When I came to Pima Medical Institute, I was a single mom with a teenage daughter. I had attended college in the past but was left with a useless degree working a job that wasn't paying the bills. I like helping people but don't really like to touch them, so the Pharmacy Technician program was a perfect fit for me.
Since graduating in 2014, I've held various roles within the pharmacy community; from retail, to long-term care, to home infusion where I am currently working. I am part of an amazing team at Providence Infusion and Pharmacy where I get to help patients that are receiving home IV treatments. I've also recently expanded my knowledge and have moved into a billing role.
In the seven and a half years since I've graduated from Pima Medical, I've doubled my income and have been able to provide my daughter with a life we would never have had before. We take multiple vacations a year, we have our own home, and we both drive great vehicles and she is working on becoming a pilot. We have a life we never could've dreamed possible, and I was able to build amazing friendships in the process.
Pima Medical was most definitely the right choice for me. Most recently, I've been looking into continuing my education and going for a bachelor's in Health Care Administration. I can't thank Pima Medical enough for what they've done for me and my family. I wake up every morning excited to come to work and help people. I love what I do!
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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.
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After graduating from Akron University in Ohio with a degree in biology, I was left without any direction on where to go or what to do next. I moved back to Tucson and began looking for a career. After going through rehab for a soccer injury, I began considering a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I found Pima Medical Institute's PTA program and knew it would start me on my career path.
After graduating from PMI, I had no problem finding a job in a setting I desired. Seven months later my daughter was born and we moved back to Ohio where my wife was from. Again, I found jobs to be plentiful. After obtaining experience in many different settings, including skilled nursing, home health, outpatient and hospital acute care, I decided I wanted more. I was accepted to the PTA to the Doctorial PT transitional program at The University of Findlay in Ohio. It was a challenging time working 40 hours a week and attending school, but after two and a half years I became a Dr. of Physical Therapy (DPT). I've found a great interest in outpatient therapy and am currently enjoying working in orthopedics and sports medicine.
My wife and I have recently welcomed our third child and I am so thankful to Pima Medical Institute for providing my base and starting me on this career path. Thanks PMI; I am a certainly a success of yours.
Dr. Corey Sipos, DPT
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Before attending Pima Medical Institute I was waiting tables and wanting more. There had been many nurses in my family and I always thought I wanted to work in the medical field. After doing lots of research, I was excited to find a good Medical Assistant program in Colorado Springs. When I visited PMI, I felt nervous, but everyone made me feel really comfortable, and after talking with admissions and taking the tour, I knew this was the place for me. I had a super good experience as a student. My instructors were great and when I got into my clinicals I just kept thinking, "This is it. I know this is what I want to do forever!"
After graduation I was hired at my externship site and worked in family practice for several years. I took a few years off to have my son and had no trouble getting back into the work force. I am currently a Medical Assistant at Children's Hospital where I work mainly in ENT and Neurology.
I felt really prepared moving into my new profession. I was ready and Pima helped me get there. To all the waitresses out there who want something more ... it's tough to start a new career, but go for it! You won't regret it!
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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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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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While working as a journeyman meat cutter, I began looking for a new career. My brother-in-law, an ER charge nurse, recommended I look into Surgical Technology. After some research, I chose Pima Medical Institute's Surgical Technology program based on their stellar reputation as an education institution. Going back to school as a 42-year-old was very challenging; I hadn't even owned a smart phone until I started my classes. Plus, going to school while continuing to work was difficult, but I had a great experience as a student and enjoyed the relationships I was able to cultivate.
What I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the real world experience the instructors brought to our classes. They were always able to give real life examples to help solidify and anchor lessons in my mind. To be able to ask questions about actual cases was invaluable in preparing me for the operating room. I felt prepared to enter the field for clinicals, scared out of my mind, but prepared.
I obtained a position at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center immediately, in fact I had to ask for the day off to attend my graduation. I have become an Orthopedic Scrub Tech specializing in Total Joint Replacement. I have also become a Preceptor helping to teach and train scrub tech students and orienting newly hired scrubs.
I really appreciated my instructors and have stayed in touch and continue to use them as resources. I recommended Pima Medical Institute without hesitation.
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I was in my early 20's, ready to complete a degree in finance when I realized I really didn't want to spend my life sitting behind a desk. I had a few family members working in the radiography field and I noticed they not only had a great career, but they could choose to work in different modalities and had lots of variety in their jobs. I began researching, found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled.
I had wonderful instructors! It's an intense and tough program, but the way the program is structured really makes you feel prepared for your profession. I enjoyed the shorter rotations for clinicals which exposed me to many different areas and modalities. Once I knew what I was looking for, I was able to complete multiple rotations in my area of interest which prepared me for a job at that very location. I was hired at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and after a year I was promoted to a charge technologist and almost 2 years ago I moved into the role of General Radiology Supervisor. I love the fast-paced environment at UNMH. We're the only trauma one hospital in the state and we see something new every day. I'm not the only Pima Medical graduate in my department, we currently have five employees that were my classmates and each year I hire multiple new Pima Medical new graduates.
Pima Medical provided a great education and really prepared me for the field.
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Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother.
After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.
Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.
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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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I had been working at a grocery store for 12 years when I decided it was time for a change. I hadn't been in school in a very long time and wasn't quite ready to commit to a four-year university. When I found Pima Medical Institute, it felt like the right fit for me in my stage of life. I chose the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program because I viewed it as a great stepping stone into a career in the medical field.
I really enjoyed my time at Pima Medical. It was exciting to be in a learning environment surrounded by students who were all motivated to succeed. My biggest challenge was balancing full-time work with evening classes while still finding time to study. It wasn't easy, but I did it! The thing I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the genuine commitment to student success. There was always help available whenever I had questions or needed support. Because of that, I walked out of the program feeling prepared and confident in my new profession.
Upon graduation, I quickly found a job and began working as a Medical Assistant with Providence in family practice, where I stayed for six years. Currently, I work for Optum Primary Care, continuing my career in family medicine. While at Providence, I had the opportunity to be a preceptor in the apprentice program, and I hope to take on that role again at Optum in the future. Educating and mentoring others is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the field of healthcare.
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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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