I always loved animals and it's been my goal to have a career working with them. I was so impressed when I took a tour at Pima Medical Institute, because there were animals everywhere. I chose this school because I knew their emphasis was going to be hands on versus just reading a book. Plus, their class schedule allowed me to continue to work and support myself while going to school.
Everyone at PMI knew all of us by name and if we ever had an issue, there was always someone willing to help and guide us. I felt knowledgeable and very prepared for every topic on the Veterinary Technician National Examination and I passed it on the first try!
I was hired immediately after graduation at the location of one of my externships and I really enjoy my job. I would like to thank everyone for all of their help and support. Down the road, I'd like to continue learning and possibly become a technologist
specializing in behavior issues. But for now, I'm just excited to work in my new career. Thanks PMI!
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My mom spent more than 25 years as an instructor at the Tucson campus and encouraged me to explore what Pima Medical Institute had to offer. I was initially drawn to Physical Therapy, but as I learned more, I discovered Occupational Therapy. During my entrance interview for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, everything about the profession resonated with me. Ten years later, I have no doubt that this is my calling.
The OTA program demanded a high level of self-accountability. I had to learn when to use the resources available, how to ask for help and how to grow through discomfort. The growing pains were worth it. My cohort became my biggest support system and those relationships have turned into lifelong friendships.
I truly appreciated being held to a higher standard throughout the program. The structure and expectations prepared me to deliver quality healthcare right out of school. The professionalism required of every student helps ensure graduates are not only ready to pass certification exams and succeed as clinicians, but also stand out when applying for jobs.
Thanks to that preparation, I was offered a position during my second fieldwork rotation and hired as soon as I completed my certification requirements. Since then, I've been fortunate to explore many settings, roles and opportunities throughout my career.
I've worked primarily with pediatric and young adult populations, serving my community through outpatient clinics, home health and school settings. I'm currently continuing my education with a bachelor's degree and plan to become a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).
I would absolutely recommend Pima Medical to others. The OTA program prepares you to be more than just job-ready. It gives you the foundation to build a meaningful and lasting career in healthcare.
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After finishing my undergraduate degree, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. My passion has always been animals and I kept finding myself at my local animal shelter, so decided to parlay that into a career. I worked as a shelter manager and later program manager at an animal welfare society in the Seattle area for 10 years. When I decided it was time to further my career, Pima Medical Institute was the obvious choice because it seemed every technician I knew had attended PMI.
Coming into the Veterinary Technician program, I knew I was in good hands. It was actually a very humbling experience to realize how much my instructors sacrificed for their students. After completing my clinicals for both the assistant and technician programs I was hired by my sites, even though I wasn't looking for a job. Both places had worked with PMI students before and knew their level of education and quality of work ethic.
My passion is helping people help animals, so when the opportunity presented itself for me to come back to PMI as an instructor, I knew I had found my place. I love seeing the spark in my student's eyes and the natural inclination they have for working in the veterinary field. I love my job and I believe our programs not only help people live their passion, they produce qualified technicians who really care about animals! I'm proud of that!
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I was at a community college planning to become a Dental Hygienist when I found out I was pregnant. Looking for a quicker way to get into the dental field, I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant program. My instructor was awesome! She cared about us and was always available to help if we were having trouble understanding.
PMI placed me at a dental office for children for my externship and they offered me a position. I've been there about two years and I love my job! I've realized my future goal is to move into management, so I got excited when I heard about PMI's online Health Care Administration associate's degree. It has been challenging being a mom, working and going to school full-time. But I enjoy learning and I love that the things I'm learning in my classes totally apply to my daily job. I've even been helping my manager with some ideas I've learned about in my classes. Since my future goal is to get into management at the hospital level, I am currently continuing my education in PMI's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration.
I would recommend to any Dental Assistant that enjoys the components of management to continue their education with PMI's HCA online program. It's a great way to move up in their profession. I love working in an environment where I can help people and I'm so glad I chose PMI because they gave me all the help I needed!
