WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

One day as I was delivering flowers I heard an advertisement on the radio for Pima Medical Institute. It caught my attention because the message was about the Sterile Processing Technician Program which is a hands-on position in the medical field with no patient contact. That appealed to me! I had been in the floral industry for 15 years, but was looking for a new opportunity increase my income and, in the process, help others. So, I enrolled in the program. I was skeptical at first, since it had been a long time since I'd been a student. But I did great! I had wonderful instructors and I really enjoyed the classes. While in the program we learned everything we needed to know about the various instruments needed for each type of surgery and how to prepare and clean them. After graduation, I was able to get a job as a Sterile Processing Technician at Banner Thunderbird Hospital. I really enjoy my job. Each day is a little different, as we work in decontamination or surgery preparation, where we ensure all the trays, instruments, and soft goods are ready for a particular surgery. I just love what I do! I actually wish I would have found this job a long time ago. I would definitely recommend this career to others. It's not super stressful, but it's important. It's a fun environment working with others and working to help others.

I grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program. I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff. While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics. My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.

I spent about 10 years feeling bored and unfulfilled while working in the currency vault at a bank. I wanted more and was interested in the x-ray field, so I enrolled in the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. I liked that I didn't have to do any prerequisites and could get right in. The program was challenging but I had taken out all those student loans and I knew I had to give it my all. It was pretty rough financially while in school, but it was worth it. I had no trouble finding a job after graduation and paid off all my student loans in less than a year. I'm currently working at several different hospitals. I love doing X-rays and, particularly, enjoy doing surgery; vascular and complex spine surgeries are my favorite. The more challenging the case, the more I enjoy it. Pima Medical has provided me with a great education and a great career. I not only get to do what I love, I get to constantly keep learning new things and help people in the process. This field has been so rewarding and I am forever grateful for the knowledge and skills my instructors provided me. I recall one of our instructors telling us that the connections we'd make in class would last a lifetime, and he was right. This program changed the trajectory of my whole life! You see, I ended up marrying Melinda, the girl who sat in the row in front of me and we recently had our first child. Pima Medical's Radiography program has changed my entire life in ways I would have never thought imaginable.

My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and trached throughout her life, so I was familiar with respiratory. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's RT program. I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings, and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master's Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as their Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO. I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it whether you're at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.

I was a first responder for close to 20 years when the pandemic hit. I've always been interested in helping others and always wanted to be a nurse. So as a first step in that process, I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's 9-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Being a student again after so many years was fun! I had a wonderful instructor in Lisa Gabaldon. She instilled such positivity in each one of us. During the program, I had to have surgery requiring me to be non-weight bearing and in a wheelchair. At times I wanted to give up, but my instructors encouraged me and wouldn't let me quit. One thing I really appreciated about my education at Pima Medical was the dedication of the staff. They really take the time to explain things until they become clear and I utilize the skills they taught me every day in my career. Unfortunately, after graduation it took a long time for me to recover enough from my surgery to begin applying for positions. I was offered a job at an orthopedic clinic, but it was just too far for me to travel. While looking at job boards, I came across this fabulous federal job that incorporated health and safety. I was hired by SAMES Engineering and Surveying, a contractor with Los Alamos National Lab (LANL), the birthplace of the atomic bomb. My position is unique, as I do Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) ensuring safety of all workers on job sites. The position requires a lot of paperwork, computer use and outdoor work. I love my job! I am very well paid and have chances for advancement and opportunity to travel. I want to thank my instructors, Mrs. Gabaldon and Ms. Ingram for not letting me give up and encouraging me to reach for the future. I am proof anything is possible.

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!

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.

had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for. My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being. I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.

I grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level. Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family. I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.