
My journey wasn't without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my class's clinical rotations, forcing us to transition to remote learning. Balancing studies, work, and family was overwhelming, but I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize self-care. The instructors, many of whom were industry professionals, provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences that prepared me for real-world healthcare settings. As a result of my education, I secured a position at Banner Desert Medical Center, where I have been employed for the past eight years. During the pandemic, I practiced respiratory care under an emergency license, which provided me with critical experience in a high-pressure environment. Currently, I am working in Procurement and have recently been promoted to Test Management Training Coordinator. In this role, I oversee the training processes for new hires, externships, and existing staff members.
I am incredibly grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical for their dedication and support. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training prepared me for a fulfilling career.
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