WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

All of my jobs had been in retail including 8 years at Nordstrom. After being laid off, I tried community college; however as a mom of a young son, I was still searching for the right career fit. I enrolled at PMI. I had great instructors. It was a family environment, and everyone was approachable. I worked part-time for a psychiatrist while I was in school and after I graduated. Eventually I worked in a variety of medical specialties; internal medicine, pulmonary, dermatology, plastic surgery, and I also continued my education. When I heard PMI had opened a campus in Renton, I applied for a position as an instructor. I worked as an evening instructor for a couple years, and then returned to the field to expand my knowledge in different settings. Several years later I was excited to be able to come back as a full-time instructor at the Renton campus. I can relate to my students, because I know what it's like to be in their shoes. I know what it takes to juggle life, work, and school. I challenge them to set goals, and I encourage them to continue their education. I hope to complete my bachelor's degree soon and plan to continue on to get my masters in Health Care Administration. I remind my students regularly that we should never stop learning. I learn from them all the time!

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.

I have a bachelor's and master's degree in music and have been a professional musician and taught music full-time for 10 years. I was looking for more stability and a career in the dental field but was concerned about how much time it might take. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant program because it was short (only 9 months) and I could attend morning classes and continue to teach music in the afternoon and evenings. My instructors were great! The best part of the program for me was the hands on. We trained on each other and on the Medical Assistant students (we offered our arms for their practice and they offered their teeth). We also had a dental clinic at our campus so we were even able to assist the dentist and work on real patients. I had a cool moment one day helping with an extraction in the clinic when I absolutely knew I had chosen the right field. My instructors knew I had a strong interest in endodontics and they made an extra effort to set up my externship in an endodontic office. Three weeks into my clinicals the doctor offered to begin paying me and I was officially hired upon graduation. I am already the Lead Dental Assistant and I really appreciate my boss and enjoy my job. I would recommend Pima Medical for anyone looking for a new career. The program was quick and jammed packed with knowledge. I had just turned age 41 when I decided to switch careers and I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. If you are looking for a stable career in the medical field, Pima Medical is perfect!

I had recently graduated from high school and learned I was pregnant when the pandemic hit. Both of my parents were hospitalized with COVID and I was left alone with my 10 siblings. My father was in a coma for two months and once he began to recover, the hospital provided minimal and very poor care. So, we took him home and I became his caretaker. It was a difficult time for my family. As a result of this experience, I decided I wanted a career in the medical field so I could provide the support and care for patients I wished my father had received. I started the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, and had so many obstacles to overcome. As a young mom of a newborn, I often came to class having had no sleep, in addition I was suffering from severe postpartum depression. I didn't have a car and regularly had to leave early to catch the bus which caused me to struggle with transportation to my externship. Many times, I wanted to give up. The staff and instructors encouraged me and believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. They gave me many second chances because they saw something in me. During my externship at Paragon Medical Associates, my supervisor pushed me to be better and offered me a position after graduating. I have changed so much; I've become a stronger person and better Medical Assistant. I can honestly say, I would not be where I am today if it weren't for Pima Medical and people like, Ms. Wheeler and Ms. Knight. I was at a low point in my life and wanted to quit. They encouraged me and pushed me all the way to graduation. Going to Pima Medical changed my life for the better and now I am working in the career I love!

I was injured while playing soccer in high school and my physical therapist said to me, "I think you'd be a really good physical therapist!" I tucked that away until I was at Texas State University heading toward becoming a nurse when I realized it just wasn't for me. I switched to Exercise Sports Science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After graduation, the doctorate physical therapy programs were extremely competitive and I just didn't have the confidence to apply - still a regret. Instead, I reviewed my options and began searching for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and found Pima Medical Institute. It was a challenging, accelerated 18-month program, but my instructors were super motivating. Although they were hard on us, they gave us all the tools needed to be the best professional clinicians we could be. I was awarded the most "outstanding student" at graduation and offered a job at each of my clinical rotations. I began my therapist journey as a pediatric PTA until I found the place I really loved; working in sports medicine and rehabilitation. During my five plus years in orthopedics, I worked with multiple students as a clinical instructor. This drew my passion for education and I began my journey as a clinical director and instructor back at the same PTA program I'd attended. I tell my students I've been down their same path and I am going to give them everything they need to be a success in their clinical experience. I remind them that I am invested in their success because not only is Pima Medical's reputation on the line, so is mine as a graduate of this program. Pima Medical provided what I needed to become a great therapist and for that I am thankful. I believe I've found my place in education and I am hoping to further my education through the master's degree program in the future.

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!

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!

Pima Medical Institute has been a cornerstone in my career, providing a foundation that has endured through different stages of my life. Now, I'm excited to return to school and build on that strong base. No one in my family is in the dental field, but I've always had a passion for becoming a dental hygienist. After high school, I spent five years working in Alaska's fishing industry. Upon returning to Seattle, I inquired about the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and ultimately enrolled in the Dental Assistant program. Balancing full-time work during the day with evening classes at Pima Medical was challenging but rewarding. My teacher was great, and I formed lasting friendships-I'm still close with one of my classmates more than 20 years later. My first job was with a doctor in West Seattle, where I worked for two years before needing to go on bed rest due to pregnancy. I took a 15-year break to focus on being a mom. Remarkably, I was able to jump right back into my career as a Dental Assistant when I was ready. After moving to Phoenix, I started working as a temp and then secured my current position at Anthem Sonoran Valley Implants and Dental Center. It felt like riding a bike-everything came back to me. I love educating patients and helping them take care of their teeth. Currently, I'm in the process of applying to a Dental Hygiene program in my area. I want to further my education in the dental field and one day I hope to be able to clean teeth for free to help people who can't afford dental care. Pima Medical Institute has been supportive throughout my journey, from enrolling and securing financing to ongoing assistance whenever I need it. I'm incredibly grateful for the education and opportunities Pima Medical has provided me.

When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support. The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set. My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way. I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.