I was exposed to the Physical Therapist Assistant field after my divorce when I worked at a therapeutic horse ranch. Later, when I began really researching careers that might be a fit for me, my search led me to the PTA field. I wanted a career in the medical field that was active and had a hands-on type of relationship with people. I wanted a school with a good reputation and one that provided support. That's what made me choose Pima Medical Institute.
During my first semester, I had to drop out because of my struggle with Anatomy and Physiology. But, the awesome staff at PMI met with me, they heard my heart, and encouraged me to reapply and I was accepted into a new class. Since I live an hour and a half drive from school, I was able to rely on my community to help with my children. It strengthened my faith and also taught me to rely on my classmates to help me study and learn. It was an amazing experience!
I am currently working for Columbine Health Systems, where I had completed my clinicals as a student. I work at all 5 of their skilled nursing facilities. I love my job! I feel like I'm able to talk to the geriatric population in a way that helps them understand the reason behind why their physical therapy is important and how it can improve their quality of life. I carry the education and confidence PMI gave me each time I walk into a treatment room. I am so proud to be a PMI graduate.
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My journey into health care began with an interest in nursing, but I soon realized it didn't align with my personality. A shadowing opportunity in a Radiology department, arranged by my mother, confirmed my passion for radiography. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Radiography associate degree program and had exceptional experience as a student.
The program's blend of didactic and clinical training thoroughly prepared me for my career. I viewed each clinical rotation as a job interview, especially my fourth-semester placement. I worked hard to impress the staff by demonstrating the skills I had learned and I earned a job offer at the same hospital, where I continue to work.
Currently, I serve as the Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Canyon Vista Medical Center. Since graduating from Pima Medical's Radiography program 13 years ago, I have had the privilege of precepting students from various programs across Arizona and California. Among them, Pima Medical students consistently stand out. They arrive at their first clinical rotation with strong positioning skills and the confidence to image patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics.
Pima Medical not only equipped me with essential skills but also instilled confidence and set me on a path to success.
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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 instructors at Pima Medical Institute gave me the skills and confidence I needed to have a successful career. When people ask me how they can get an education that is career minded, I always point them towards PMI because I know they will be placed in the work force with the skills they need to succeed.
I know I make a difference in the lives of many patients and I enjoy my job as a Pharmacy Technician. My work ethic was always top notch, but PMI instructors showed me how to raise the bar and allow my skills to have no boundaries.
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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 suffered from dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and dropped out of high school two months before graduation. I went on to raise two kids and ran the office for my husband's plumbing business. But once my kids graduated from high school, I decided I really wanted a career in the medical field.
After being out of school for 30 years, I just didn't have the confidence to get my GED and was afraid of failure. Pima Medical Institute and their partnership with Penn Foster offered me a way to be successful. The Penn Foster program provides an opportunity to earn your high school diploma and Pima Medical provides a classroom and an instructor for 4 hours a day while you learn online. Best of all, Pima Medical pays the tuition. I was able to complete my requirements, graduate within 6 weeks and transition directly into the 9 month Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical. I loved the MA program and my instructors. I was motivated and studied hard and am proud to say I graduated with a 4.0. I completed my externship at Tucson Orthopedic Institute (TOI) and not long after graduation, they called and offered me a position working for Dr. Evans in the Podiatry department. I love my job!
I highly recommend the Penn Foster program to others. It provides discipline by requiring you to attend classes and it gives you the confidence to learn the information. I would have failed without it. I'm so thankful for Pima Medical Institute - it's been nothing but positive. I finally have a career I love. If I can do it, anyone can!
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After graduating from high school, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. One day, I was watching TV with my grandma when we saw an advertisement for Pima Medical Institute and she said, "Selina, that sounds like something you would like to do!" I called, set up an appointment and the following week I enrolled in their Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA) (now called Health Care Administration Certificate) program. I just knew it was for me and I was excited to change my future.
I had two of the best teachers I have ever met! They took the time to help me when I was struggling and offer advice and support. I also made lifelong friendships. One of my instructors was in Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration (HCA) program and she inspired me to continue my education. When I graduated from the HCA program with my associate degree, I had a brand new outlook on life!
