I had my daughter at a young age and realized I needed to focus on a career and a future for us. After months of research, I made the decision to attend PMI's Medical Assisting program while working as a full time single mother. We'd leave the house at 5:30 am, I'd drop her off at daycare, come to school, then go to work, pick her up from daycare, get home at 8:30 pm, eat dinner, put her to bed and I'd do homework for a couple hours and get to bed around 1- 2 am, and wake up and do it all over again. My motivation to stay strong and work hard was my daughter! My teachers encouraged me through my program and they believed in me 100%. After I graduated, I worked in a hospital followed by a pediatrician's office. Today, I work for an outpatient family medicine clinic and I love it!
I wouldn't trade anything I went through to get where I am today. My little girl and I now have a home, she has a yard to play in and everything that a little girl should have growing up, and so much more. I've recently been offered a promotion for a leadership role. They will be paying for me to go back to school to get my RN and Surgical Tech degrees. When people ask me how I got to where I am today, I tell them PMI.
PMI all the way!
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I have always admired health care professionals and knew from an early age that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to patient care. As a young adult preparing for college, a routine physical led to the discovery of a benign brain tumor. I spent much of that summer in and out of the hospital. The compassion, skill and reassurance shown by my nurses and doctors left a lasting impact on me during a time filled with fear and uncertainty.
I began working as a dental assistant for a family friend, which gave me a glimpse into the profession and led to a transformative mission trip to Nicaragua, where I assisted in providing dental care to underserved communities.
Soon after, I applied to the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute's Seattle campus. The program was rigorous, but the unwavering support from instructors made all the difference. They were dedicated to our success academically, clinically and personally. When it came time to take my clinical boards and graduate, I felt fully prepared and confident.
Now, with eight years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I often hear from employers how much they value Pima Medical graduates. This reputation for excellence inspired me to continue my education and enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. That journey equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to start my own myofunctional therapy practice. Through my Capstone project, I developed a comprehensive business plan and learned what it takes to build and sustain a health care practice.
I am proud to now serve as a Hybrid and Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Seattle campus. It's an honor to be a Pima Medical graduate, a dental professional, a business owner, an educator and, above all, a mother to three amazing children. I feel truly blessed to support my family while thriving in a career I am passionate about.
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I was a 19 year old single mother; barely getting by, when I entered the Radiography Program at Pima Medical Institute. The program was extremely demanding and very challenging, but it needed to be that way and I learned so much. The externships were wonderful; I was exposed to many healthcare environments. Before I even finished the two year program I was hired as a Student Technologist at a hospital in town. Upon graduation, I was hired on full-time as a Diagnostic Imaging Technician. For the past three years, I have been working steadily in a career I love. I'm even a volunteer in my professional organization.
PMI provided the opportunity for me to continue working and still complete my Bachelor of Science degree online. I can truly say PMI has changed my life! Now my family and I are doing better than ever and we're buying our dream home together. It was a really smart decision to enroll in such a great program with wonderful instructors and I am glad I did it!
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I was a single mom, working two care giver jobs, and attempting to take classes at a local college, but it was difficult. I wanted to be a good role model for my kids, so I began looking online for schools and programs in the medical field that had a flexible schedule. I found the Pima Medial Institute East Valley Campus and enrolled in their 3 month long Phlebotomy Technician Program and that's when I got hooked! After finishing that program, I continued to work in home health and signed up for the Medical Assistant program at PMI's new Phoenix Campus. It was much closer to my home and more convenient for my schedule of going to school, working, and caring for my kids.
I had the best experience at both PMI campuses. I found that every instructor I had put forth so much effort, it made it easy to succeed. It's a lot of work and it is fast paced, but the instructors are wonderful and the sense you get is that everyone is in your corner. After completing the MA program I continued working for the same employer but I was promoted to administrator.
I've recently accepted a teaching position at Pima Medical Institute. I am so excited to work on a daily basis with the very instructors I have always admired. I think having been a student, sitting in those same chairs, will enable me to be understanding of my students and their situations. I know the struggles of being a single parent and living on a tight budget while trying to complete an education. I am thrilled and honored to work for Pima Medical Institute. It feels like I'm home!
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I spent nine years as a helicopter mechanic in the Marine Corps and when I got out I began working at the local airport as a mechanic. I didn't really feel like I was going anywhere in my job, so my wife who had completed the Medical Assistant program through Pima Medical Institute, suggested I go there and find a career I enjoyed. My dad completed the Medical Lab Technician program years ago and my mom actually went through Pima Medical's Radiography program and is still working at Tucson Medical Center. So, I decided to see what they had to offer and signed up for their nine month Pharmacy Technician Program.
I loved the program! In the Marine Corps comradery is a big deal and I was used to having that close knit family atmosphere. I came to Pima Medical and immediately felt at home. My instructor was there to direct me and provide whatever I needed to be confident and successful. My training allowed me to easily transition into my externship at Tucson Medical Center and before I had even finished, they offered me a position.
Immediately after graduation I enrolled in Pima Medical's Online Health Care Administration associate of applied science degree program and have recently graduated from the bachelor's program. I have been able to work fulltime, spend time with my family and complete my homework each day for my online classes. The instructors are flexible and easy to reach for guidance and I've had a great experience. I almost didn't notice I wasn't in a classroom setting. I am currently a Pharmacy Tech 2 and, as a result of getting my bachelor's, I am being trained to cover and assist our buyers. I love my new career and it's very fulfilling! My dream job ... coming back to Pima Medical as an instructor!
