At the age of 16 I became pregnant and had to drop out of high school. Later, I attended a program for teen moms and graduated as their valedictorian. But, my attempts to attend college were futile and I soon had another child and began working at a call center. My desire to be a medical professional never left me, and on my way home from work, I started driving past Pima Medical where I would sit in the parking lot watching students come and go. I just couldn't get up the nerve to go inside. As a result of my emotionally unstable relationship, I did not feel worthy or capable of anything. One day, a student walking near my car dropped all his books and papers. I jumped out of the car to help him and he looked me in the eye and said, "You've been sitting out here every day for a month - what are you waiting for?" God speaks in mysterious ways. I went inside and signed up for the Medical Assistant program.
It was difficult working, going to school and caring for my children. I knew I had to leave Albuquerque because of my unstable relationship, so Pima Medical arranged an externship for me in Phoenix. My instructors and classmates not only helped me pack, they raised money to help fund the move for me and my kids.
I was offered a position during my externship. I became the lead assistant quickly and then their office manager. After a few years, I moved to Scottsdale Physicians Group where I am a director over 38 other MA's. I am continuing my education in Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program with plans to complete my bachelor's degree. I am still breaking the cycle. Pima Medical transformed my life both personally and professionally!
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My journey into health care began with the encouragement of my aunt, Marie Defede, who worked in admissions at Pima Medical Institute's Chula Vista campus. Inspired by her support, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program in 2002 and graduated in 2003, a decision that forever changed my life.
Shortly after, I started working at Scripps Anderson's Clinic in La Jolla as a medical assistant in the Sports Orthopedic Department. I had the unique opportunity to support the San Diego Padres Baseball Team. That fast-paced environment taught me the importance of clinical accuracy, teamwork and compassionate patient care.
Wanting to give back, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor, teaching Medical Assistant front and back office skills, Medical Administrative courses and Career Preparation. Helping students grow was deeply fulfilling, and in 2010, I was honored as Pima Medical's Peak Performer for my dedication to education and mentorship.
My career expanded beyond clinical work when I transitioned into the biopharmaceutical sector. I worked with Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, focusing on clinical operations, system optimization and compliance in regulated environments. Alongside my career, I advanced my education. I earned an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration in 2010, a B.S. in Health Care Administration in 2013 and then a M.S. in Health Administration. I am currently completing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, with a focus on inclusive leadership and healthcare transformation.
Today, I serve as a Clinical Business Systems Analyst, leading projects in organizational development, system implementation and process improvement. Beyond my career, I am a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, patient rights and underserved populations.
Pima Medical was where it all began. It provided the foundation, support and mentorship I needed to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare and leadership. I will always be proud to say my journey started at PMI.
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My driving route often took me past PMI's campus. I've always been interested in the medical field and wondered if it was too late for me to get started. One day I just decided to stop by and ask some questions and the next thing I knew I was starting their Medical Assistant program. I am married with two kids and I'd been out of school for 13 years. So it was tough to get back into homework and studying, but my instructors were so helpful! I wanted to give up many times and they believed in me and told me they weren't going to let me fail.
When PMI arranged for my externship at Guadalupe Psychiatric I was a little skeptical. But the doctor was really excellent and I worked hard. On the last day of my externship they offered me a job! I want to continue my education by enrolling in PMI's online Health Care Administration program so I can reach my goal of becoming an office manager. Mostly, I want my kids to see their mom succeed and know I'm doing this for them. I had such a great experience at PMI and would recommend it to anyone!
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In high school, I saw a pamphlet about PMI but I wasn't sure what I wanted. My mom pushed me to become a Medical Assistant, but it just wasn't a good fit for me. One day while walking by a classroom, I saw a diagram listing drugs, their generic name, and their actions. It caught my attention and interest. After researching, I decided to enroll in the Pharmacy Technician program. It just clicked with me and I found my new passion. One of the things I loved about Pima Medical was the special bond formed with classmates. We shared information as we studied and then shared new discoveries with our instructors. We developed a great connection.
I now work at the AIDs Healthcare Foundation. As a team of pharmacists and technicians, we examine patient records and check for contraindications. I even had the opportunity to go into areas in the community and promote our pharmacy and the services we offered. Pima Medical gave me a great base knowledge about drugs and taught me how to continue learning as I moved into a very specialized area.
When I heard there was an instructor position at PMI, I jumped at it. I love teaching and getting my students engaged. Often I will say to them, "Let's learn this together!" Pima provided a great starting point and opened so many doors for me. Down the road, I definitely want to become a pharmacist and my ultimate dream is to specialize in HIV pharmacy.
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I have a bachelor's and master's degree in music and have been a professional musician and taught music full-time for 10 years. I was looking for more stability and a career in the dental field but was concerned about how much time it might take. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant program because it was short (only 9 months) and I could attend morning classes and continue to teach music in the afternoon and evenings.
My instructors were great! The best part of the program for me was the hands on. We trained on each other and on the Medical Assistant students (we offered our arms for their practice and they offered their teeth). We also had a dental clinic at our campus so we were even able to assist the dentist and work on real patients. I had a cool moment one day helping with an extraction in the clinic when I absolutely knew I had chosen the right field. My instructors knew I had a strong interest in endodontics and they made an extra effort to set up my externship in an endodontic office. Three weeks into my clinicals the doctor offered to begin paying me and I was officially hired upon graduation. I am already the Lead Dental Assistant and I really appreciate my boss and enjoy my job.
I would recommend Pima Medical for anyone looking for a new career. The program was quick and jammed packed with knowledge. I had just turned age 41 when I decided to switch careers and I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. If you are looking for a stable career in the medical field, Pima Medical is perfect!
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In 2016, I began working for Pima Medical Institute as a Student Finance Officer. When I heard about their Health Care Administration program, I knew it was for me. I had a fulltime family and a fulltime job, so the online program was a perfect fit.
It was a little worrisome as I hadn't been to school in quite a while and I was afraid I would embarrass myself. Plus, I had never taken online classes before. It wasn't easy, there were late nights and I shed a few tears; but my instructors and family were very supportive. One thing I really appreciated is they helped us learn how to write emails in a professional way, no one had ever taught me that. I write emails all day long and I'm so grateful for my education. I feel so much more confident in my skills. My management class increased my confidence and, in fact, I recently applied for a coordinator position. I would never have felt comfortable pursuing a new position without this program.
My educational experience at Pima Medical has had quite the trickle down effect on my family. My oldest daughter completed the Medical Assistant program, my youngest daughter graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program, and her boyfriend is enrolled in the Radiography program. My husband's niece graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program, her boyfriend completed the Dental Assistant program and his other niece is considering enrolling in the HCA program. I have been able to help so many family members with a new career!
I love Pima Medical so much and this program gave me so many new skills. I am considering continuing in the bachelor's degree program.
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At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field.
I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position.
I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program.
I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.
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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.
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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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Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me.
While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business.
After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.
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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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