I've always been interested in the medical field and felt like it was the field with the most longevity. What made me choose Pima was the time frame of the program and the fact that their job rate of employment was the highest that I found. Those two things solidified it for me.
Going back to school at my age and getting back in that mind frame was tough! Math was very challenging for me and when my instructor suggested a tutor, I was happy to accept the help. By the end of the program I was a tutor for some of the computer classes. So, it was a fun learning experience.
Currently, I am enjoying my job as a Medical Administrative Assistant for Colorado Springs Family Practice where I completed my externship. I'd like to say THANK YOU to my instructors who took the time to make sure I understood the material and helped me relax when I was stressed. I've completed my Health Care Administration online associate degree program through PMI's online and am currently enrolled in their bachelor's degree program.
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My wife, a nurse for 12 years, always encouraged me to join the medical field, but I kept putting it off. I worked as an insurance adjuster, traveling to areas hit by natural disasters, often being gone for 21 days at a time. With young children and older kids involved in activities, I was missing too much. One day, I told my wife I was ready to resign and pursue a medical career at the end of the year. Just a week later, I was let go from my job. We actually laughed at the timing. At the same time, my grandmother began having health problems. Caring for her made me realize the urgency of getting into the medical field-not just for my career, but to better understand her needs. My best friend had gone through Pima Medical's Practical Nursing (PN) program and had encouraged me to join him, but I wasn't ready then. Now, I knew it was the right choice and the right timing.
The PN program was very challenging for me, but I developed a strong small group of classmates who supported me and I had caring instructors who offered extra help. However, when my dear grandmother passed away on Christmas Eve, I was crushed. She had raised me and was my biggest cheerleader and I just wanted to quit. I arranged to meet with my director to withdraw from the program, but she encouraged me to stay. My wife reminded me why I had started the program, and decided to continue. I completed the PN program but still struggling with the loss, I failed my NCLEX exam twice. I felt so defeated, but I knew I couldn't give up. After passing on my third attempt, I drove to Pima Medical to hug my program director and we shared an emotional moment.
I am excited for my new career at the Center at Lowry, a rehabilitation facility where I did clinicals. I can't thank Pima Medical Institute enough; the instructors, especially Director Risner, were amazing and I wouldn't be where I am without them!
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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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I always wanted to go into healthcare, but I knew I would need to go to college, which I couldn't afford. I decided to go into the military in order to help achieve my educational goal. I spent four years in the Navy working as a trouble shooter on the flight deck of a nuclear aircraft carrier. Our carrier was the first to respond to the attacks in New York. I am proud to say we arrived outside the New York harbor the morning of September 12th as a show of support.
After the military, I tried college, joined the Army National Guard, and continued my search for opportunities in the medical field. After a series of setbacks, I finally decided to begin as a dental assistant with the hope of ultimately being a dental hygienist. A friend introduced me to the dental hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and I never looked back. The best thing about PMI is that it is a tight knit group of people, similar to the military. A group of strangers end up becoming your peers, your friends, and eventually, your family. I never experienced that at community college. The friends I have made at school are ones I have made for life. Without my instructors and my peers, I wouldn't be who I am today.
The training I received at PMI truly helped prepare me more than any other training I have ever received. I now have my dream job! My overall experience at PMI was amazing; their commitment to excellence has allowed me to be successful. It can only get better from here!
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I never considered becoming a Pharmacy Technician until I enrolled at Pima Medical Institute and now I'm glad I did. My instructor, Mrs. Aldridge, was amazing and she motivated me to do my best every day. I was nervous when it came time for my externship, but a few of the technicians were also PMI graduates so they knew what I was going through. The pharmacists at my site were great and everyone helped me out when I needed it and answered my questions.
I currently work at a compounding pharmacy in Colorado Springs which is very different from other community pharmacies. I started in customer service and moved to patient records management. Right now, I work in the sterile area where we compound injectable medications and allergens. I am also part of the clean room rotation with another technician so I not only make the medicine, I get to filter and sterilize it too.
I want to say thank you to my instructor. Without her help I wouldn't be where I am today, doing a job I enjoy!
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While researching a career as a radiation therapist, I learned I first needed to complete my associate's in Radiography. I found Pima Medical Institute and was so impressed in my interview with the program director that I enrolled in their Radiography program. It's funny because I already had a bachelor's and was working on my master's, but it didn't matter because I had a goal.
As an older student somewhat terrified to return to school again, I appreciated the instructors and the personal attention they were able to give to our smaller classes. The program was very focused, and I never felt like my time was being wasted. At the time I graduated, there was quite a need for radiography technicians, so I chose a job at a hospital that would completely reimburse my PMI tuition. It was a wonderful job, and I made many lifelong friends, but after 2 years, that same PMI program director pursued me to come teach at PMI.