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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.
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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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After earning a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology, I struggled to find a job and ended up in finance. When COVID hit, my new job offer was rescinded and I was forced to take a job at a grocery store bakery, far from my career goals. I kept hearing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute which piqued my interest in the medical field. This led me to enroll in their three-month Phlebotomy program, allowing me to work and study simultaneously with minimal school commitment. It was a way to dip-my-toe into the water of the medical field.
The Phlebotomy program was a turning point in my life. Small classes, hands-on experience, and an excellent instructor, Miss Denise, made a significant impact. I soon secured a position at Chandler Regional Hospital, where I interacted with various departments and realized my passion for patient care. Nursing stood out as the most versatile and impactful role, prompting me to pursue a nursing degree at the institute I trusted and I enrolled at Pima Medical's Mesa Campus. The Nursing program was challenging and intense, pushing me to grow and become accountable for patient care. Through diverse clinical experiences, I gravitated towards ER and ICU settings. I've recently accepted a position at OBS Banner Dessert, aiming to transfer to the ICU and eventually join the trauma team.
I am immensely grateful for my education at Pima Medical. The Phlebotomy program provided a crucial foundation, giving me the framework I needed for a career in the medical field. I invited Miss Denise to my nursing pinning ceremony and my dad told her COVID had been difficult for me and she had saved my life. He was right, Pima Medical Institute truly changed my life.
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At age 19, I started at Pima Medical Institute after realizing that my initial path at UNM wasn't the right fit for me at that time. A friend suggested looking into CT technology, and after some research, I found that Pima Medical's Radiography (RAD) program offered a quicker and more fitting path to my career goals. The structured environment in the RAD program was exactly what I needed, although it wasn't always easy. My father passed away during my second semester, which made it tough to stay on track, but with the support of the school, I persevered. The clinical experiences were mostly positive, giving me valuable hands-on learning. Even in challenging situations, I gained skills by working independently, which proved to be great learning experiences.
Graduating in 2004, I entered the workforce during a tech shortage and quickly landed a job. I started in x-ray and, over the years, expanded my expertise by becoming registered in mammography, bone density, and MRI. However, I chose to focus on mammography, as it offered a better work-life balance compared to MRI.
After a decade at a hospital, I transitioned to a quieter clinic setting where I could work more independently, which suits me well. I've been at a small clinic for nearly a year now, enjoying the stability and better hours. Alongside my career, I'm also completing my bachelor's degree in university studies, thanks to a state program offering free classes to those close to finishing their degree.
Looking ahead, I'm content with where I am but open to new opportunities, possibly in management. Pima Medical set me up for success, giving me the tools I needed to start and grow my career in radiology. Now 20 years later, I'm grateful for the education and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.
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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 high school, I spent four years juggling two jobs-one at Office Max and the other at a bakery-when one day, my aunt called and asked if I wanted to go back to school with her. I had no idea what she meant, but I agreed. That's how I found Pima Medical Institute. I chose the Medical Assistant (MA) program because, when my dad was ill, I saw firsthand the impact healthcare professionals can have on a person's life. I wanted to do that too, and the program was only nine months long, which made it a perfect fit for me.
I loved every minute of the MA program! The hands-on training felt so different from high school, and I found myself excited to learn. In particular, I discovered I had a passion for injections and blood draws. When it was time for my externship, I was nervous, but my head MA was incredibly supportive, and I quickly found that it all came naturally to me.
Toward the end of the program our homework assignment was to apply for three MA positions. Afterwards, I didn't think much about it, but to my surprise, Saguaro Dermatology called and hired me. Dermatology is fast-paced and challenging, but I love it. My favorite part is working with skin cancers and assisting in surgeries. I also enjoy my role in the lab, processing tissue samples as a histotech.
Since relocating to Tucson, I easily found another dermatology position, and I couldn't be happier. Pima Medical set me on a path I'm truly passionate about, and I'd do it all over again. If you're thinking about a medical career, don't hesitate-come to Pima Medical. You won't regret it!
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I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare but wasn't sure which path to take. While working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), I met a patient receiving Occupational Therapy (OT). I had never heard of OT before, but it intrigued me. After some research, I discovered the wide range of opportunities in the field, especially working with children. I was hooked! That's when I found Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
My time at Pima Medical was incredible. My cohort was fun and supportive, and the instructors were knowledgeable and kind. There were challenges along the way, like COVID delays during clinicals, but I never regretted my decision. The hands-on learning experiences truly prepared me for the field.
After graduation, I pursued my dream of working with children and was hired at Piller Child Development. Knowing I wanted to eventually attend graduate school, I enrolled in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. The program was quick, flexible, and allowed me to balance work, school, and life.
Now, I'm working as a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant with Mariposa Therapy Services, supporting children in schools, while attending Northern Arizona University to earn my Doctor of Occupational Therapy. I've developed a passion for feeding therapy, including sensory-based treatments and lactation consulting. My ultimate goal is to open my own feeding therapy practice.
I'm so excited for the future, and I'm grateful to Pima Medical for giving me the foundation to build a career I love.
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