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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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I worked as a Veterinary Assistant for several years in Montana. At that time, there were no laws that required professional certification in my field. In addition, there were no AVMA accredited schools in Montana, which would enable me to further my education and move forward in my field.
In order to make ends meet I was working three different jobs. Then, I heard PMI was starting a Veterinary Technician program in Dillon. I applied immediately and began my studies as a student in the second class to ever attend the brand new campus. The consistency of the program schedule allowed for me to continue working at two of my jobs and eventually, I was hired at my first clinical site.
Six months after graduation, I accepted an invitation to work at PMI as a lab assistant; then one thing led to another, and I was offered a full-time teaching position in the Veterinary Assistant program. My instructors, Dr. Jan Winderl, Trisha Stone, CVT, and the "do it all lady", Melissa Gordon, have built a strong, positive, tight-knit community which made my decision to teach an easy one.
I am excited to see where I will go with PMI. I learned from the best and I can't wait to become an awesome instructor!
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I initially chose Pima for their Massage Therapy program. I had a son with special needs and, while a newborn, we had done Infant Massage and Touch with him. Massage allowed me the opportunity to have a flexible schedule and be with my son when he needed me. As my boys grew and began school, I decided the best thing I could do for myself and my family was to continue my education. I came back to PMI and enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. Since I've always told my children to set goals and reach for the stars, I continued right on into the Health Care Administration associate degree program.
I was offered a job at my externship site and, although it was a great opportunity, I felt I could achieve more. I found my first job by searching for what I wanted and not expecting a job to come to me.
I always felt Pima gave me every tool I needed to be a professional. As a student I felt genuinely cared for by my instructors who were always available to help me. They instilled in me the confidence in myself and the skills to be a great asset to any employer!
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After 12 years as a dental assistant I knew there was more for me in the dental profession. When I heard PMI was offering a Dental Hygiene program, I jumped at the opportunity! I am a 35 year old parent of two boys and the thought of quitting my job to attend school was quite daunting, but I forged ahead and was committed. The Dental Hygiene program was an accelerated, challenging opportunity and despite the sweat, tears, countless study sessions, long nights of studying and many other sacrifices, I completed the program and became a Board Certified Registered Dental Hygienist!
I appreciated my education at PMI and was continually impressed by the knowledge and willingness of the instructors and administration to ensure my educational success. I was prepared in every way, from classroom, to clinical lab, to my job! After passing my boards, I had three job offers! Since graduation I have been employed in an amazing dental office doing what I love! I am even considering furthering my career goals by attending PMI for a bachelor's degree.
I am so grateful for everything PMI and my instructors have done for me. I was even given a once in a lifetime opportunity to practice my profession on a missionary trip to Africa provided by the CEO of PMI, Mr. Richard Luebke, Jr. PMI truly cares for their students and provides opportunities not available anywhere else. I would definitely recommend PMI to anyone seeking a way to achieve their career goals and make a better life!
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Pima Medical Institute has become a family affair for me and my sisters. It all started when my sister, Miranda, began researching colleges. She was feeling discouraged on her visits to some of the larger institutions. But walking into PMI felt like just the right atmosphere. They made her feel like she was important and she signed up for the Medical Assistant program. Upon graduation, she was offered a position working for an ENT specialist.
As our family watched her walk across the stage at graduation, my twin sister Clarissa found herself thinking, "I want to do this!" It wasn't long before she signed up for the Medical Administrative Assistant program. She had such a positive educational experience at PMI, she is currently in their Health Care Administrative program and plans to continue on to get her bachelor of science in Health Care Administration.
Having been a stay at home mom for 10 years, I wasn't even considering going back to school until my sister began pushing me and saying, "You can do this, you HAVE to go to PMI!" I had so many doubts and fears about going back to school. But, the instructors made it inviting and I quickly made some great friends. I just finished my externship and am excited about getting my first job. My future goals include coming back to get more education.
Our family is so thankful for the careers Pima Medical Institute has given us. Now ... we're trying to talk our mom into attending!
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After being a displaced worker, I enrolled in the Medical Administrative Assistant program at the PMI Las Vegas campus. I graduated in May 2006 and shortly after received a call from the State of Nevada Health Department. I was initially hired through a temporary agency to work in the accounting department for the Nevada Early Intervention Services I later applied and became a state employee and have auto-progressed to the second level of Accounting Assistant. My job is exactly what I've been waiting for all my life. It still seems like a dream that I should fall into the perfect place for me. Receiving the training at PMI set me up for success.
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I had just had my last cancer surgery and was sitting on my couch at home when I heard the commercial. I got up and began researching medical assistant and Pima Medical Institute and made my decision. It was difficult going back to school and being the oldest student in the class. But the teachers cared and helped me every step of the way. Even after I graduated and began my career, I'd often call my instructor, Mrs. Cooks, with an insurance or billing question.
My first job was at a sleep clinic where I'd completed my externship. After only a month I was promoted to the office manager. About a year ago I received a phone call from someone at PMI asking me to come and teach for them. I was both shocked and touched. I am currently working mornings as a lab assistant and afternoons as an MAA instructor.
