PMI helped me obtain my career in the medical field. A friend of mine was enrolled in their Medical Assistant program and always shared how much she enjoyed going to school. I started to look into the other programs they had to offer and decided on the Pharmacy Technician program. I wasn't sure, but since it was only a nine month course I wasn't losing much time if it wasn't a fit. I ended up loving the program and couldn't wait to start working in the field. My instructor was great and some of my classmates have become my lifelong friends.
My externship site gave me the hands on experience I needed and Career Services sent me job leads and helping me find a position. My goal was to work in the hospital setting, so I was very excited when I received a job at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). I started as a float until I learned all the different positions. Then I began working in the Operating Room (OR) pharmacy where I would make the medications and bring them to the anesthesiologists, nurses, and doctors while they were in surgery. After about a year of working in the OR, I transferred back to the central pharmacy and became a PYXIS technician, refilling the medications in the PYXIS machines on the units for the nurses. After three years, I was promoted to Pharmacy Compliance Officer. Now, I make sure UCH is compliant with the State Board of Pharmacy (SBOP) and USP 797. I am currently enrolled in school to pursue my bachelors in business and hope to continue moving up within the company at UCH.
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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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I was in the Navy for 7 years and, although I enjoyed my job in the military, I had some trying times. After I was discharged in 2007, I promised myself to never stay with a job if I did not love it! In 2010, I was working in property management. I was struggling to get out of bed for work each morning and I remembered my promise. I had a friend who graduated from PMI and he encouraged me to follow my dream of working in healthcare, so I signed up for their Medical Assistant program.
I was not your typical college age student. The math was pretty challenging, but I had life experience and skills some of the other students didn't have. My instructors were very encouraging and helpful. They always told us that your externship could very well lead to a job and that is exactly what happened to me.
Polyclinic, one of the largest multi-specialty clinics in the Seattle area, hired me in 2011. It wasn't long before I was promoted to Clinic Trainer and for 2 years I taught new employees the Polyclinic way. My manager encouraged me to pursue more and I am now a Clinical Supervisor for Family Medicine. I no longer struggle to get out of bed for work. I enjoy my job so much and I love helping patients, providers and staff.
PMI not only trained me medically, they taught me the importance of ensuring patients are treated with kindness and compassion. They prepared me to be the medical professional I am today and I'm very appreciative!
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I was working as a front office receptionist at a dermatology clinic. One day, the doctor I worked for offered me an opportunity to follow him and observe his surgeries. I enjoyed it so much that I decided it was time for me to go back to school. One of the girls at my office had attended Pima Medical Institute and spoke highly of her education, so I enrolled in their Medical Assistant program.
I loved every one of my instructors! There was something great about each of them. The program is accelerated and therefore requires quite a bit of time and commitment, but the instructors were understanding and always willing to go above and beyond to help you. Going into my externship experience, where we practice our skills at an actual doctor's office, I was so nervous and was second- guessing myself. Once I got started, however, I realized I had been well prepared. My confidence grew, and I was hired as a Registered Medical Assistant at Colorado Dermatology.
PMI taught me what I needed to know to be successful. I believe the teachers are the best part of Pima Medical Institute. In the near future, I plan to continue my education by going back to school to pursue a nursing degree.
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After completing a bachelor's degree, I was still left without a career. I worked the front desk at an eye doctor's office for 3 years and when the doctor decided to retire, I knew I needed to find a career. I was fascinated with x-rays so began looking into radiography programs. I heard a radio advertisement for PMI. When I learned I could begin almost immediately, unlike other programs I'd researched, I enrolled in their Radiography Program.
I found the program to be completely different than my university student experience. I had the same 30 classmates throughout the program, all with the same goal, and we became friends. The instructors made it fun to learn and the hands-on-experience was invaluable. I felt prepared and hit the ground running when I got to my clinicals. I had a great experience at Maricopa Medical Center and they called me about a job not long after graduation. It wasn't long before I became a clinical instructor and a lead. I am currently supervisor of diagnostic imaging and I look forward to coming to work every day!
I'm currently getting my master's degree in Public Health, which fits very well with this particular hospital as we service the underserved. I received a great education at PMI and I've come full circle in that now I help train new students just as I once was. Pima Medical Institute is well spoken of around here and I'm proud of that.
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I wanted to go back to school for years but I always made excuses not to go. One day I heard a commercial for Pima Medical Institute on the radio and I knew it was time to go to school and change my future. I chose their Medical Administrative Assistant Program because I was afraid of giving shots and dealing with injuries, plus I like the paperwork and administrative side of business. When I started the program I was worried I had made a mistake and would never make it. But I didn't give up and ended up finishing with a 4.0 GPA and perfect attendance. Everything I learned at Pima Medical was exactly what I needed to be successful in my field. They gave us confidence in our skills and even taught us how to dress and act in an interview. After completing my externship, I was fortunate to be hired at Cardiac Intervention Specialists.
I enjoyed my educational experience so much, I continued on and earned my associate degree through Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program and I am currently enrolled in their Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. The online option is wonderful because I'm still able to work and spend time with my family all while earning a degree.
I am forever grateful for the patience of my instructors and the knowledge I gained, both in Houston and online. The whole Pima Medical staff genuinely cares about helping students achieve their goals. I love my new career and it has been the greatest experience I have ever had!
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I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. When my oldest child headed to college I felt like I had lost my identity and purpose, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to be behind a desk and I enjoyed being on my feet and using my hands. So when I saw the commercial for the Dental Assisting Program and Pima Medical Institute, I decided it might be a fit for me.
