Growing up, I always wanted to become a police officer, so when I turned 18, I signed up for an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course. My plan was to get experience and improve my resume so that I could get into the police department, but I fell in love with emergency medicine during that course. I realized there was nothing more I wanted to do with my life than become a paramedic firefighter.
Upon the recommendation of a friend who had gone through Pima Medical Institute's Paramedic program, I enrolled in the program. On the first day, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that would be required, but my instructors were fantastic, and they helped us all along the way. It's a challenging and stressful program, but it is also a lot of fun and worth it! My classmates and I became great friends, and our class almost felt like one big, dysfunctional, happy family.
I was nervous at the beginning but learned so much and had great experiences during my clinical and field experiences. The whole EMS community is very small and supportive, and it's a great profession to be in. PMI has a really good reputation in the community and has does a great job preparing students like me for the paramedic field.
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I wasn't completely sure about going back to school until I walked through the doors at Pima Medical Institute. From the moment I took the tour and sat down for the exam, Admissions Representative Mary Mikiel made me feel welcomed and encouraged. I don't love taking tests, but her support and positive energy truly made a difference that day. A few days later, she called to tell me I had only missed one question - and that I was officially accepted into the Medical Assistant program.
Starting the program, I connected quickly with my classmates and discovered a great sense of community. My instructors were not only knowledgeable, but genuinely invested in my success. There were five of us who graduated together, and that experience gave me newfound confidence in myself. I was working full time while attending school, and although it wasn't easy, I proved to myself that I could push through the ups and downs and make it to graduation day. I started working at a fast-paced urgent care where everything I learned at Pima Medical came flooding back like second nature.
After about a year of hard work, I was encouraged to apply for a higher position. I'm proud to say I am now the Center Manager at Carbon Health Carlsbad. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement I received from the staff and instructors at Pima Medical. They believed in me when I didn't fully believe in myself and constantly pushed me to grow. For that, I will always be grateful. Pima Medical Institute didn't just prepare me for a career, they helped me believe in myself.
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Many different paths have led students to Pima Medical Institute but rarely, if ever, has one involved a thousand mile trek through the jungles of an African nation, decimated by civil war, at the age of seven. One of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Chris was a refugee in various camps throughout Africa, after being orphaned at the age of 7. His saga began the night his village in Southern Sudan was attacked and destroyed, with the men, women and girls murdered or enslaved. He fled into the jungle, eventually joining forces with other displaced Sudanese boys (estimates up to 26,000) to begin a three month walk barefoot to a refugee camp in Ethiopia. He was forced out just a year later when civil war erupted in that country as well, fleeing by foot once again. His childhood realities included watching fellow boys lose eyes to vultures and necks getting snapped by lion attacks, or witnessing daily deaths from poisonous snake bites, dehydration, starvation or tropical disease. Less than half of the boys survived.
Chris was one of 4000 refugees picked by the United Nations to resettle in the US in 2001 and one of 15 in Tucson. He attended PMI, graduating with honors from the Pharmacy Technician program, and has subsequently furthered his education with the addition of a Licensed Practical Nursing degree. His long term goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, a degree which he hopes to use in fulfillment of his life vision of returning to his country to improve the quality of health care. He, along with two of his comrades, has started the non profit organization of "Jumpstart Sudan." This foundation's goal is to establish a health clinic which will provide basic medical care in Southern Sudan, the area from which Chris was forced to flee over 16 years earlier.
Chris Garang is the epitome of a PMI success story. However, it is not just in his achievement of overcoming obstacles as a child, obstacles that could have easily overwhelmed even the strongest man, nor his perseverance in tackling and mastering academics in a foreign language, which define his success. The true testament of his character is that, instead of anger and bitterness, he has the grace to pass on what he considers the "blessing" of his new life and knowledge to his native country. This sense of gratitude and his commitment to spread his good fortune is a triumph of spirit. We are so proud of you, Chris!