My experience has been working at the front desk in the dental field but my next goal is to manage an office, so I recently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) online program. I know I am setting myself up for success.
Starting Pima Medical right out of high school was the best choice I could have ever made. I am so proud of myself and I cannot wait to be a three time Pima Medical grad! My eventual goal is to be an owner of a pediatric dental office.
Do you want to achieve your dreams? Start your journey!
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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 completing high school, I was looking for a temporary source of income that would pay enough to allow me to put myself through college. I had several family members who had attended various programs at Pima Medical Institute, so decided to enroll in their nine-month Pharmacy Technician program, figuring it might be a quick way to make more than the average college student.
The class schedules were ideal, allowing me to work while going to school. It was a strenuous curriculum but my instructor, a Doctor of Pharmacy with many years of experience, ensured his students became successful Pharmacy Technicians. He knew exactly what made a great technician and he prepared us well to become nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technicians.
I have spent the past 17 years as a Pharmacy Technician working in inpatient pharmacy performing sterile and chemotherapy compounding. I moved away from Arizona about seven years ago and I was hired at the VA Medical Center, where I was quickly promoted to Lead IV Trainer.
Recently, the Mayo Clinic in Mankato reached out to me and offered me a job as their Technician Supervisor with a focus in Sterile Compounding. The temporary job I thought would support further education became my career. I am very proud of my work as a Pharmacy Technician and I'm thankful for my Pima Medical instructor. As a result of being trained by him, I feel like my career has been really distinguished and for that I will always be grateful.
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My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well.
Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN.
Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
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After running a travel agency for fifteen years, I began searching for a new career in the medical field. I'd always been interested in photography, so radiology seemed like a natural fit. At 43, I returned to school to earn my associate degree in Radiologic Science.
I gained experience working at a regional hospital in Minnesota, learning X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Then in 2014, my husband and I, looking to fulfill our dream, moved to Alaska where I became a multi-modality technologist with Providence in Seward. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, leading a $1.8 million department remodel to improve patient care. Upgrading our equipment to include a new CT scanner and digital X-ray systems has enabled us to offer year-round mammography, allowing for earlier breast cancer detection and better outcomes.
In 2023, my love for learning led me to Pima Medical Institute, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS) online. Graduating with honors was a major accomplishment. I was especially impressed with the instructors and the quality of education at Pima Medical, and I'm proud to be a graduate.
We are a critical care access hospital that sees patients from around the world. Tourists visit our community for various reasons, such as sport fishing, sightseeing, mountain hiking, mountain biking and cruise ships. This year we had ninety-six cruise ships bringing thousands of passengers on and off the ship. In my role, I often meet patients on one of the toughest days of their lives. My goal is to make a difference for them. I'm grateful for the skills and support from Pima Medical that has allowed me to provide the best care possible.
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After high school, I spent four years juggling two jobs-one at Office Max and the other at a bakery-when one day, my aunt called and asked if I wanted to go back to school with her. I had no idea what she meant, but I agreed. That's how I found Pima Medical Institute. I chose the Medical Assistant (MA) program because, when my dad was ill, I saw firsthand the impact healthcare professionals can have on a person's life. I wanted to do that too, and the program was only nine months long, which made it a perfect fit for me.
I loved every minute of the MA program! The hands-on training felt so different from high school, and I found myself excited to learn. In particular, I discovered I had a passion for injections and blood draws. When it was time for my externship, I was nervous, but my head MA was incredibly supportive, and I quickly found that it all came naturally to me.
Toward the end of the program our homework assignment was to apply for three MA positions. Afterwards, I didn't think much about it, but to my surprise, Saguaro Dermatology called and hired me. Dermatology is fast-paced and challenging, but I love it. My favorite part is working with skin cancers and assisting in surgeries. I also enjoy my role in the lab, processing tissue samples as a histotech.
Since relocating to Tucson, I easily found another dermatology position, and I couldn't be happier. Pima Medical set me on a path I'm truly passionate about, and I'd do it all over again. If you're thinking about a medical career, don't hesitate-come to Pima Medical. You won't regret it!
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