I graduated from ASU with a degree in nutrition and applied to physical therapy school too late and didn't get in. My husband and I sat down and researched the physical therapy field and decided PMI's PTA program might be the best fit for me. When I called, the lady on the phone said, "We're going to make all your dreams come true!" and I looked at the phone and thought - she's crazy! But, I met with an advisor and started 2 weeks later. They tell you it is an accelerated program and it certainly is. The instructors were amazing and they inspired me to do more. I became very involved with my profession; PTA Co-Chair for the PTA Special Interest Group within our Arizona Chapter and helping start what is now our annual "TRYke It" event for adults with disabilities.
I remember being nervous walking into my first clinical. But, in this neurology setting I was able to witness a stroke patient or a traumatic brain injury patient make progress on things that we often take for granted and that was just simply MAGICAL! My passion for neurology PT grew from just two weeks in that setting and I accepted a position there after graduation. I also gained valuable experience working in pediatric aquatic therapy and hippo therapy with adults and children with disabilities. After some years in the field, I was offered an opportunity to come back to PMI as an instructor. I believe it gives me an advantage having recently sat in those same student chairs and my ability to relate to my students on that same level. I am happy to have come full-circle at PMI and my dreams far exceeded my expectations and continue to come true! My instructors did an incredible job preparing me for my profession and I hope to have the same influence on my students!
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I knew since I was a child that I wanted to be in the medical field. When it came time for me to graduate from high school, I wasn't interested in a four-year college or university because I just wanted to jump right into the workforce as soon as possible and begin my career in the medical field. After explaining this to my gramma, she recommended Pima Medical Institute. We visited together and took a tour; I knew then that the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program was the best fit for me.
My experience as a student was amazing! The MA program is an accelerated program and while you're learning lots of information in a short time, the hands-on practice helps you apply your skills and prepares you for the profession. All the nerves, tears and anxiousness were so worth it. I was so well prepared for my six-week externship that I was offered a position as an MA upon completion. I am still employed there and I recently began going back to school to obtain my associates in Nursing with plans to continue on to get my bachelor's (BSN) degree.
I want to say thank you to every single one of my instructors. Pima Medical changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the education I received, the lifelong relationships I built with my instructors and classmates, and the lasting career it has given me.
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Making the choice to become a respiratory therapist came a little later in life for me. First I had a career in environmental science, then as a ski bum. I debated careers in the health field and chose Respiratory Therapy. I picked PMI because they were well organized and the program had a good reputation. I found the program to be well structured and the teachers amazing. PMI became my second home during the two years I attended, not only with my peers, but also with my teachers who were willing to take me under their wings. They prepared us for the real world with tough love and discipline, and through their own stories and experiences.
After graduating, I accepted two flex jobs working various hours at two smaller hospitals. It was shortly after graduation that PMI asked me to be on the Student Sputum Bowl team to compete at the National Championships in Las Vegas. I was honored and excited as we ended up winning the national championship. It was through my winning recognition that I was able to network with my current director, Allen Wentworth, and to be hired at the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). Working at UCH has excelled my growth as an RT. I had to learn quickly and work with confidence. I never imagined I would enjoy leadership, but after several years I began a lead RT and following that my career led to a position as Respiratory Care Supervisor. Because I love being a Respiratory Therapist, I am able to lead my RTs with passion and understanding. I am indebted to my teachers at PMI, not only for the education they gave me, but also for the confidence they instilled in me, even before I knew what I would become.
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I originally wanted to be a nurse. But when I finished my prerequisites, I found there was a three year wait at the school I was planning to attend. Rather than sit and wait, I decided to enlist in the US Air Force where I served as a medic for four years. By the time I got out of the military I'd gotten married, had a child and decided not to enter a nursing program like I'd planned. I enjoyed medicine but had always had a passion for animals. So, I decided to blend my medical experience with my love for animals.
After researching schools, I chose Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Technician program because of all the hands on experience they provide for their students. Plus, their lab facility was fantastic! I had a great experience as a student. Every instructor was extremely knowledgeable in their area and they all did an excellent job preparing us for our national boards. Everyone at the school seemed to be attentive to our needs. For example, while I was a student I had a death in the family and had to travel to another state during a critical time in our sequence. I spoke with an administrator who was very accommodating, enabling me to work out a special schedule when I returned. I've had a great experience at the externship clinic and I am excited about what the future holds for me in veterinary medicine. Thanks PMI!
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Ronda Figueroa, a Tucson Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) graduate in 2006, is currently a full-time faculty member of the PTA program she graduated from. Prior to her education at PMI, Rhonda worked in a physical therapy office as a technician. Because of the limited duties as a technician, Rhonda was seeking a way to be more challenged at work. So when PMI started the first PTA program at the Tucson campus in 2006, she jumped at the opportunity to graduate from an accredited PTA program and in turn improve her technical skills, critical thinking, and ability to help the patients she served.
