I graduated from ASU with a degree in nutrition and applied to physical therapy school too late and didn't get in. My husband and I sat down and researched the physical therapy field and decided PMI's PTA program might be the best fit for me. When I called, the lady on the phone said, "We're going to make all your dreams come true!" and I looked at the phone and thought - she's crazy! But, I met with an advisor and started 2 weeks later. They tell you it is an accelerated program and it certainly is. The instructors were amazing and they inspired me to do more. I became very involved with my profession; PTA Co-Chair for the PTA Special Interest Group within our Arizona Chapter and helping start what is now our annual "TRYke It" event for adults with disabilities.
I remember being nervous walking into my first clinical. But, in this neurology setting I was able to witness a stroke patient or a traumatic brain injury patient make progress on things that we often take for granted and that was just simply MAGICAL! My passion for neurology PT grew from just two weeks in that setting and I accepted a position there after graduation. I also gained valuable experience working in pediatric aquatic therapy and hippo therapy with adults and children with disabilities. After some years in the field, I was offered an opportunity to come back to PMI as an instructor. I believe it gives me an advantage having recently sat in those same student chairs and my ability to relate to my students on that same level. I am happy to have come full-circle at PMI and my dreams far exceeded my expectations and continue to come true! My instructors did an incredible job preparing me for my profession and I hope to have the same influence on my students!
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I started my career as a medic on an ambulance and knew I wanted
to become a nurse. Everyone around me was doing it and it felt like
the natural next step. At the time, I was working toward a degree in
paramedicine at another college but their nursing program required
a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (CNA), which I didn't have.
I was ready to get started and Pima Medical Institute offered exactly
what I needed: a program that didn't stretch over an entire semester.
I enrolled in the CNA course, checked that box and had a great
experience.
Eventually, I was accepted into a nursing program elsewhere - but the
waitlist was a year and a half. That's when Pima Medical reached out.
They said, "You're an alum and we have a nursing program." It was
accelerated and could get me in right away, so I said yes. I completed
the Registered Nurse (RN) program and went straight to work as a
nurse.
My boss had always encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) and though it was something I wanted
to do, I just kept putting it off. I finally enrolled in another school's
program but didn't like the structure. They said it was "fully
online", but there were group projects and required meetings that
didn't fit my schedule. I dropped and gave Pima Medical a shot
again. The BSN program was amazing. It was clearly laid out,
well-paced and truly online. I had the support I needed but I
could also self-guide.
Today, I'm the clinic manager for a company that operates
12 occupational health clinics across five states. Plus, I've
been accepted into the Master of Science in Organizational
Leadership (MSOL) program at Pima Medical. I'm pursuing
this advanced degree to grow as a leader and bring more to
the table.
Pima Medical has always been honest, consistent and
structured. If you're a self-starter with a busy schedule, this
is the school for you.
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I've wanted to become a pharmacist since I was in middle school. My grandma had an unfortunate incident where she was given too much heart medication which caused a heart attack. That day I decided I wanted to make sure that never happened to anyone else's family.
I chose Pima Medical Institute because I felt their pharmacy technician program would create a stepping stone and give me the experience I needed to prepare to one day becoming a pharmacist. My experience as a student was excellent; I learned a lot from each instructor and enjoyed every second. All three of my instructors helped me not only become a professional, but become a better person.
My goal was always to work in a hospital setting, so I was fortunate to be able to do my externship at Desert Springs Hospital. I completed my PTCB certification and was hired at Desert Springs after my externship. I continue to pursue my education. I currently working full time and attend PMI's online program. I have completed my associate's degree in Health Care Administration and hope to finish my bachelor's in Health Care Administration next year. I still have my sights set on becoming a pharmacist. I've really appreciated PMI, the knowledge I've gained, and all the instructors I've learned from. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical Institute to others!
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I want to thank each Physical Therapist Assistant instructor, each career services team member, the receptionist, and the entire team at Pima Medical Institute who helped to propel me into my new career.
My aunt had a stroke, and as I observed the physical therapists working with her during her recovery, I became very intrigued. My girlfriend was attending the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical and she told me about their 18 month Physical Therapist Assistant program. I went for it and never looked back!
My entire experience was great! I felt like our program directors and staff hand selected individuals for the program who shared the same passion and we just grew and developed together. I appreciated the level in which our instructors were willing to help us understand the material and how applicable everything we learned was once we got into the field. I was hired at my last clinical site and started shortly after passing my board exams on the first attempt.
I highly recommend Pima Medical Institute to others. You taught me so much and I love my new career!
