After 15 years of employment with company I planned to retire from, I was let go due to the economic meltdown. I decided to go back to school and chose PMI. My biggest obstacle was overcoming my own lack of self-confidence. My first days as a student were very hectic, not only did I have to learn the course content, but I also had to learn how to become a student all over again. In the end, it was very rewarding and I had this overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that I had been missing in my life.
I arrived at each of my clinical sites with the motivation, drive and determination to become a medical professional. I was hired immediately after graduation at New Mexico Orthopedics and on my first day there, I received a phone call from The University of New Mexico Hospital. Based on my performance there as a student, they wanted to know if I would be interested in a position. I went from being a student to having two jobs within 30 days after graduation. I couldn't have been happier!
With the knowledge obtained through my work experience, I have recently moved into the Interventional Radiology department at UNMH. I've also recently completed my Bachelors of Radiologic Science through PMI's online program. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all of my instructors for believing in me and always encouraging me. I would definitely recommend PMI to anyone who is planning to go back to school or is in need of a change in their life.
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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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I was always that child who brought every animal I found home with me. I can still remember my dad trying to make a splint with toothpicks and straws for a broken wing on an owl.. My plan was always go to school to become a veterinarian, but instead I got married and started a family. I began working at Wal-Mart to help pay the bills. I wasn't happy and realized if I was going to work, I really should find a career I loved. My husband was very supportive of me going to school, in fact he was the one who did the research and found PMI.
I started in the Veterinary Assisting program, with the goal of completing it and moving right into the Veterinary Technician program. It wasn't easy, especially since my daughter was four months old when I started the Veterinary Technician program. I was also working three 12 hour shifts at a veterinary clinic on the weekends.
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I remember working at a small animal practice as a veterinary assistant and wanting so badly to be a veterinary technician. When I was ready to start working toward my goal, I researched several schools until I found Pima Medical Institute. When I learned their classes were only 4 hours a day, I knew it would be a good fit for me as a single mom.
I worked full-time while a student and it wasn't easy. It seemed I was always struggling financially, but it was a good reminder to make studying and school a priority. Thankfully, I had 3 amazing instructors who helped prepare me for my profession. They cared about me and invested in helping me succeed. I wouldn't be where I am without them. One of my instructors helped set up my externship at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, where I had always hoped to work. Upon completion I was offered a position and it was a dream comes true!
As soon as I complete my license, I hope to begin my bachelor's in animal science. I'm so thankful for the incredible support I had from the people at PMI. Today I am an emergency veterinary technician and I love my job!
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I received my bachelor's degree in health sciences and, at the time, was planning to go on to school to become a physical therapist. However, my husband was in the military, and because we traveled and spent some time overseas, it was difficult to fit in PT school. Once we had children, I was a stay-at-home mom for a while, but when my kids started school, I decided it was time to start a new career. I researched and found the Pharmacy Technician program at PMI, and I ultimately chose PMI's program because it was quick. Though nervous about going back to school again and concerned I'd be the oldest student, I really enjoyed my program at PMI. The instructors were very supportive and always available to help, and I really felt comfortable with my classmates.
When it came time for practical learning, I was placed at Professional Pharmacy for my externship. Pima had taught me what I needed to know to be successful, and at the end of my time there, they offered me a position as a Pharmacy Technician. My employer is very flexible with my schedule. I'm able to take my kids to school and get off in time to pick them up and be part of their after-school activities.
I really appreciate that my instructors at PMI believed it me even before I did. I'm thankful for my job and a new career that fits perfectly with being a mom.
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I was born in Uzbekistan and at age 7 my family and I were forced to escape to Russia. We lived as refugees there and life was very difficult. We had no access to healthcare and I was not allowed to go to school past the 9th grade. In 2005, we moved to the United States and, although I struggled with the language and cultural differences, I very much appreciated the opportunities this country provided me. I have been dreaming about working in healthcare since I was a little girl. My husband knew my dream so he helped me find Pima Medical Institute and signed me up for their Phlebotomy program. My life was changed forever! I was able to get a job at a level 1 trauma center and help my family. In my position, I was able to observe the respiratory therapists help people and even save lives. So, several years later I came back to PMI and enrolled in their Respiratory Therapy program. English is my fourth language, so it was not an easy journey! Often I was in class all day, cared for my family in the evening and helped my children with homework, and then stayed up all night studying. I wanted to be successful and make my family proud!
I could not have made it and been successful without the help of my PMI instructors. They taught me so much! Today, my dream has come true and I'm so thankful for the support of my family and my PMI family and this country that has given me such a wonderful opportunity! I go to work each day with a smile on my face.
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I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I began working as a CNA, and through my experiences in the hospital, I became excited about a possible career in the medical field. I heard a commercial about Pima Medical Institute and decided the quickest way into a career was enrolling in their 9 month Medical Assistant program. That opened the door for me, but I loved learning and knew I wanted more.
My dad passed away in 2015 from a drowning incident and that experience pushed me toward the respiratory therapy field. Through that incident I was able to observe the amazing work that respiratory therapists do and I said to myself, "I want to be one of them". One year after completing the MA program, I started Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program and I loved every moment of it! The program was challenging, but our classes were small and I connected with my classmates. We developed an almost family-type relationship. I loved my instructors; they really wanted us to succeed.
After completing my clinical experience, I was hired at St Anthony North Medical Health Center in Westminster, CO. I love my job! Recently, I have been working in the COVID ICU. I help intubate, manage ventilators and endotracheal tubes and give breathing treatments to those struggling to breath. I feel like I have found my calling.
I love Pima Medical. They did so much for me. Down the road I hope to continue my education by getting my bachelor's degree and possibly even obtaining my master's degree in the respiratory field.
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My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!
I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field.
My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything!
I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities.
I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!
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After moving from Texas to Colorado for a fresh start, I was determined to build a stable career in the medical field. Research led me to Pima Medical Institute, and from the moment I began speaking with admissions, I knew it was the right choice. Despite facing many challenges, I embarked on the Medical Assistant (MA) program with unwavering determination.
I started living in my car three weeks after starting the MA program. I was juggling homelessness, school and a full-time job. I struggled finding safe places to park, hot and cold nights, and finding time between work and school to do homework, sleep and get to the gym to take showers. I found incredible support from caring and understanding instructors who became like family to me. They provided resources and encouragement, helping me navigate the toughest moments. As difficult as my situation was, school was my biggest motivation and the people at Pima Medical were my support and prepared me for my future. Thanks to great instructors and comprehensive training, I excelled at my externship at Advanced Urgent Care, impressing my supervisors enough to secure a job offer before even graduating.
To my instructors at Pima Medical, I owe a debt of gratitude. I am the person I am today because of you. Your unwavering support and belief in me kept me going when times were toughest. Thank you for never giving up on me. You've shaped me into the professional I am today and I will forever be grateful.
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I have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume.
Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!
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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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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.
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