I have seen that PMI keeps their promise to help their graduates forever. I have a student who has been out of school for five years and is back for a refresher course, at no additional cost. Many of our instructors are alumni or are enrolled in our online programs. PMI is a great place to work. I can't ever remember working in such a pleasant environment.
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After working at a grocery store for 15 years, I decided I'd had enough and it was time to find a new career. I was driving past Pima Medical Institute one day and I decided to stop and talk with their admissions department. I signed up for the Respiratory Therapy program before I left that day and started the program a couple months later. It was tough learning to study and become a student all over again. But once I got back into it, I decided to just keep going. So, currently I'm finishing up my bachelor degree.
While a student, I really enjoyed my clinical experiences and they made me really excited to become a respiratory therapist. I also had the privilege of representing PMI on a Student Sputum Bowl Team, which is a Jeopardy type game answering respiratory questions. Our team won the state level and went on to compete at the national competition. While there I was able to make connections with other therapists and graduates from PMI, one of which would later offer me my current position. I actually had 3 job offers after graduation and chose to accept one at my current employer, Green Valley Hospital. It was quite an experience to open a brand new hospital; to build the shelves and set everything up and now I'm doing what I love. I had such a great experience at PMI and always felt supported by my instructors. Now, I recognize how they have created a community for their graduates.
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After completing a bachelor's degree, I was still left without a career. I worked the front desk at an eye doctor's office for 3 years and when the doctor decided to retire, I knew I needed to find a career. I was fascinated with x-rays so began looking into radiography programs. I heard a radio advertisement for PMI. When I learned I could begin almost immediately, unlike other programs I'd researched, I enrolled in their Radiography Program.
I found the program to be completely different than my university student experience. I had the same 30 classmates throughout the program, all with the same goal, and we became friends. The instructors made it fun to learn and the hands-on-experience was invaluable. I felt prepared and hit the ground running when I got to my clinicals. I had a great experience at Maricopa Medical Center and they called me about a job not long after graduation. It wasn't long before I became a clinical instructor and a lead. I am currently supervisor of diagnostic imaging and I look forward to coming to work every day!
I'm currently getting my master's degree in Public Health, which fits very well with this particular hospital as we service the underserved. I received a great education at PMI and I've come full circle in that now I help train new students just as I once was. Pima Medical Institute is well spoken of around here and I'm proud of that.
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I had served 8 years as a medic in the military. After I got out, I knew I wanted to help people but I had been in combat and had seen enough blood, so I decided to become a Pharmacy Technician. I wasn't sure I could go back to school at my age, but I visited Pima Medical Institute and my admissions advisors I met said, "You can do this!"
I had a good support system with friends and family, but I had lots of doubts about whether I could be successful. The program was fast paced, thorough, and enjoyable, because I got to use my mind again. I had people at PMI who believed in me and that made all the difference.
While I was still on my externship, I was invited to CVS for an interview. They told me the job would be fast paced and they would have a lot of expectations of me, and ultimately they hired me. I just love my job! I really enjoy the customer service part and dealing with people. Pima did a wonderful job preparing me to become a Pharmacy Technician and helping me find a job I love.
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For 20 years I worked in the food industry. In 2016 I took the steps to get my GED and start my life. I attended a semester and at a community college and realized that it was not for me. I left there one day and walked into Pima Medical Institute in tears not knowing what I was doing or where I was going with my life. That is when I met Renee, my admissions advisor. She took me into her arms hugged me and showed me the compassion and love that I needed. She helped me enroll in the Pharmacy Technician program and I started my new life on January 8, 2018. My instructor is the most compassionate person and has been my biggest support through the program. She was even instrumental in helping me obtain my job at Fry's Pharmacy while I was still in school. The teaching and knowledge I received while at Pima Medical Institute has made me the person that I am today and I feel so blessed.
I am becoming the person that I have always wanted to be. I'm educated, successful, and compassionate towards others and a knowledgeable person. I am so thankful for my success. I am 37 years of age and I have been in such a rut, not knowing where I am going with my life. But all that has changed. I want to say thank you to everyone at PMI! They went above and beyond to teach me how to become a successful Pharmacy Technician. My externship site has already offered me a job and I am excited to see what the future holds.
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I was an EMT for 10 years in Pinal County, but I always wanted to become a Paramedic. I was waiting for the right time and the right program. I found out about Pima Medical Institute's Paramedic program through my work. We have a partnership with PMI, so their classes fit with our shift schedules and allow us to work full-time and go to school. It's a grueling schedule, but it's doable. Typically, I would work a 24-hour work shift, then go directly to an 8-hour class, and then repeat that process.
The instructors were fantastic! They have experience in the field and offer a wealth of information.
I was able to meet and become friends with some great people in my classes. The program was challenging but, honestly, the most difficult piece for me was time management. Making time for class and my clinical hours on top of being a father to three children and my job, where I'm also an instructor, was the toughest part.
The company I currently work for has a spot for me as soon as I pass my boards. In fact, they are chomping at the bit to move me from an EMT to a Paramedic, which happens to come with a significant pay raise. PMI has a great Paramedic program, and I would certainly recommend it to others, especially other seasoned EMTs like me.
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