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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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How did I go from being a single mom in high school to recently overseeing the top enrolling COVID19 vaccine trial resulting in a 94.5% efficacy rate for the biotechnology company, Moderna?
Let me tell you my story. I became a single mom while in high school and was unsure of my future plans when a doctor on my coed softball team encouraged me to apply for a job at his clinic. I began as a receptionist. I loved learning new skills but without training had limited patient contact. My doctor encouraged me to get more education, so I enrolled at Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant program. I made some really good friends and was provided a great stepping stone into my career. After graduation I was able to work closely with patients. I saw how different medications helped them and became very interested in the different clinical trials. Again I chose to get more education, enabling me to become a certified clinical research coordinator. I've coordinated over 100 clinical trials here at Quality of Life Medical & Research Center where I am in charge of recruiting participants, coordinating staff and lab tests, collecting data and documenting each patient all while making sure they are safe. As a result of my involvement in this very significant vaccine trial, I have been promoted to Clinical Trial Research Manager, overseeing the entire team and clinical trials ... all at the very same clinic where I began as a receptionist.
This trial has certainly brought my career to a new level, but it has also been very fulfilling on a personal level as we are ALL affected by this terrible pandemic. My education at Pima Medical Institute provided a foundation which I was able to build upon. My advice for young people considering a medical career is to reach for the stars! This may just be the start of your final destination. I am so proud I was able to leave behind that place in life where I didn't know what to do and now I can say, "Look what I have done ... and you can do it too!"
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My dad had a bout of pneumonia and ended up on a ventilator and I was fascinated watching the respiratory therapist control my dad's breathing. I'd been working in the auto industry, never thought I was college material, but I my family believed in and motivated me to look into the field. I set up a tour of Pima Medical Institute with the program director and as I saw the facility and listened to her, I fell in love with her passion for respiratory therapy. Being a student at Pima Medical was certainly challenging for me, but the support I had from instructors and classmates was amazing. Our class decided that no one was going to fail, so when someone was struggling with a concept, we all rallied around them. The instructors were always available for extra help and by the time I got to clinicals, I really felt prepared. Prior to graduation I obtained a position with Banner South, a hospital that had been part of my community since I'd been a child.
While performing bedside care as a respiratory therapist, I recognized that healthcare doesn't stop at the bedside. I became interested in looking at how, for example, a patient's social economic situation impacted their outcome. Knowing I wanted to make a bigger impact and with the confidence I gained from my time at PMI I went on and continued my education earning my bachelor's in applied management and ultimately my MBA. I navigated my way throughout the healthcare system from beside care, care coordination, to quality improvement. Wanting to be more proactive than reactive, I took a position as Senior Manager of Medicare Administration. We not only looked at how we delivered advantage plan benefits, I'm proud to say we instituted a non-traditional innovative program for our patients. Recently, I accepted a position as Director of Care Delivery Operations for Banner Health Corporate. I recognize that in order for bedside staff to offer their best care, processes and supply have to be in place. I can now play a role in making that happen and that is very exciting!
Pima Medical provided the necessary educational and support a guy - who didn't think he was college material - needed in order to have the confidence to be successful. Next step - CEO!
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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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When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute.
My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.
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When I got braces in high school, I was fascinated by how something so simple could transform a person's smile-and their confidence. That experience sparked my interest in the dental field, and after researching options, I found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. I enrolled right after high school and jumped into the program.
My instructors were incredible! I never considered myself a standout student, but the hands-on learning style was perfect for me. I learned so much, and when it came time for my externship, it felt like a breeze because I was so prepared. They even offered me a job as soon as I finished, and I worked there happily until I moved out of state.
Since graduating in 2011, I've worked in every part of a dental office-from assisting to managing the front desk to being an office manager. Today, I'm a mom of two fast-growing kids, and I want more flexibility to be with them, so I'm going back to school for billing and coding. This will allow me to continue working in the dental field from home.
I love the dental field because I get to make a difference-helping patients find relief from pain or transforming their smiles - and I'm excited about the next chapter in my dental career. Pima Medical is an amazing place with caring instructors and I would choose it all over again. It's changed my life.
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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 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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