I was surprised to learn that I loved teaching! It felt like it was what I was meant to do. The satisfaction I felt helping patients morphed into the satisfaction I had in seeing my students become colleagues after they graduated. A few years into that role, I had the opportunity to become the clinical director, and after 10 years, I was promoted to faculty coordinator. Pima Medical Institute is my home. I love everything about working for this company, and I could not be happier!
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I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job!
It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision.
Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful.
When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!
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I worked many years as a postal employee but after 13 years of stress, I decided to quit and choose a very different field. I researched and decided to enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant program.
My instructor was a wonderful teacher filling me with knowledge while keeping the daily class time fun. The program was difficult, but I was there to learn everything I could. My motivation, love of animals, fascination with medical things and strong study habits are what made me a good student. I'm proud to say I graduated from PMI with honors, a 4.0 GPA and an award for perfect attendance.
I did my externship at a veterinary hospital, and after a week they asked if I wanted a job. My first job as a Veterinary Assistant is the only job I have had since graduating from Pima Medical in 1998 and I still love it! I stay educated and continue to provide the knowledgeable and loving care to our hospital patients and their owners. My Pima Medical instructor, Nikki Riggleman, was so wonderful; we still stay in touch with each other over 20 years later.
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At age 19, I started at Pima Medical Institute after realizing that my initial path at UNM wasn't the right fit for me at that time. A friend suggested looking into CT technology, and after some research, I found that Pima Medical's Radiography (RAD) program offered a quicker and more fitting path to my career goals. The structured environment in the RAD program was exactly what I needed, although it wasn't always easy. My father passed away during my second semester, which made it tough to stay on track, but with the support of the school, I persevered. The clinical experiences were mostly positive, giving me valuable hands-on learning. Even in challenging situations, I gained skills by working independently, which proved to be great learning experiences.
Graduating in 2004, I entered the workforce during a tech shortage and quickly landed a job. I started in x-ray and, over the years, expanded my expertise by becoming registered in mammography, bone density, and MRI. However, I chose to focus on mammography, as it offered a better work-life balance compared to MRI.
After a decade at a hospital, I transitioned to a quieter clinic setting where I could work more independently, which suits me well. I've been at a small clinic for nearly a year now, enjoying the stability and better hours. Alongside my career, I'm also completing my bachelor's degree in university studies, thanks to a state program offering free classes to those close to finishing their degree.
Looking ahead, I'm content with where I am but open to new opportunities, possibly in management. Pima Medical set me up for success, giving me the tools I needed to start and grow my career in radiology. Now 20 years later, I'm grateful for the education and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.
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When I got braces in high school, I was fascinated by how something so simple could transform a person's smile-and their confidence. That experience sparked my interest in the dental field, and after researching options, I found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. I enrolled right after high school and jumped into the program.
My instructors were incredible! I never considered myself a standout student, but the hands-on learning style was perfect for me. I learned so much, and when it came time for my externship, it felt like a breeze because I was so prepared. They even offered me a job as soon as I finished, and I worked there happily until I moved out of state.
Since graduating in 2011, I've worked in every part of a dental office-from assisting to managing the front desk to being an office manager. Today, I'm a mom of two fast-growing kids, and I want more flexibility to be with them, so I'm going back to school for billing and coding. This will allow me to continue working in the dental field from home.
I love the dental field because I get to make a difference-helping patients find relief from pain or transforming their smiles - and I'm excited about the next chapter in my dental career. Pima Medical is an amazing place with caring instructors and I would choose it all over again. It's changed my life.
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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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Starting over in a new career later in life was daunting, but my passion for healthcare pushed me forward. I initially enrolled at a local community college to complete prerequisites for a nursing program, only to face a two-year waitlist. Determined to find a quicker path into the medical field, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. This program's accelerated timeline was perfect for my busy life as a stay-at-home mother. In less than three months I gained essential skills and secured a job in the medical field. That first step ignited my passion for healthcare, and after gaining experience as a phlebotomist and clinical lab assistant, I returned to Pima Medical for the 22-month Respiratory Therapy program.
My journey wasn't without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my class's clinical rotations, forcing us to transition to remote learning. Balancing studies, work, and family was overwhelming, but I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize self-care. The instructors, many of whom were industry professionals, provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences that prepared me for real-world healthcare settings. As a result of my education, I secured a position at Banner Desert Medical Center, where I have been employed for the past eight years. During the pandemic, I practiced respiratory care under an emergency license, which provided me with critical experience in a high-pressure environment. Currently, I am working in Procurement and have recently been promoted to Test Management Training Coordinator. In this role, I oversee the training processes for new hires, externships, and existing staff members.
I am incredibly grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical for their dedication and support. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training prepared me for a fulfilling career.
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