On my 35th birthday I woke up to go to work and told myself: "I won't be doing this next year."
After researching several schools, I chose Pima Medical Institute because of the variety of programs offered. After taking the tour I chose the Radiography program and I started in the very next class. The program was tough and demanding of my time. However, with the personal sacrifices of my family and an employer who was flexible, I was able to complete the program. The biggest challenge was making time for my family and trying to make the most of the time we had.
The clinical rotations gave us experience with all the various types of facilities and exposure to many different employers and technologists. My first job was as a PRN Rad Tech at Lovelace Westside Hospital. I was hired about 2months after graduating. On September 4, 2014 I opened JCAT Imaging Services with my fellow classmate and business partner, Anita Torrez. I currently half own and operate the only independent X-ray clinic in Los Lunas, New Mexico.
In January, 2015, I started Pima's Bachelor program to get my BSRS and look forward to putting that to use later. I recommend Pima to anyone interested in a medical career not just Radiography. I would like to thank my instructors for guiding me through my program. My dreams have come true, in part, because of them.
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My mom spent more than 25 years as an instructor at the Tucson campus and encouraged me to explore what Pima Medical Institute had to offer. I was initially drawn to Physical Therapy, but as I learned more, I discovered Occupational Therapy. During my entrance interview for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, everything about the profession resonated with me. Ten years later, I have no doubt that this is my calling.
The OTA program demanded a high level of self-accountability. I had to learn when to use the resources available, how to ask for help and how to grow through discomfort. The growing pains were worth it. My cohort became my biggest support system and those relationships have turned into lifelong friendships.
I truly appreciated being held to a higher standard throughout the program. The structure and expectations prepared me to deliver quality healthcare right out of school. The professionalism required of every student helps ensure graduates are not only ready to pass certification exams and succeed as clinicians, but also stand out when applying for jobs.
Thanks to that preparation, I was offered a position during my second fieldwork rotation and hired as soon as I completed my certification requirements. Since then, I've been fortunate to explore many settings, roles and opportunities throughout my career.
I've worked primarily with pediatric and young adult populations, serving my community through outpatient clinics, home health and school settings. I'm currently continuing my education with a bachelor's degree and plan to become a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).
I would absolutely recommend Pima Medical to others. The OTA program prepares you to be more than just job-ready. It gives you the foundation to build a meaningful and lasting career in healthcare.
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Before attending Pima Medical Institute, I had tried taking classes at the university, worked a few years as a lifeguard, and had been unemployed for a year. When my grandmother encouraged me look into a career taking x-rays, I researched and found Pima Medical and enrolled in their Radiography program.
Going back to school at 30 years of age was challenging, but what a difference it was being in a class of only 25 students at Pima Medical rather than my previous experience of 300-500 students at ASU. I found it so much easier to focus and my instructors were great! By the time I graduated I had job offers from both of my clinical sites. I worked in a hospital setting as a radiologic technologist for two years and then returned to school to pursue a post-graduate education in St. Louis. In April 2019 I graduated from Logan University with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.
Pima Medical not only gave me the start I needed in the medical field, it gave me a huge advantage over my classmates at Logan. Even though I was taught by many well-known chiropractic doctors, I still consider my Pima Medical instructor, Mike Hawkes, to be the best instructor I ever had.
At 39 years of age I am opening my own business, Pyle Family Chiropractic, in Peoria, AZ. If you had told me nine years ago when I started Pima Medical that I would be a doctor and a small business owner, I would have said you were crazy! I'm so thankful for the start Pima Medical provided me! Dr. Nicholas Pyle DC R.T.(R)(ARRT)
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I was tired of my preschool teacher job and had always been interested in the medical field. One day I drove past Pima Medical Institute, saw the sign and decided it was time. I chose their Pharmacy Technician Program because I wasn't comfortable with needles. The program was challenging at first but my instructors were amazing! I had great support from my family and my classmates and we would meet after class to study. I enjoyed my externship experience at Smith Pharmacy and the day after I finished, I got a call from Walgreens offering me a position. I hadn't even started applying for jobs! I learned later that Pima Medical had recommended me and provided my resume when Walgreens contacted them about a job opportunity.
