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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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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I received my bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in Equine Science in 2015. After I moved to Tucson, I decided to pursue the veterinary field. Although I had the physiology knowledge from my degree, I didn't have the technical skills I needed to work in the veterinary field.
I began looking for a Veterinary Technician program and researched several options before meeting with the program director at Pima Medical Institute. She answered my questions and I left feeling confident in her knowledge. The program was fast paced, accelerated and I loved the hands on philosophy. Interestingly, once I started the program, I found it to actually be harder than my bachelor's degree had been. The pace was intense, we had to learn the material in a short amount of time and we only had two attempts at our skills competencies. It was stressful at the time, but I'm thankful for the strict requirements and I graduated feeling totally prepared.
I enjoyed my clinical experiences and found the hands-on practice to be very beneficial. At one of my sites, I got to know the owner, an equine veterinarian, who did me a favor and made a phone call to Littleton Equine Medical Center in Colorado. I interviewed there and was soon offered a position. I spent the first 5 months working as a field technician and currently I work in their ICU Unit. It is super-fast paced and stressful but I really enjoy my job!
I would recommend Pima Medical Institute to others because of the way they teach technical skills. Their Veterinary Technician Program is accelerated and very high quality!
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I had been interested in x-ray for years before finding and enrolling in Pima Medical Institute's accelerated Radiography program. I loved every minute of being a student at Pima Medical, despite the challenge of balancing three employment commitments while remaining dedicated to my coursework. I really appreciated the clinical experiences. I feel like all of the clinical hours really helped prepare me for what it would be like when I started working in the field. I obtained my first job at the location where I had completed the most clinical hours. They had been able to observe my skills and work ethic and consequently, had no hesitations in hiring me. Shortly following my graduation, I began studying for and successfully obtaining my CT (computerized tomography) registry. I then decided to further my career by going back to school for Radiation Therapy. I chose it because I wanted to help others beyond the short time I was seeing people as a tech.
As a Radiation Therapist at University of New Mexico Cancer Center I get to spend 3-5 weeks with patients getting to know them and their family members as I deliver their radiation treatments. It truly takes a compassionate person to be able to do this job. And even though some days do take an emotional toll and not all the patients have a good outcome, it is absolutely rewarding to be here because these patients value their life more than anyone I have helped in my career. I will always strive to be a little light in what they are going through.
I want to say a special thank you to Pima Medical for giving me my start in the medical profession and for my instructors who never stopped believing in me.
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My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and trached throughout her life, so I was familiar with respiratory. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's RT program.
I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings, and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master's Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as their Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO.
I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it whether you're at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.
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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 years of bouncing between retail and fast food jobs, I found myself questioning the direction of my life. Dissatisfied and yearning for something more meaningful, I explored careers in the medical field but many required prerequisites. That's when I discovered the Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) program at Pima Medical Institute during a meeting with an advisor. It sounded really interesting to me and I decided just to go for it.
Being part of the very first SPT program at the Denver Campus meant small class sizes and lots of personal attention. Sterile Processing fascinated me with its intricate details, providing constant mental stimulation. When I began my clinical work in the hospital, nerves got the best of me, leading to anxious mornings. Yet, as I embraced the experience, the fear subsided and I found purpose in the crucial role Sterile Processing plays and I was hired by the hospital where I completed my clinicals. Two years later, I moved to my current employer, Valley Regional Medical Center in Arkansas Valley, where I am the SPD Supervisor. I oversee the setup, sterilization and ordering processes, including implants and replacement parts. The responsibility is immense, but the challenge fuels my passion. I've recently returned to school online to pursue Practical Nursing (LPN), aspiring to advance to a Scrub Technician role here at the hospital and perhaps become a traveler in the future.
I had such a great experience at Pima Medical Institute and if I had the chance for a redo - I would do it all over again. I finally feel like I am doing something meaningful with my life.
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After moving from Texas to Colorado for a fresh start, I was determined to build a stable career in the medical field. Research led me to Pima Medical Institute, and from the moment I began speaking with admissions, I knew it was the right choice. Despite facing many challenges, I embarked on the Medical Assistant (MA) program with unwavering determination.
