I once dreamt of a high power job working on the top floor of a sky scraper. I graduated with my bachelor's and obtained a good position with a fortune 500 company where I learned valuable information, but felt unfulfilled. I had a desire to help people and make a difference, so when my mother suggested looking into occupational therapy I jumped in feet first.
I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant program because their accelerated curriculum, class schedule and location fit my needs. My experience was quite different than my bachelor's had been, in that the instructors had on-the-job experience and there was significantly more hands-on learning. As students, we were encouraged to become involved in the OT community and I continue to play an active role by holding board positions and sitting on ad hoc committees in our state associations. Through networking, I received a position in subacute rehabilitation and worked my way into management.
Currently, I am an OTA instructor back at the PMI campus where I once attended. It wasn't that long ago I sat in those same chairs and, consequently, I understand the challenges and pressures my students face. I didn't just find a job; I found a profession and a career I am proud of and extremely happy to support on a daily basis. I am thankful to PMI for the education I received and now for the opportunity to continue to educate others in the OTA profession. I'm not in a sky scraper (although my office is on the 5th floor) but I love my job!
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When my children were heading off to college, I realized it was my turn to invest in myself. I wanted a career that aligned with my passions-health, fitness and helping people-while also offering job stability and global opportunities. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) checked all the boxes, and after researching different programs, Pima Medical Institute stood out as the perfect fit for my timeline and lifestyle.
Going back to school after 15 years as a stay-at-home soccer mom was the hardest thing I've ever done. The fast-paced, condensed program challenged me academically, and the commute from Tacoma to North Seattle meant long days followed by even longer nights of studying. But Pima Medical provided endless support-faculty were always available, and I took advantage of every extra lab and hands-on practice session. They held us to high standards because patients deserve the best, not just someone getting by.
After graduation, I started at an orthopedic outpatient clinic, later transitioning to Olympic Sports and Spine, where I earned my orthopedic sports certification and became a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Eventually, I sought a setting that allowed more personalized patient care, leading me to a private practice where I now enjoy one-on-one treatment sessions. I plan to retire here.
Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism to succeed. Even after graduating, I've stayed connected with my instructors, who were always honest, supportive and dedicated. My career allows me to keep learning and growing, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
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I was in the middle of a divorce with3 small children and working a minimum wage job. A friend suggested I go back to school. She told me about the Phlebotomy program at PMI. I never pictured myself in healthcare, in fact I wasn't sure I could draw blood, but I knew I needed a career. Since it was only a 3 month program, I decided to give it a try. I found I was actually really good at it. My instructor, Ms Mornix, was the best! I was working a full-time job, going to school, being a full-time mom and going through a difficult time, but she kept encouraging me. She wouldn't let me quit. I was given an externship at Bretshire Medical Clinic and upon completion, they offered me a job.
I love my job! However, I decided I wanted more, so the clinic allowed me to continue working and return to PMI for their Medical Administrative Assistant program. Currently, I am enrolled in PMI's Online Health Care Administration Associate Degree Program.
Never in a million years did I think I'd be in healthcare. I had children way too young, started working minimum wage jobs, and never thought I'd have the opportunity to go to school. I've learned it's never too late to get an education, and if you think you can't change - you can! I'm so excited to finally provide financial security for myself and my children. I'm thankful for PMI, its supportive learning environment and its great instructors!
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At age 19 I got a job as a tech in the emergency room. When I decided to further my education, PMI was my first choice. As a student, I felt very prepared for clinical rotations and found I was well respected as a student wearing PMI scrubs in the hospitals. However, it was really only after I graduated and began working that I realized just how amazing my education was - working alongside therapists with 10-35 years experience in the field, I not only kept up but was able to excel.
It wasn't long before I began working with PMI students as a Clinical Instructor and, within a few years, I became a full time PMI Instructor. Teaching for PMI changed my life and has presented me with even more opportunities than I imagined possible. While teaching full time, I completed a Bachelor of Science degree which opened even more doors. After being a full time instructor for the Respiratory Therapy department for 5 years, I was presented with an opportunity to run the very program that I was a product of.
I have now come full circle beginning as a student, later becoming a graduate, eventually teaching full time, and now being a Respiratory Therapy Program Director. This new endeavor has presented me with the ability to lead a department of professionals that I strongly believe in, and as a former student, bring about effective change. If anyone had told me what I'd be doing by the year 2016, I would have never believed it was possible. My journey began with a tour of Pima Medical Institute in 2007, and here I am today, reaping the benefits of deciding to enroll in a program.
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My dad owned a dental lab so I grew up in the dental field. I wanted to become a dentist but thought that might be too ambitious for a first step, so I decided to become a dental hygienist. Pima Medical Institute accepted me into their program on my first application and it changed my life!
My instructors were amazing! Their doors were always open and they were incredibly supportive. I enjoyed every minute of the program and before I even graduated, I had a number of job offers. I worked at my first office for about a year and got some great experience. I then transitioned to working for one of the top cosmetic dentists in the Pacific Northwest.
While working as a hygienist, I continued my education at PMI by enrolling in their online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Program. I took the methodology my dentist was using, which was very different from general practices, and made that my capstone project for my bachelor's degree. When I graduated, my dentist promoted me to office manager and practice administrator. Since that time, I was promoted again, this time as head treatment coordinator. I have an amazing job that I love!
Unlike most traditional university programs, PMI allows a student to complete their program of study and begin working in their field while they complete their bachelor degree online. Because of this, I was able to pay off all my student loans by the time I completed my bachelor's, and I graduated debt free! PMI was the best investment I have ever made.
