I am a Medical Assistant at Children's Hospital of Colorado where I work in the pulmonary department, and I love my job! Believe it or not, I wake up every day excited to come to work. I can't wait to see the families and kids.
Way before PMI, I was trained in the animal science field, and later my husband and I ran an HOA management company for a number of years. Unexpectedly, two family members became very ill, and walking through this very difficult experience led me to desire a career in the medical field.
After finding Pima Medical Institute, I never hesitated. I thought of it one day, signed up the next, and started the Medical Assistant program a month later. It was not only the right timing, it was the right place, and it has been an amazing journey!
I had a great student experience at Pima, and the instructors were amazing. They cared about us and were available anytime any of us needed anything. To be honest, they actually became more like friends than teachers. My current job is a perfect fit for me, and I'm so grateful for my training at PMI!
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I completed my bachelor's degree in child development and worked at child care centers for a number of years, but something inside me always longed to be in the medical field. My dad was a physical therapist assistant and later became an RN, so I had lots of exposure to the medical field. But, it's very difficult to switch careers. After a coworker told me about Pima Medical Institute, I began taking steps to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. I was still working full-time so the hybrid MA program, which offered online learning and the opportunity to attend classes two nights a week, was exactly what I needed. I loved my experience as a student and appreciated my instructors. It was tough attending classes and working full-time, but I was diligent with my studies and disciplined myself to study on weekends. When it came time for my clinicals, I quit my child care job and began applying all I had learned in my classes at a family medicine clinic. The people I worked with really helped me and I was able to apply the skills I had learned, gain experience and also increase my confidence. It was probably my favorite part of my education.
Finding a job ended up being a lot easier than I had anticipated. I am currently working as an MA at Parker Pediatrics and Adolescence. I love my job! I am able to marry all my experience working with children and my new career in the medical field. I really enjoy the people I work with and it's providing me a ton of opportunities for further growth and learning. I'm not finished with education, so I am in the process of getting my bachelor of science in nursing. Pima Medical gave me my start in the medical field. Being able to work full time while obtaining my MA certificate was so worth it and provided a jumping off point for me into the medical field.
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As a new pet owner I developed an interest in animal health care. I found the PMI Veterinary Technician program online, and immediately loved its convenient location and class schedule. When I scheduled a tour date on the campus I was very pleased to find a friendly and helpful staff.
The instructors are wonderful and genuinely cared about each student's education. They made me feel like I was valued and cared for, and they sacrificed so much of their personal time to ensure that all of their students were getting the education they were there for. Although the program was accelerated, the instructors made learning fun and showed me many creative ways to remember the large quantity of information that I needed to retain.
Once I completed my courses, PMI offered a VTNE review for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Even when I was done with school, they still wanted to help me! Because of their assistance, I was prepared for the VTNE and I am now a Certified Veterinary Technician at Briargate Blvd Animal Hospital. I graduated from PMI in 2013 and I am honored to say that I am a PMI graduate.
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After years of working manual labor out in the hot Phoenix sun, I came to Pima Medical Institute looking for a new career. When they told me about the Sterile Processing Technician program and I realized I could do behind the scenes hands-on work that was valuable to patients in the hospital. I knew I had found the right place for me.
The program was challenging, but not too difficult and my classes included a lot of hands on learning. They did a great job preparing us for what we would face at our clinics in the hospital. The process of finding a job was pretty easy. The hospital where I completed my clinicals wanted to hire me, but I had applied a number of places and when Children's Hospital offered me a position, I took it. I really enjoy my job. Each day is different as we rotate through instrument decontamination or sterilization to packaging and delivering instruments to the operating rooms.
I make way more money, I'm in the air conditioning all day and I am making a difference. Plus, I can take this skill set with me to almost any city and get a job. Once my kids are out of school, I'm considering taking some travel technician jobs and living in different parts of the country. In the meantime, I plan to continue to learn and get more certifications. I'm very happy with my new career. Thanks PMI!
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I absolutely love my new career as a Pharmacy Technician. My experience at Pima Medical Institute was invaluable and it gave me the confidence I needed!
While working at an assisted living facility where the work was becoming more difficult, I found myself focusing more and more on learning about my patients' medications. One day I was online and saw an advertisement for Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. I was curious and completed the form and before I knew it, I enrolled in the program.
I was able to continue working full-time while attending the program. I was also a single mom and I had not been to school in over 20 years. So, it felt really scary! I was a much older student, but I loved my instructors and I fell right in step with my studies. In fact, I remembered how much I loved learning and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
During my externship, I worked with a pharmacist who was kind and enjoyed quizzing me about pharmaceutical names while we worked. When my externship was completed, there were no job openings there, but I was soon hired at a Target CVS. I originally thought I wanted to work in a hospital setting, but I discovered I loved retail and the challenge of untangling difficult insurance issues, which, ultimately saves patients money on their prescriptions. I love my job!
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Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online?
In 2011, I completed the associate degree program for Health Care Administration. For a number of reasons I waited to begin the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program, but at 52 years old in March 2019, I started the program and graduated in June 2020! In the beginning, I had reservations about online learning. I had been in a classroom environment for 11 years and it is what I knew and was comfortable with. But, I jumped into it and honestly adapted quite quickly.
What made you choose PMI's program?
I believe in our mission and what we stand for. There was never any question of choosing any other institution.
What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load?
When I started the associate degree program in 2011, I had four kids at home all playing sports and I was working a full-time job. My planner and I were inseparable. I still have it and it is a testament to students who struggle with working school into their schedule. It was a lot more manageable than I expected and the only thing that suffered was my TV time. It was a small price to pay for an education!
Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession?