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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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These 3 sisters are from a family of 8 children. Jennifer started the Pima Medical Institute tradition. After completing a bachelor's degree and still not being able to determine a career path, a friend recommended she look into Pima Medical Institute. Jennifer chose the Radiography program because she'd had a number of injuries and experienced x-rays in the past. Julianne followed her to Pima Medical. After considering another program, she also decided on Radiography and the girls attended the program together. It made for some competition between the two sisters, but also gave them a built in study partner. Both Jennifer and Julianne say they had great instructors, made great friends, and enjoyed working together toward a common goal. Julianne says she recommends Pima Medical to everyone!
Jessica watched her sisters finish a quick program and get steady jobs. She saw not only their successful careers, but their financial reward, and decided she wanted that for herself. So she enrolled in the Radiography program at Pima Medical. She found out she was expecting while in the program, gave birth and was back in school a week later. She says her daughter Marley is her main motivator and she will be graduating in 2020.
The girls love the variety of opportunities the field of radiography offers. Jennifer currently works the night shift at a hospital as an x-ray technologist and is also the OR supervisor. She loves the fast paced variety and trauma aspect. Julianne obtained a position as an x-ray technologist at another hospital and is starting school for MRI. Jessica has been enjoying her clinical experience and looks forward to a job in the field after graduation. All three girls love the radiography field and feel so grateful for their education at Pima Medical Institute.
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I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I began working as a CNA, and through my experiences in the hospital, I became excited about a possible career in the medical field. I heard a commercial about Pima Medical Institute and decided the quickest way into a career was enrolling in their 9 month Medical Assistant program. That opened the door for me, but I loved learning and knew I wanted more.
My dad passed away in 2015 from a drowning incident and that experience pushed me toward the respiratory therapy field. Through that incident I was able to observe the amazing work that respiratory therapists do and I said to myself, "I want to be one of them". One year after completing the MA program, I started Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program and I loved every moment of it! The program was challenging, but our classes were small and I connected with my classmates. We developed an almost family-type relationship. I loved my instructors; they really wanted us to succeed.
After completing my clinical experience, I was hired at St Anthony North Medical Health Center in Westminster, CO. I love my job! Recently, I have been working in the COVID ICU. I help intubate, manage ventilators and endotracheal tubes and give breathing treatments to those struggling to breath. I feel like I have found my calling.
I love Pima Medical. They did so much for me. Down the road I hope to continue my education by getting my bachelor's degree and possibly even obtaining my master's degree in the respiratory field.
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In 2016, I completed my bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences) through Pima Medical Institute's Online program. A few years later, they offered me the chance to pursue a master's program (Master of Organizational Leadership) at a good tuition rate. Despite initially vowing not to return to school, I seized the opportunity.
Balancing a full-time job and two per diem positions was challenging, totaling about 70 hours of work a week. However, with two-month courses that kept me engaged, I pushed through, always carrying my laptop with me to avoid falling behind. What made this program truly valuable was its immediate application in my professional life. My capstone project focused on improving employee satisfaction by revising schedules - a project I was already implementing at my new job.
Surprisingly, my master's degree opened doors I hadn't expected. A friend sought a new supervisor for their facility, and my enrollment in a master's program played a significant role in their decision to hire me. Today, I proudly serve as the MRI Supervisor at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA.
I'm immensely thankful for my dedicated instructors, who were always accessible and supportive despite the distance. Choosing Pima Medical was a life-changing decision. It not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills for my role but also offered unwavering support and a sense of belonging within their educational community. My journey to an MRI Supervisor underscores the incredible potential that Pima Medical can unlock for its students.
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As a proud Pima Medical Institute BSRT graduate, my journey from an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT), to a bachelor's degree, to achieving my dream job as a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children's Mercy has been nothing short of remarkable. While in school for my associate's at Concorde College, they highly encouraged us to continue our education and recommended Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). I knew a bachelor's would increase my salary and would also be helpful for future supervisory or management positions. The flexibility of online classes made it manageable for me to work full-time at Salem Health, a level II trauma center with a level III NICU, while pursuing my degree.