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After working at an animal shelter for about 10 years, I realized I wanted to become a Veterinary Technician. I did my research online and found that Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Technician program had a good reputation, and their morning classes worked perfectly with my schedule. I was able to be a single mom, go to classes in the morning, and work in the afternoon. I had previous degrees that I didn't use, and I've always enjoyed learning, but PMI's program was very accelerated, I learned so much so fast. My instructors were great and gave us really good feedback. I realize I was a bit of a late bloomer in deciding to go back to school at age 34, but I'm so glad I did.
During my Veterinary Assistant externship, I worked at Veterinary Specialty Center where I got great experience and a job. I was able to work while completing my Veterinary Technician program, and I recently became the internal medicine lead technician. I love my job in internal medicine, and I'm always learning. In fact, I am working towards my veterinary technician specialty license and even spend my vacation time going down into Mexico to participate in spay and neuter clinics. There are probably 20 of us PMI graduates at my work place. I have to say, it feels good to be surrounded by these graduates because I know they are well-trained and knowledgeable. This program really does set you up for success.
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I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job!
It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision.
Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful.
When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!
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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 completing high school, I was looking for a temporary source of income that would pay enough to allow me to put myself through college. I had several family members who had attended various programs at Pima Medical Institute, so decided to enroll in their nine-month Pharmacy Technician program, figuring it might be a quick way to make more than the average college student.
The class schedules were ideal, allowing me to work while going to school. It was a strenuous curriculum but my instructor, a Doctor of Pharmacy with many years of experience, ensured his students became successful Pharmacy Technicians. He knew exactly what made a great technician and he prepared us well to become nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technicians.
I have spent the past 17 years as a Pharmacy Technician working in inpatient pharmacy performing sterile and chemotherapy compounding. I moved away from Arizona about seven years ago and I was hired at the VA Medical Center, where I was quickly promoted to Lead IV Trainer.
Recently, the Mayo Clinic in Mankato reached out to me and offered me a job as their Technician Supervisor with a focus in Sterile Compounding. The temporary job I thought would support further education became my career. I am very proud of my work as a Pharmacy Technician and I'm thankful for my Pima Medical instructor. As a result of being trained by him, I feel like my career has been really distinguished and for that I will always be grateful.
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Dentistry was always in my plan, but life took a turn when I became a young mom while attending NMSU (New Mexico State University). Returning home, I started working for a family friend's dental practice, fell in love with the field, and decided to officially pursue a career in Dental Assisting (DA). I was looking for a fast-paced program and Pima Medical Institute was the perfect fit. My experience there was fantastic-I applied what I learned on the job and made lifelong friends.
After working as a dental assistant for a year, I decided to further my career and enrolled in the Dental Hygiene (DH) program at Pima Medical. The program was challenging, but the instructors were incredible. I was taught by some of the icons of dental hygiene and I thrived in the rigorous environment. Upon graduation, I quickly secured a job as a dental hygienist, working five days a week to maximize my education. Over time, I got married, had another son, and excelled in my career, and began working in a corporate dental setting. In 2021, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor in the hygiene clinic, a full-circle moment. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Not only did I find my passion for teaching, I got to continue learning alongside my students.
Currently, I'm preparing to open New Mexico's first dental hygiene studio to meet the needs of preventative care. I hope to employ several dental hygienists and we plan to collaborate with local dentists. I'm also starting a dental hygiene consulting business. I am excited about this business venture and genuinely credit my success to the education I received at Pima Medical. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors for shaping me into the professional I am today.
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My mom had been a nurse in the Philippines, but after moving to the US she cared for us and began working as a phlebotomist. This influenced my decision to go into the medical field after high school. On a whim one day, I stopped by Pima Medical Institute and ended up enrolling in the three-month Phlebotomy program which started two weeks later. It was fast paced and very different from high school as students were all ages and yet we were all looking for a change or a new career. Even though our time together was short, it felt like family. My first job was with a blood donation company and after moving to eastern Washington, I worked at a hospital. This gave me a variety of experiences and built my confidence and I later transitioned into dialysis.
I knew I eventually wanted to become a Medical Assistant (MA) and even though Pima Medical was a long commute, I had confidence in them so I enrolled in the MA program. I was pregnant, worked full time and had a long commute each day, but I did it! I feel like Pima Medical helped shape me into a resilient person. After graduation I worked at a hospital and a few other sites as an MA. But it wasn't long before I began to envision myself in administration, so I chose to complete the Health Care Administration online associate degree. That program gave me so much confidence and I loved it.
After graduating, I saw an opening for a Career Services Advisor at Pima Medical, applied, and got the job. Now, I get to guide students and share my journey with them. Watching them grow reminds me of my own transformation. Pima Medical has been a constant in my life, and I'm proud to be part of a team that changes lives every day.
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After 12 years working primarily as a public health nurse at a Federally Qualified Health Center (BQHC) serving medically underserved populations, I became a supervisor at the Florida Department of Health. It was then that I realized that I needed to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to remain competitive in the job market. When I changed jobs, my new employer offered a deal I couldn't pass up; a FREE RN to BSN program, with the only contingency being that I remain with them 12 months after my degree attainment.
I was initially accepted at a much larger and well-known university for an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, but the communication between myself and their recruiters left a lot to be desired, and as an older student who had never taken online classes, it spooked me. I searched and found Pima Medical Institute's online BSN program. I applied and was immediately welcomed by a veritable squad of people helping ease my fears and walk me through a new-to-me online educational experience. The director even called me personally to ensure the program fit my needs for maximum success. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA this past May, and I couldn't praise my professors or fellow students more! I had access to kind and
helpful staff even at odd hours, and it has helped me become so much more confident in my current practice.
My positive educational experience at Pima Medical has me seriously considering the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) online program. This is something that was never on my radar before and I know I would only want to tackle this goal with Pima Medical Institute.
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