I started living in my car three weeks after starting the MA program. I was juggling homelessness, school and a full-time job. I struggled finding safe places to park, hot and cold nights, and finding time between work and school to do homework, sleep and get to the gym to take showers. I found incredible support from caring and understanding instructors who became like family to me. They provided resources and encouragement, helping me navigate the toughest moments. As difficult as my situation was, school was my biggest motivation and the people at Pima Medical were my support and prepared me for my future. Thanks to great instructors and comprehensive training, I excelled at my externship at Advanced Urgent Care, impressing my supervisors enough to secure a job offer before even graduating.
To my instructors at Pima Medical, I owe a debt of gratitude. I am the person I am today because of you. Your unwavering support and belief in me kept me going when times were toughest. Thank you for never giving up on me. You've shaped me into the professional I am today and I will forever be grateful.
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In 2005, while browsing technical programs online, Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant (VA) Program caught my eye. I filled out a request for more information and, to my surprise, Niki Riggleman, a recently retired yet highly esteemed instructor, called me immediately. Despite never having had an interest in veterinary medicine before, that call changed my life. I can't imagine being in any other field today and I'm so grateful Niki called me!
I completed the VA Program and returned to complete the Veterinary Technician (VT) Program in 2007. It was a privilege to be part of the very first VT class at the Seattle Campus. One aspect of Pima Medical I truly appreciated was its accessibility; the ability to attend night classes and work during the day allowed me to maintain a steady income while pursuing my education. The hands-on classroom experience, combined with working in the field, was crucial to my professional growth.
My journey with VCA Animal Hospitals began with my first externship, where I was hired even before completing it. Almost 20 years later, I'm still with VCA and grateful to have found my place there. I worked as a VA, a VT and then quickly moved up to Technician Supervisor and a regional training role. In 2020, I became the Regional Technician Director for the Northwest & Hawaii Group, supporting veterinary teams across five states. Additionally, as the current President of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT) and a former District Chair for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), I am dedicated to improving the careers of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Ensuring their optimal utilization and safety is crucial to our profession, helping us continue to serve our patients effectively.
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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 spent nearly seven years working as a Medical Assistant (MA) before I finally decided to continue my education and complete the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was my commute - I live in Colorado Springs, so this was a 74-mile drive each way to attend class at the Denver Campus. That meant spending at least two and a half hours a day just on the road, in addition to my coursework, clinicals and job at UCHealth.
The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible. They were more than just educators-they were mentors who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. The program was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I loved every moment of it, and I genuinely believe that the hands-on, real-world experience I gained during my time there has set me up for success in my new career.
One of the most exciting parts of this journey was being hired to work for both UCHealth and Penrad Imaging before even completing my program. I was offered a full-time position at Penrad Imaging and later, I was hired as a PRN at UCHealth. It was a huge confidence boost, knowing that I was already making an impact in the field even before passing my ARRT registry exam.
Now, I'm officially a Radiologic Technologist, and I couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of my career. Every challenge, every late night, every moment of doubt was worth it. Thank you Pima Medical!
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I was born and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, and I'm proud to be a first-generation college student. My interest in radiology began in fourth grade after a broken wrist landed me in the ER. I was fascinated by the X-ray process, and that moment never left me.
After high school, I shadowed in the radiology department at a local hospital where my mother worked and decided to apply at Pima Medial Institute. I didn't get in the first time, but I gained more experience, took classes and eventually reapplied after COVID. I was accepted! And that changed everything.
The program was tough, especially being far from home and dealing with personal loss. But I was never alone. Kristen Miller, Jolene Pobrislo and Jeff Botkin supported me every step of the way. They believed in me, and I always knew I could reach out for help.
Today, I work as a radiologic technologist performing X-rays and bone density scans. I hope to add Computed Tomography (CT) to my credentials and grow into a hospital role. Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence and care to make my dreams possible. And now, I get to show my grandparents every day that their sacrifices were worth it.
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