I was driving past Pima Medical Institute one day and noticed a sign for their EMT program. When I stopped in and my advisor told me about the Medical Assistant program, and I learned I could finish in 9 months while still working full-time, I decided it was for me. I fell in love with the MA program!
My life pretty much fell apart while I was a student at PMI. My mom was diagnosed with stage 5 renal failure and was in the hospital for months. I worked a 40-hour-a-week job during the day, attended classes in the evening, and squeezed in visits with my mom. My mom and I had shared our bills, and I couldn't keep up financially without her. I received an eviction notice and eventually lost my car. I felt like I was suffocating. During all of this, my instructors and classmates supported me, and Pima helped me with food boxes and other resources. I came to school on the night my mom died because that's where my support was. Emotionally, I could not have asked to be surrounded by a better group. Pima's amazing people - from instructors and student services to career services and front desk staff -- are the reason I kept going and didn't quit school.
I ended up being hired by my externship site, and I've now moved on to another employer, but I have to say that I just love getting up in the morning and going to work as a Medical Assistant. I've never been able to say, "I love my job!" before. I am so utterly grateful for absolutely everything Pima Medical Institute has done for me. I don't know where I would be without them. Thanks, PMI!
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My journey into health care began with an interest in nursing, but I soon realized it didn't align with my personality. A shadowing opportunity in a Radiology department, arranged by my mother, confirmed my passion for radiography. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Radiography associate degree program and had exceptional experience as a student.
The program's blend of didactic and clinical training thoroughly prepared me for my career. I viewed each clinical rotation as a job interview, especially my fourth-semester placement. I worked hard to impress the staff by demonstrating the skills I had learned and I earned a job offer at the same hospital, where I continue to work.
Currently, I serve as the Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Canyon Vista Medical Center. Since graduating from Pima Medical's Radiography program 13 years ago, I have had the privilege of precepting students from various programs across Arizona and California. Among them, Pima Medical students consistently stand out. They arrive at their first clinical rotation with strong positioning skills and the confidence to image patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics.
Pima Medical not only equipped me with essential skills but also instilled confidence and set me on a path to success.
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I love my job working as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant for the Sunnyside School District.
Let me tell you how I got where I am today. We had both a physical therapist assistant and an occupational therapy assistant who worked with the children in the preschool class I taught. As they observed me with my autistic and other special needs students, they told me I naturally did what therapists are trained to do. Both of them encouraged me to consider going to Pima Medical Institute's OTA program. It sounded intriguing and they planted the seed, but I just wasn't at a place in my life to go back to school.
Nine years later I decided it was my time. I contacted PMI, met with the program director and started the program. I was so excited to have a deeper understanding of what I'd been doing for years. PMI not only gave me great tools and prepared me for my future job as a therapist, but helped me to be a better mom to my son who had sensory issues. I was one of the older students in our class, but everyone was really friendly and I really felt like I fit right in. Balancing being a mom and a full time student is tough, but I always felt the support of my classmates. The instructors were helpful and always available when I began to feel overwhelmed. I am so thankful for PMI and my instructors who gave to me, so I can now give to others!
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My journey with Pima Medical Institute started as a student in the Dental Assisting (DA) program at the Seattle campus. My late husband and I had a one year old and another one on the way. During my time I had nothing but support, guidance and the feeling of belonging. I was even given a Thanksgiving basket for the holidays to help my family, as we were struggling financially. I went on to graduate from the DA program and worked in the field for many years. When I saw an opening for a Dental Assistant instructor at Pima Medical, I applied and was offered the position. I loved working with students and letting them know that I was once in their position.
Wanting more, I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration associate degree program and then continued on to complete my HCA bachelor's program. Upon graduating, I was promoted to Career Services Advisor at the campus, where I grew both as a person and also in my career. Sadly, my husband passed away in 2021. With my three children by my side, I have completed a master's degree and was recently promoted to Pima Medical's Corporate HR department as an Employment Recruiter.
I have had nothing but support, guidance and people on my side at Pima Medical since walking in the door as a brand-new student. All of my instructors, the whole Seattle Campus, and the corporate office have been by my side and supported me. I was valued as a person, never just a number, and shown the door to success. Pima Medical truly understands that their success lies in their student's success.
(A special thanks to the Seattle Campus - you were there for me during one of the most difficult times of my life and I will never forget the guidance and support you showed me.)
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Before attending Pima Medical Institute, I had tried taking classes at the university, worked a few years as a lifeguard, and had been unemployed for a year. When my grandmother encouraged me look into a career taking x-rays, I researched and found Pima Medical and enrolled in their Radiography program.