Absolutely! I cannot tell you how many times I refer to what I have learned from courses in both programs. I apply my learning experiences from the courses I have taken into my position here at Pima Medical on a daily basis. The biggest shift in thinking for me has been in seeing the bigger picture and knowing that every decision I make can reflect on the company as a whole.
Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program?
Yes! I do every chance I get. My family, students and co-workers have heard me say more than once, "I don't care where you go to school just go ... but I chose Pima Medical!" Some of them have listened and that makes me so proud! In fact, my daughter completed the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences online program a couple of years ago after completing the Radiography program, both at Pima Medical.
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My dad had a bout of pneumonia and ended up on a ventilator and I was fascinated watching the respiratory therapist control my dad's breathing. I'd been working in the auto industry, never thought I was college material, but I my family believed in and motivated me to look into the field. I set up a tour of Pima Medical Institute with the program director and as I saw the facility and listened to her, I fell in love with her passion for respiratory therapy. Being a student at Pima Medical was certainly challenging for me, but the support I had from instructors and classmates was amazing. Our class decided that no one was going to fail, so when someone was struggling with a concept, we all rallied around them. The instructors were always available for extra help and by the time I got to clinicals, I really felt prepared. Prior to graduation I obtained a position with Banner South, a hospital that had been part of my community since I'd been a child.
While performing bedside care as a respiratory therapist, I recognized that healthcare doesn't stop at the bedside. I became interested in looking at how, for example, a patient's social economic situation impacted their outcome. Knowing I wanted to make a bigger impact and with the confidence I gained from my time at PMI I went on and continued my education earning my bachelor's in applied management and ultimately my MBA. I navigated my way throughout the healthcare system from beside care, care coordination, to quality improvement. Wanting to be more proactive than reactive, I took a position as Senior Manager of Medicare Administration. We not only looked at how we delivered advantage plan benefits, I'm proud to say we instituted a non-traditional innovative program for our patients. Recently, I accepted a position as Director of Care Delivery Operations for Banner Health Corporate. I recognize that in order for bedside staff to offer their best care, processes and supply have to be in place. I can now play a role in making that happen and that is very exciting!
Pima Medical provided the necessary educational and support a guy - who didn't think he was college material - needed in order to have the confidence to be successful. Next step - CEO!
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As a proud Pima Medical Institute BSRT graduate, my journey from an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT), to a bachelor's degree, to achieving my dream job as a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children's Mercy has been nothing short of remarkable. While in school for my associate's at Concorde College, they highly encouraged us to continue our education and recommended Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). I knew a bachelor's would increase my salary and would also be helpful for future supervisory or management positions. The flexibility of online classes made it manageable for me to work full-time at Salem Health, a level II trauma center with a level III NICU, while pursuing my degree.
My dream of working in medical transport began at age 17, when I was a volunteer patient for the local fire department and experienced being flighted out of our neighborhood. After years of experience as an RT, I landed my dream job. As a Critical Care Transport RT, I participate in various types of transports, from helicopters and fixed wing, to jets and ground transportation, proving support to hospitals nationwide. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is one of the busiest transport teams, covering a wide range of patients including neonates, pediatrics, maternal and fetal cases. Working with limited resources challenges me to think on my feet and be creative with patient care. The transport team, comprised of brilliant minds, requires continuous education, certifications, and simulations to improve patient care. During my downtime, I enjoy visiting former patients and their families and witnessing their progress.
I love to do PR at community events where I hope to inspire young girls to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I'm appreciative for the role Pima Medical played in shaping my success and making my dream job a reality.
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After 25 years in restaurant management, I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but life kept getting in the way. In 2017, everything changed when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. One nurse, an older, highly skilled woman, was so inspiring that I thought, "If she can do this, so can I." Though I didn't want to be a nurse, I knew my management background could help me run a medical office. However, when I tried applying for receptionist jobs, I kept hearing the same thing-I needed medical experience.
That's when I decided to take a leap and enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. The nine-month program gave me the education I needed to get my foot in the door. It wasn't easy-after being out of school for 20 years, I had to relearn how to study and manage my time. But thanks to Pima Medical's support system and my fellow students, I got through it.
I landed my first job as an MA through my externship at Pima Heart. I soon enrolled in the online Health Care Administration (HCA) program, while moving up in my job and then continued into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Upon completion, I applied to administrative positions and was humbled to have 15 interviews scheduled. After considering numerous job opportunities, I chose to join Banner Health as a Practice Manager, overseeing a staff of 20 (with eight providers and 40 residents).
Pima Medical provided the education I needed to excel in the medical field. My instructors were there for me every step of the way. If you're considering going back to school, just do it! Choose Pima Medical and you will get the support you need.
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had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for.
My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being.
I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.
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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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Before going back to school, my life wasn't on the best path. After high school, I planned to become a nurse, but deep down I knew it wasn't what I really wanted. Eventually, I moved out on my own, but I found myself surrounded by the wrong people and making choices I wasn't proud of. It wasn't until I met my fiance that I seriously considered going back to school. He encouraged me to think about my future and what would truly make me happy. After some soul-searching, I decided to look for a Dental Assistant program - and for the first time, I felt excited about my future.
I found Pima Medical Institute through an online search, and after seeing so many great reviews from alumni, I knew it was the right place for me. Enrolling was the best decision I could have made. My experience at Pima Medical was nothing short of amazing - the support from my classmates, instructors, and family kept me going. My instructor, Margarita, was especially supportive. In fact, I wouldn't have made it through without her guidance.
I was excited for my externship at Associates in Family Dentistry and grateful to be hired upon completion. As I plan to move soon, I'm holding off on furthering my education for now, but I'm eager to explore my options. I am a proud graduate of Pima Medical and my ultimate goal is to build a successful career while growing my family with my fiance.
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