My dream of working in medical transport began at age 17, when I was a volunteer patient for the local fire department and experienced being flighted out of our neighborhood. After years of experience as an RT, I landed my dream job. As a Critical Care Transport RT, I participate in various types of transports, from helicopters and fixed wing, to jets and ground transportation, proving support to hospitals nationwide. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is one of the busiest transport teams, covering a wide range of patients including neonates, pediatrics, maternal and fetal cases. Working with limited resources challenges me to think on my feet and be creative with patient care. The transport team, comprised of brilliant minds, requires continuous education, certifications, and simulations to improve patient care. During my downtime, I enjoy visiting former patients and their families and witnessing their progress.
I love to do PR at community events where I hope to inspire young girls to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I'm appreciative for the role Pima Medical played in shaping my success and making my dream job a reality.
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I completed my bachelor's degree in child development and worked at child care centers for a number of years, but something inside me always longed to be in the medical field. My dad was a physical therapist assistant and later became an RN, so I had lots of exposure to the medical field. But, it's very difficult to switch careers. After a coworker told me about Pima Medical Institute, I began taking steps to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. I was still working full-time so the hybrid MA program, which offered online learning and the opportunity to attend classes two nights a week, was exactly what I needed. I loved my experience as a student and appreciated my instructors. It was tough attending classes and working full-time, but I was diligent with my studies and disciplined myself to study on weekends. When it came time for my clinicals, I quit my child care job and began applying all I had learned in my classes at a family medicine clinic. The people I worked with really helped me and I was able to apply the skills I had learned, gain experience and also increase my confidence. It was probably my favorite part of my education.
Finding a job ended up being a lot easier than I had anticipated. I am currently working as an MA at Parker Pediatrics and Adolescence. I love my job! I am able to marry all my experience working with children and my new career in the medical field. I really enjoy the people I work with and it's providing me a ton of opportunities for further growth and learning. I'm not finished with education, so I am in the process of getting my bachelor of science in nursing. Pima Medical gave me my start in the medical field. Being able to work full time while obtaining my MA certificate was so worth it and provided a jumping off point for me into the medical field.
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When my children were heading off to college, I realized it was my turn to invest in myself. I wanted a career that aligned with my passions-health, fitness and helping people-while also offering job stability and global opportunities. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) checked all the boxes, and after researching different programs, Pima Medical Institute stood out as the perfect fit for my timeline and lifestyle.
Going back to school after 15 years as a stay-at-home soccer mom was the hardest thing I've ever done. The fast-paced, condensed program challenged me academically, and the commute from Tacoma to North Seattle meant long days followed by even longer nights of studying. But Pima Medical provided endless support-faculty were always available, and I took advantage of every extra lab and hands-on practice session. They held us to high standards because patients deserve the best, not just someone getting by.
After graduation, I started at an orthopedic outpatient clinic, later transitioning to Olympic Sports and Spine, where I earned my orthopedic sports certification and became a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Eventually, I sought a setting that allowed more personalized patient care, leading me to a private practice where I now enjoy one-on-one treatment sessions. I plan to retire here.
Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism to succeed. Even after graduating, I've stayed connected with my instructors, who were always honest, supportive and dedicated. My career allows me to keep learning and growing, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
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I have always admired health care professionals and knew from an early age that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to patient care. As a young adult preparing for college, a routine physical led to the discovery of a benign brain tumor. I spent much of that summer in and out of the hospital. The compassion, skill and reassurance shown by my nurses and doctors left a lasting impact on me during a time filled with fear and uncertainty.
I began working as a dental assistant for a family friend, which gave me a glimpse into the profession and led to a transformative mission trip to Nicaragua, where I assisted in providing dental care to underserved communities.
Soon after, I applied to the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute's Seattle campus. The program was rigorous, but the unwavering support from instructors made all the difference. They were dedicated to our success academically, clinically and personally. When it came time to take my clinical boards and graduate, I felt fully prepared and confident.
Now, with eight years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I often hear from employers how much they value Pima Medical graduates. This reputation for excellence inspired me to continue my education and enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. That journey equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to start my own myofunctional therapy practice. Through my Capstone project, I developed a comprehensive business plan and learned what it takes to build and sustain a health care practice.
I am proud to now serve as a Hybrid and Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Seattle campus. It's an honor to be a Pima Medical graduate, a dental professional, a business owner, an educator and, above all, a mother to three amazing children. I feel truly blessed to support my family while thriving in a career I am passionate about.
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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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