Going back to school at 30 years of age was challenging, but what a difference it was being in a class of only 25 students at Pima Medical rather than my previous experience of 300-500 students at ASU. I found it so much easier to focus and my instructors were great! By the time I graduated I had job offers from both of my clinical sites. I worked in a hospital setting as a radiologic technologist for two years and then returned to school to pursue a post-graduate education in St. Louis. In April 2019 I graduated from Logan University with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.
Pima Medical not only gave me the start I needed in the medical field, it gave me a huge advantage over my classmates at Logan. Even though I was taught by many well-known chiropractic doctors, I still consider my Pima Medical instructor, Mike Hawkes, to be the best instructor I ever had.
At 39 years of age I am opening my own business, Pyle Family Chiropractic, in Peoria, AZ. If you had told me nine years ago when I started Pima Medical that I would be a doctor and a small business owner, I would have said you were crazy! I'm so thankful for the start Pima Medical provided me! Dr. Nicholas Pyle DC R.T.(R)(ARRT)
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After graduating from high school, I attended UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) but despite attempting a number of majors, I still didn't have a plan. The thing that brought me joy was volunteering at the shelter where I adopted my dog. I really loved working with the animals and it made me realize that's what I was meant to do.
I began researching schools with a veterinary program around El Paso and found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program. I cannot tell you how excited and joyful I was to finally start on a path to a career I knew I would love! I had a great experience during my 9-month program. My instructor was wonderful and I received lots of hands-on practice. I was placed in Boerne, near San Antonio, at the Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital for my externship and before I left to head back to El Paso, they offered me a position!
After almost three years as a Veterinary Assistant I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program, this time at the Pima Medical in San Antonio. I have been learning so much and am enjoying getting exposure in different areas like exotics and livestock. I appreciate my instructors sharing their experiences and providing hands-on instruction. I plan to graduate later this year.
I love the veterinary field and I am so thankful to Pima Medical for providing a path to a great career that I love!
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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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My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well.
Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN.
Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
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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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After running a travel agency for fifteen years, I began searching for a new career in the medical field. I'd always been interested in photography, so radiology seemed like a natural fit. At 43, I returned to school to earn my associate degree in Radiologic Science.
I gained experience working at a regional hospital in Minnesota, learning X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Then in 2014, my husband and I, looking to fulfill our dream, moved to Alaska where I became a multi-modality technologist with Providence in Seward. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, leading a $1.8 million department remodel to improve patient care. Upgrading our equipment to include a new CT scanner and digital X-ray systems has enabled us to offer year-round mammography, allowing for earlier breast cancer detection and better outcomes.
In 2023, my love for learning led me to Pima Medical Institute, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS) online. Graduating with honors was a major accomplishment. I was especially impressed with the instructors and the quality of education at Pima Medical, and I'm proud to be a graduate.
We are a critical care access hospital that sees patients from around the world. Tourists visit our community for various reasons, such as sport fishing, sightseeing, mountain hiking, mountain biking and cruise ships. This year we had ninety-six cruise ships bringing thousands of passengers on and off the ship. In my role, I often meet patients on one of the toughest days of their lives. My goal is to make a difference for them. I'm grateful for the skills and support from Pima Medical that has allowed me to provide the best care possible.
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When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it.
I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
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Starting over in a new career later in life was daunting, but my passion for healthcare pushed me forward. I initially enrolled at a local community college to complete prerequisites for a nursing program, only to face a two-year waitlist. Determined to find a quicker path into the medical field, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. This program's accelerated timeline was perfect for my busy life as a stay-at-home mother. In less than three months I gained essential skills and secured a job in the medical field. That first step ignited my passion for healthcare, and after gaining experience as a phlebotomist and clinical lab assistant, I returned to Pima Medical for the 22-month Respiratory Therapy program.
My journey wasn't without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my class's clinical rotations, forcing us to transition to remote learning. Balancing studies, work, and family was overwhelming, but I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize self-care. The instructors, many of whom were industry professionals, provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences that prepared me for real-world healthcare settings. As a result of my education, I secured a position at Banner Desert Medical Center, where I have been employed for the past eight years. During the pandemic, I practiced respiratory care under an emergency license, which provided me with critical experience in a high-pressure environment. Currently, I am working in Procurement and have recently been promoted to Test Management Training Coordinator. In this role, I oversee the training processes for new hires, externships, and existing staff members.
I am incredibly grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical for their dedication and support. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training prepared me for a fulfilling career.
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