As a student at PMI, Rhonda had a "very good experience," but a challenging one compared to previous college due to her family responsibilities. According to Rhonda, "having a family made school a challenge, but it also helped because my family was so supportive." Rhonda went on to state, "The education at PMI was outstanding, I was prepared for the workforce, and I passed the national exam with a 784 out of a total of 800 points." The 98% Rhonda received was one of the highest scores in the country.
After three years of practice as a licensed PTA, Rhonda started teaching in the PTA department at PMI and has been in that position for over 4 years.Is Rhonda a good teacher? Her students reported the following comments:
• "She loves to teach, knows how to teach, and has knowledge about everything"
• "She doesn't talk down to us and is always willing to help by staying late or coming early"
• "She is concerned that you understand the material and cares enough to reinforce it"
• "She prepares us for the real world"
As a teacher, Rhonda has been known to use innovative teaching methods. For instance, she often requires students to learn line dancing in lab to better understand human motor development. Rhonda's favorite part of being a teacher is the fact she gets paid to talk about a subject matter she loves and that she learns something new every day. Happiest when students are graduating and beginning their careers as a PTA Rhonda stated, "I love seeing the evolution of people that know nothing about physical therapy. We put them through a grinder and it spits them out as a PTA." Rhonda continued by stating, "Personally, I have seen PMI improve the qualities of people's lives." Rhonda aspires to continue her life-long learning by obtaining master's degree over the next few years.
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After graduating from high school, I attended UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) but despite attempting a number of majors, I still didn't have a plan. The thing that brought me joy was volunteering at the shelter where I adopted my dog. I really loved working with the animals and it made me realize that's what I was meant to do.
I began researching schools with a veterinary program around El Paso and found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program. I cannot tell you how excited and joyful I was to finally start on a path to a career I knew I would love! I had a great experience during my 9-month program. My instructor was wonderful and I received lots of hands-on practice. I was placed in Boerne, near San Antonio, at the Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital for my externship and before I left to head back to El Paso, they offered me a position!
After almost three years as a Veterinary Assistant I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program, this time at the Pima Medical in San Antonio. I have been learning so much and am enjoying getting exposure in different areas like exotics and livestock. I appreciate my instructors sharing their experiences and providing hands-on instruction. I plan to graduate later this year.
I love the veterinary field and I am so thankful to Pima Medical for providing a path to a great career that I love!
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As a kid I was always bringing animals home and preferred watching nature shows to cartoons. I grew up in a small town and settled for a job working in retail. I began volunteering at Gulf Coast Wildlife Rescue and loved it! One day while listening to Pandora I heard about a Veterinary Technician program at Pima Medical Institute and I knew that's what I wanted to do.
During the first part of the VT program I was driving 90 minutes each way to school. It was tough, but it was what I wanted. I loved the program and the knowledge came naturally for me. I was a loner coming into the program and had to learn to work with others. One of the things Pima Medical taught me was a sense of teamwork.
After graduation I took a position at a clinic in Galveston where the veterinary medical director worked at Moody Gardens, a resort and educational nature facility with an aquarium and rainforest. I have been able to work part time at the resort and I've just been offered a fulltime position working at Moody Gardens as a zoo and marine technician.
I believe it is important to get out and do the work to achieve your dreams whenever possible. I'm so grateful for Pima Medical. Our instructors cared about us as people and made sure we were successful. Within 3 years I've gone from a student at Pima Medical, to a small animal clinic, to a zoo technician. I could not be more excited!
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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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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!
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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.
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In 2005, while browsing technical programs online, Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant (VA) Program caught my eye. I filled out a request for more information and, to my surprise, Niki Riggleman, a recently retired yet highly esteemed instructor, called me immediately. Despite never having had an interest in veterinary medicine before, that call changed my life. I can't imagine being in any other field today and I'm so grateful Niki called me!
I completed the VA Program and returned to complete the Veterinary Technician (VT) Program in 2007. It was a privilege to be part of the very first VT class at the Seattle Campus. One aspect of Pima Medical I truly appreciated was its accessibility; the ability to attend night classes and work during the day allowed me to maintain a steady income while pursuing my education. The hands-on classroom experience, combined with working in the field, was crucial to my professional growth.
My journey with VCA Animal Hospitals began with my first externship, where I was hired even before completing it. Almost 20 years later, I'm still with VCA and grateful to have found my place there. I worked as a VA, a VT and then quickly moved up to Technician Supervisor and a regional training role. In 2020, I became the Regional Technician Director for the Northwest & Hawaii Group, supporting veterinary teams across five states. Additionally, as the current President of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT) and a former District Chair for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), I am dedicated to improving the careers of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Ensuring their optimal utilization and safety is crucial to our profession, helping us continue to serve our patients effectively.
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When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it.
I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
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