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I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I began working as a CNA, and through my experiences in the hospital, I became excited about a possible career in the medical field. I heard a commercial about Pima Medical Institute and decided the quickest way into a career was enrolling in their 9 month Medical Assistant program. That opened the door for me, but I loved learning and knew I wanted more.
My dad passed away in 2015 from a drowning incident and that experience pushed me toward the respiratory therapy field. Through that incident I was able to observe the amazing work that respiratory therapists do and I said to myself, "I want to be one of them". One year after completing the MA program, I started Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program and I loved every moment of it! The program was challenging, but our classes were small and I connected with my classmates. We developed an almost family-type relationship. I loved my instructors; they really wanted us to succeed.
After completing my clinical experience, I was hired at St Anthony North Medical Health Center in Westminster, CO. I love my job! Recently, I have been working in the COVID ICU. I help intubate, manage ventilators and endotracheal tubes and give breathing treatments to those struggling to breath. I feel like I have found my calling.
I love Pima Medical. They did so much for me. Down the road I hope to continue my education by getting my bachelor's degree and possibly even obtaining my master's degree in the respiratory field.
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I am a single dad. I bounced around to so many different jobs trying to provide for us. But, I knew if I wanted my son to get an education someday, I needed to be a model for him. I had a friend who was a respiratory therapist and after learning about his job, I signed up for the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute. I loved it! Every instructor I had was amazing! I was not really a book learner and I had many challenges as a single dad, but the instructors really cared about me and worked with me. During my first rotation, I fell in love with respiratory therapy. I currently work at Banner Desert Hospital, a level one trauma center. About three months after being hired, I was moved into our ICU (intensive care unit). It has been quite a learning curve but I work with some really smart people, many of them Pima Medical graduates, and I have learned so much from them.
Working with COVID-19 patients has been scary. I'm learning every day; from handling codes, to PPE, to proper proning techniques. We have such an important job caring for these people. I'm currently continuing my education through Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program. I want to show my son the importance of education and I'm doing it for myself because I love learning. It's been a challenge focusing on classes during COVID-19; seeing the things I'm seeing and experiencing high levels of stress and fear at my job. But, the instructors are there for me. I would certainly encourage others to consider the respiratory field and Pima Medical Institute for their training. I was a single dad with no money and Pima Medical went above and beyond for me; providing a work study job, gas cards and caring about me as a person. Most importantly, they got me ready for my new career. I'm dealing with life and death on a daily basis and I feel prepared. Thanks PMI!
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At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field.
I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position.
I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program.
I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.
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Initially drawn to nursing, I spent a few years juggling shifts as a CNA while attending traditional community colleges and universities attempting to get my prerequisites. Those avenues did not fit my learning style and I never found the guidance I needed so I wasn't successful. The struggle intensified after losing my mother unexpectedly, prompting an immediate return home to support my father and a complete reset.
Advertisements for Pima Medical Institute led me to make an appointment. After hearing my advisor talk about the Medical Assistant (MA) program, I knew this was going to be my next stepping stone into the medical field. I had amazing instructors who provided the guidance I needed and launched me into my new career. I started working at US Healthworks/Concentra specializing in Occupational Medicine/ Urgent Care where I obtained skills in drug screening, audiology and pulmonary testing, as well as basic x-rays.
After three fulfilling years I was ready for my next challenge, so I returned to the Renton Campus where I transitioned into teaching the Medical Assistant program. I loved being right back where I had started, now teaching the next generation of MA's. Pima Medical's support extended beyond the classroom and I was given the opportunity to use their Enrichment Scholarship to earn an associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA). In 2023, I ventured into Pima Medical's Admissions Department as a Medical Career Specialist. This role truly feeds my purpose. I am able to inspire students by sharing my experiences and then encourage them to take the first step toward their own career. My decade long journey with Pima Medical Institute is a testament to the transformative impact that has truly changed my life.
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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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I had an amazing experience in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I had the best instructors and, as we spent time studying together, my classmates became amazing friends. I had always known I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people and I wanted to work with children. My older sister had completed the Veterinary Technician (VT) program at Pima Medical, so I knew it was a school I could trust and enrolled in the MA program.
I appreciated all the knowledge and information they gave us about working in the real world. The hands-on experience helped us feel prepared for our new career. Since graduating in 2018 I have worked for three clinics or organizations as an MA and have gained experience in family practice, OB/GYN and specialty clinics and have learned so much!
I love my job! Every day is different and I am constantly learning new things. I am so very grateful for my instructors at Pima Medical for helping me to be able to achieve my dream job. I love what I do and I am so grateful I took the leap to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
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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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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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