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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.

Both of my parents have careers in the medical field and my older sister was working as an X-ray technologist's assistant at the same hospital. I had many broken bones as a kid and recall getting many X-rays, but when my sister started talking about what happens behind the scenes in her department, I started considering a career as a radiologic technologist. Both my sister and my mom encouraged me toward the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. It is a robust program for sure. It was super challenging for me and required a lot of study. But, the instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraging. I formed great relationships with my classmates; we became quite close and helped each other get through the program. It was quite intimidating to walk into my clinicals. Although I was well prepared and had help from the technologists, it was quite overwhelming to be in trauma situations and be interacting with nurses and doctors in real life situations. I worked really hard in my final round of my clinicals at Sharp Memorial Hospital and a couple months after graduation, I was hired as a radiologic technologist. I spend the majority of my time in the ER and I really enjoy my current job, but may consider a position in mammography in the future. I want to thank Pima Medical and especially my instructor, Dr. Schmidt, who was so helpful and supportive. I was in a terrible car accident during the program and without her guidance I may not have been able to finish my program. I am 23-years-old, I have a career in the medical field and I am really proud of myself.

I was interested in the medical field but was struggling academically at the local community college. I knew something had to change, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. What I love about Pima Medical is you start your medical classes immediately and your prerequisites are incorporated into the program. My class sizes were smaller and I had dedicated instructors who were available and catered to my learning style. They really wanted me to succeed and I did! I completed my externship at a family practice and, even though I was nervous, I found I was pretty good and they hired me. Being an MA helped me get my feet wet in the medical field but I always wanted to be a nurse. So after a year, I met with my original admission's advisor and he walked me through the process (something the community college doesn't do) to enroll in the nursing program. It was a very challenging program, but our instructors kept telling us to trust the process. Partway through, COVID hit. We went from in-person to distance learning and I began caring for COVID patients at my urgent care job. Our instructors did a great job of helping us transition. Our whole cohort is proud to say we went through nursing school during a pandemic, knowing what was ahead. I'm proud of all of us! During my clinical experience I found I had a passion for working with critical patients, so I am excited to begin my nursing career working in a neuro ICU. I am a success because of the support I received while attending Pima Medical Institute. It was the best decision I've ever made!

I was in my early 20's, ready to complete a degree in finance when I realized I really didn't want to spend my life sitting behind a desk. I had a few family members working in the radiography field and I noticed they not only had a great career, but they could choose to work in different modalities and had lots of variety in their jobs. I began researching, found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled. I had wonderful instructors! It's an intense and tough program, but the way the program is structured really makes you feel prepared for your profession. I enjoyed the shorter rotations for clinicals which exposed me to many different areas and modalities. Once I knew what I was looking for, I was able to complete multiple rotations in my area of interest which prepared me for a job at that very location. I was hired at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and after a year I was promoted to a charge technologist and almost 2 years ago I moved into the role of General Radiology Supervisor. I love the fast-paced environment at UNMH. We're the only trauma one hospital in the state and we see something new every day. I'm not the only Pima Medical graduate in my department, we currently have five employees that were my classmates and each year I hire multiple new Pima Medical new graduates. Pima Medical provided a great education and really prepared me for the field.

I completed Pima Medical Institute's online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS) in 2016. So, when I realized it was time to pursue a master's degree, I reached out to Pima Medical first. Fortunately, they had just begun offering their new Master's in Organizational Leadership and I enrolled. Completing the program while working full time was not an easy task. It required time and attention and was a very detailed program. One of the things I appreciated most was the experience I gained doing presentations. I have to admit that initially I found it daunting, but the frequent presentation assignments embedded in the course helped me to master the process. The feedback from the instructors was priceless; their process of teaching and careful explanations has provided me with the preparation and confidence I will need to execute my role as a manager in any organization. I had been working as a Radiologic Technologist at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine during my time at Pima Medical and after obtaining my master's degree, I'm starting a new supervisory position at New York Presbyterian Hospital. My instructors were efficient, very professional, and resourceful and I often recommend Pima Medical to others, in fact one of my co-workers just started their BSRS program.

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!

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.

I have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume. Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!

My journey into health care began with the encouragement of my aunt, Marie Defede, who worked in admissions at Pima Medical Institute's Chula Vista campus. Inspired by her support, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program in 2002 and graduated in 2003, a decision that forever changed my life. Shortly after, I started working at Scripps Anderson's Clinic in La Jolla as a medical assistant in the Sports Orthopedic Department. I had the unique opportunity to support the San Diego Padres Baseball Team. That fast-paced environment taught me the importance of clinical accuracy, teamwork and compassionate patient care. Wanting to give back, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor, teaching Medical Assistant front and back office skills, Medical Administrative courses and Career Preparation. Helping students grow was deeply fulfilling, and in 2010, I was honored as Pima Medical's Peak Performer for my dedication to education and mentorship. My career expanded beyond clinical work when I transitioned into the biopharmaceutical sector. I worked with Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, focusing on clinical operations, system optimization and compliance in regulated environments. Alongside my career, I advanced my education. I earned an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration in 2010, a B.S. in Health Care Administration in 2013 and then a M.S. in Health Administration. I am currently completing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, with a focus on inclusive leadership and healthcare transformation. Today, I serve as a Clinical Business Systems Analyst, leading projects in organizational development, system implementation and process improvement. Beyond my career, I am a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, patient rights and underserved populations. Pima Medical was where it all began. It provided the foundation, support and mentorship I needed to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare and leadership. I will always be proud to say my journey started at PMI.