After a couple years at Walgreens I decided I wanted more. One day I stopped by Pima Medical's Albuquerque West Campus and learned about their Medical Administrative Assistant Program. I learned how important my new role would be as the first and last person a patient often sees when they come in for an appointment. I recently completed my externship at the New Mexico Cancer Center where I was able to work in the infusion room with patients getting chemotherapy treatments. I was offered a position as a Patient Care Coordinator a week after my externship and I love my new job!
I'm planning on continuing my education with Pima Medical by enrolling in their online Health Care Administration associate and then bachelor degree programs. I'm thankful for my education at Pima Medical and I can't wait to see what my future holds!
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I grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program.
I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff.
While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics.
My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.
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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.
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I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician!
I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me.
I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program.
I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!
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I had been working in the medical field for 20 years, as a Medical Assistant, but I wanted more. My desire has always been to go further into nursing, but something always seemed to happen that didn't allow me to continue my education as planned. Finally, in the fall of 2021 I enrolled in the afternoon 12-month Practical Nursing program at Pima Medical Institute. My experience as a student was amazing! I loved my classmates and being a part of a cohort that worked together to the finish. I appreciated all four of my instructors who took the time to help me see past my doubt and worry and helped guide me. They showed me that even as an older student and single mother, I could be successful.
As soon as I got word that I passed my National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), I hit the ground running revising my resume and putting in applications. Since then, I have been working full-time as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and providing for my 6-year-old daughter.
I want to thank my instructors and all the whole staff at Pima Medical. They helped me pursue and continue to be an amazing healthcare provider. I felt very prepared to achieve what I had worked so hard to accomplish and I'm looking forward to continuing my education to become a Registered Nurse (RN) soon.
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Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother.
After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.
Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.
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After 12 years working primarily as a public health nurse at a Federally Qualified Health Center (BQHC) serving medically underserved populations, I became a supervisor at the Florida Department of Health. It was then that I realized that I needed to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to remain competitive in the job market. When I changed jobs, my new employer offered a deal I couldn't pass up; a FREE RN to BSN program, with the only contingency being that I remain with them 12 months after my degree attainment.
I was initially accepted at a much larger and well-known university for an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, but the communication between myself and their recruiters left a lot to be desired, and as an older student who had never taken online classes, it spooked me. I searched and found Pima Medical Institute's online BSN program. I applied and was immediately welcomed by a veritable squad of people helping ease my fears and walk me through a new-to-me online educational experience. The director even called me personally to ensure the program fit my needs for maximum success. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA this past May, and I couldn't praise my professors or fellow students more! I had access to kind and
helpful staff even at odd hours, and it has helped me become so much more confident in my current practice.
My positive educational experience at Pima Medical has me seriously considering the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) online program. This is something that was never on my radar before and I know I would only want to tackle this goal with Pima Medical Institute.
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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!
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Before going back to school, my life wasn't on the best path. After high school, I planned to become a nurse, but deep down I knew it wasn't what I really wanted. Eventually, I moved out on my own, but I found myself surrounded by the wrong people and making choices I wasn't proud of. It wasn't until I met my fiance that I seriously considered going back to school. He encouraged me to think about my future and what would truly make me happy. After some soul-searching, I decided to look for a Dental Assistant program - and for the first time, I felt excited about my future.
I found Pima Medical Institute through an online search, and after seeing so many great reviews from alumni, I knew it was the right place for me. Enrolling was the best decision I could have made. My experience at Pima Medical was nothing short of amazing - the support from my classmates, instructors, and family kept me going. My instructor, Margarita, was especially supportive. In fact, I wouldn't have made it through without her guidance.
I was excited for my externship at Associates in Family Dentistry and grateful to be hired upon completion. As I plan to move soon, I'm holding off on furthering my education for now, but I'm eager to explore my options. I am a proud graduate of Pima Medical and my ultimate goal is to build a successful career while growing my family with my fiance.
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