It was somewhat intimidating going back to school when I was the oldest student in the class and it was certainly challenging having homework again while balancing family and home life. But, my instructor was helpful and cheered me on.
I felt very prepared, although extremely nervous, for my hands on externship experience. But I learned so much and it helped me understand that I really wanted to work in a specialty area of dentistry. I was initially hired at a general practice but soon found the place I really belonged; a periodontist office. I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. I have great coworkers and wonderful doctors who continue to teach me about their specialty. I love it all and am so happy!
Pima Medical has been so good in helping me go from "what's my purpose?" to "this is where I should be!" Finding that out and being happy where I am has been everything. It has done so much for me! Plus, my kids are really proud of me.
I love the patients!
It's different every day!
It's a lot of fun.
I love it! I'm so glad I did this!
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While facing setbacks in my undergraduate BSPS (Bachelors in Science of Pharmaceutical Science) program due to grade issues, I decided to step away. My advisor from the University of Arizona (UA) suggested I apply to Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. From the moment I stepped into the program, I knew I was in the right place. I had wonderful instructors to help guide me on the path of reaching my goal. I enjoyed meeting new and different people, each with their own unique story. Probably the biggest obstacle I faced was the poor performance that was lingering from my time at UA and wanting to show that I wasn't the reason for not doing well there. I'm proud to say I cleared that hurdle and finished my program with a 4.0 GPA.
One of the most invaluable aspects of Pima Medical was the accessibility of instructors for one-on-one guidance and always knowing I could easily ask questions and get help. This bolstered my confidence during my externship, enabling me to be comfortable with my colleagues and have the confidence to ask questions. I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Banner University Medical Center Tucson. My time there as an extern showcased my capabilities, earning me a position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
I owe immense gratitude to my instructors Shaun, Sara and Grace for their unwavering support and dedication to my success. Pima Medical Institute is able to offer opportunities to those that believe they don't deserve it, when in reality they do!
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While initially interested in Dental Hygiene (DH), at age 18, I chose to pursue Dental Assisting (DA) instead, partly because I was hesitant to commit to a university four-year DH program. Later, as I learned about Pima Medical Institute's two-year DH program, my research told me it was highly reputable and very challenging. This both intrigued me and motivated me and I enrolled.
During my third semester an unexpected pregnancy brought huge challenges. My baby son was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a high-risk condition requiring frequent medical visits and a 54-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Despite the challenges of being a new mother and the emotional strain of the situation, I remained determined to succeed in my studies. I studied and completed assignments while at the NICU, my son serving as my inspiration. He was a reminder of my strength and my determination to never give up on my dreams. My DA employer had been supportive and excited about my becoming a Dental Hygienist and invited me to join their team as a DH upon obtaining my license.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of my instructors at Pima Medical for their unwavering support during my journey, especially as I navigated the challenges of my son's condition. Each instructor was incredibly helpful and supportive, always striving for my success. I am confident in the quality of education I received and would enthusiastically recommend it to others. While the program is rigorous, it is definitely achievable-I am living proof of that!
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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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After twelve-plus years as a personal trainer, I found myself needing a job with benefits like a 401K and insurance, so I transitioned to a desk job. However, I was miserable and knew I needed a career that left me feeling fulfilled. I reevaluated my passions and realized I still loved working with bodies and physical health. A co-worker who had attended Pima Medical Institute for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program encouraged me to consider it. After researching and learning about the program, I decided to go back to school. Despite my experience, I wasn't initially accepted into the PTA program. Crushed but determined, I quit my desk job and worked as a rehab tech at an assisted living facility for a year. When I reapplied, I was accepted and I set a goal to graduate with honors.
At 39, I was older than most of my classmates, but I felt more prepared for the professional aspects. My instructors were great clinicians and I was able to learn and draw on their experiences. My clinicals were challenging, especially when COVID hit, causing disruptions. Despite the added stress, our instructors ensured we gained the necessary practical experience. After graduation, I worked at a skilled nursing facility, which I enjoyed, but quickly experienced burnout. I accepted a Physical Therapist Assistant position at Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy, where I have been thriving. In fact, a year ago I was promoted to Clinic Director. I love my job, my patients and the challenges of managing the clinic.
As a clinical instructor, I work with Pima Medical students, drawing on my experiences to engage them in hands-on learning. I'm proud to have graduated with honors and have even inspired a former client of mine to enroll in Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program. Now, both of us are medical professionals making a difference in people's lives. It's incredibly fulfilling!
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Before going back to school, my life wasn't on the best path. After high school, I planned to become a nurse, but deep down I knew it wasn't what I really wanted. Eventually, I moved out on my own, but I found myself surrounded by the wrong people and making choices I wasn't proud of. It wasn't until I met my fiance that I seriously considered going back to school. He encouraged me to think about my future and what would truly make me happy. After some soul-searching, I decided to look for a Dental Assistant program - and for the first time, I felt excited about my future.
I found Pima Medical Institute through an online search, and after seeing so many great reviews from alumni, I knew it was the right place for me. Enrolling was the best decision I could have made. My experience at Pima Medical was nothing short of amazing - the support from my classmates, instructors, and family kept me going. My instructor, Margarita, was especially supportive. In fact, I wouldn't have made it through without her guidance.
I was excited for my externship at Associates in Family Dentistry and grateful to be hired upon completion. As I plan to move soon, I'm holding off on furthering my education for now, but I'm eager to explore my options. I am a proud graduate of Pima Medical and my ultimate goal is to build a successful career while growing my family with my fiance.
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