I was driving past Pima Medical Institute one day and noticed a sign for their EMT program. When I stopped in and my advisor told me about the Medical Assistant program, and I learned I could finish in 9 months while still working full-time, I decided it was for me. I fell in love with the MA program!
My life pretty much fell apart while I was a student at PMI. My mom was diagnosed with stage 5 renal failure and was in the hospital for months. I worked a 40-hour-a-week job during the day, attended classes in the evening, and squeezed in visits with my mom. My mom and I had shared our bills, and I couldn't keep up financially without her. I received an eviction notice and eventually lost my car. I felt like I was suffocating. During all of this, my instructors and classmates supported me, and Pima helped me with food boxes and other resources. I came to school on the night my mom died because that's where my support was. Emotionally, I could not have asked to be surrounded by a better group. Pima's amazing people - from instructors and student services to career services and front desk staff -- are the reason I kept going and didn't quit school.
I ended up being hired by my externship site, and I've now moved on to another employer, but I have to say that I just love getting up in the morning and going to work as a Medical Assistant. I've never been able to say, "I love my job!" before. I am so utterly grateful for absolutely everything Pima Medical Institute has done for me. I don't know where I would be without them. Thanks, PMI!
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I grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level.
Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family.
I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.
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At 38 years old, with a family to support, I was laid off from my third job in two years. I didn't want to pursue another dead-end job, so my wife suggested I return to school. After listing possibilities, I narrowed my preference to radiography, did some networking and, based on the overall cost and PMI's short two-year program, decided to enroll at Pima Medical Institute.
I found great support among my classmates and with the on-site staff at the sites PMI established for my clinical rotations. I passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam immediately following graduation and accepted the best of several offers I received within days thereafter. Now, eight years later, I am also certified in CT (Computed Tomography) and work for the same company, utilizing the latest in CT equipment and technology. PMI set me on the right track - they gave me the knowledge and training to get my life moving in a fulfilling direction. I make a great living in a stable environment, and I LOVE MY JOB. Thank you PMI!
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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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When a friend of mine signed up for the Medical Assistant program at PMI, he invited me to come along. I spoke with the directors and some students and the next thing I knew I was signing up for classes. I chose the Medical Assistant program because when I was growing up I'd watched my grandparents needing help and also because I love helping others. I learned so much in the program. You not only grow as a person, but you grow as a family. I met some great people who became like my second family.
Although the first day at my clinicals was scary, I also felt very prepared. It wasn't long before I was being hired for that same position. I started at the bottom at my first job, but quickly worked my way up to a lead position.
I'm currently working at Southwest Gastroenterology Associates where I am learning a specialty. They pay for all of my qualifications and I'm being trained on the job as procedure technician. I help prepare the patients for procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies. It requires me to have great bedside manner and to be prepared for anything. I also work side by side with a physician during procedures. PMI prepared me and gave me a great start and I've just kept learning.
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In 1996 I made a decision to reach for higher goals. I left my job as a salesman at an upholstery shop and began working toward a degree in Radiography at the PMI Tucson campus. The day I took the assessment test for entry into the program, I noticed a poster with a picture of a PMI graduate, hand raised in the air and wearing an honors sash. I made a promise to myself that I, too, would graduate with honors. Two years later I became the first member of my family to complete college, and I graduated at the top of my class. I was immediately hired at St. Mary's Hospital, where I performed all aspects of diagnostic radiography, eventually earning a position as CT technologist. After 2 years I was hired in Benson, AZ where I served as Clinical Instructor and Chief Technologist.
After 3 years I again made a decision to reach for a higher goal. I had always dreamed of becoming a teacher in radiologic sciences and I accepted a position as a full-time instructor at Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in an online Bachelor's degree program in Radiologic Science. In 2006 I was appointed to the position of Program Director at PMI, and I am currently completing my Masters in Education. PMI provided me with a strong foundation on which to build and gave me the confidence to reach even higher. It was the catalyst that helped me achieve more than I ever thought possible.
Michael Hawkes, BSRS, RT (R) (ARRT)
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I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. When my oldest child headed to college I felt like I had lost my identity and purpose, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to be behind a desk and I enjoyed being on my feet and using my hands. So when I saw the commercial for the Dental Assisting Program and Pima Medical Institute, I decided it might be a fit for me.
It was somewhat intimidating going back to school when I was the oldest student in the class and it was certainly challenging having homework again while balancing family and home life. But, my instructor was helpful and cheered me on.
I felt very prepared, although extremely nervous, for my hands on externship experience. But I learned so much and it helped me understand that I really wanted to work in a specialty area of dentistry. I was initially hired at a general practice but soon found the place I really belonged; a periodontist office. I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. I have great coworkers and wonderful doctors who continue to teach me about their specialty. I love it all and am so happy!
Pima Medical has been so good in helping me go from "what's my purpose?" to "this is where I should be!" Finding that out and being happy where I am has been everything. It has done so much for me! Plus, my kids are really proud of me.
I love the patients!
It's different every day!
It's a lot of fun.
I love it! I'm so glad I did this!
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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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At age 18 I got a job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. After gaining more experience at several hospitals as both a receptionist and an assistant, I knew I wanted to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). It seemed everyone I had worked with in the Seattle area had attended Pima Medical Institute, so that made their VT program an easy choice. I had struggled in classes at a traditional college, but loved my classes at Pima Medical. The instructors were excellent and very understanding. Everything I was learning seemed to apply to my experience at my job, giving me a conceptual understanding of the material. I felt very prepared for my clinicals and was offered a position at one of my sites. I worked at a number of clinics and an ER in the Seattle area, volunteered at a wildlife hospital and worked at a high- volume spay neuter clinic.
When we moved to rural Alaska, I spent a short time at a bear sanctuary before landing at Sitka Animal Hospital. I am the hospital supervisor and lead LVT and we see everything at the facility. Last week we cared for a ferret, a gecko, dogs, cats, bunnies, rodents, as well as performing surgery on a duck that had been attacked by a bald eagle. I am also on the board of a nonprofit animal shelter and a municipal animal hearing board where we hear appeals for animal control.
I am currently in pursuit of a master's degree. I hope to be part of the first group of technicians emerging into a mid-level practitioner position, much like a veterinary nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. Almost every day I think about my Pima Medical instructors and how grateful I am to have learned from them. I am proud of my successful career and I know I have them to thank.
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I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients.
I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job.
Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.
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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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