I had my daughter at a young age and realized I needed to focus on a career and a future for us. After months of research, I made the decision to attend PMI's Medical Assisting program while working as a full time single mother. We'd leave the house at 5:30 am, I'd drop her off at daycare, come to school, then go to work, pick her up from daycare, get home at 8:30 pm, eat dinner, put her to bed and I'd do homework for a couple hours and get to bed around 1- 2 am, and wake up and do it all over again. My motivation to stay strong and work hard was my daughter! My teachers encouraged me through my program and they believed in me 100%. After I graduated, I worked in a hospital followed by a pediatrician's office. Today, I work for an outpatient family medicine clinic and I love it!
I wouldn't trade anything I went through to get where I am today. My little girl and I now have a home, she has a yard to play in and everything that a little girl should have growing up, and so much more. I've recently been offered a promotion for a leadership role. They will be paying for me to go back to school to get my RN and Surgical Tech degrees. When people ask me how I got to where I am today, I tell them PMI.
PMI all the way!
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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 gave me my life back. I had been recently divorced and found I couldn't afford to live on my own. I was scared. I had worked in retail in the past but didn't have a profession. I'd always been interested in Radiography., and after asking a tech who happened to be a PMI graduate, I learned there was a school offering it in my area. My stepmom likes to say, "I'm a duck who found her pond." When I got to PMI, I found that I "fit." Not only was I good at what I was doing, I loved it! Plus, I had instructors who also loved it, and that made it so much easier to learn, to experience, and to grow into my profession. My instructors were amazing!
My instructor, Jacqueline Kralik, came into class one day and encouraged us to get involved in our professional organizations. She also mentioned a scholarship opportunity. The winner would travel to Washington, DC to lobby for the Care Bill. A free trip to DC sounded good, so I wrote the essay, wrote to congressmen, completed the application, and I won! While in DC, I met the leaders from the ASRT (American Society of Radiologic Technologists), and they started fueling the fire for me to get involved with the professional side of our national organization. They invited me to go to an international conference in Denver. I went, and I was hooked. I spent much of my student life traveling and being involved at the state and national level.
The early encouragement from my instructors, not only sparked my interest, but as a result, I am currently the ASRT Speaker of the House. I haven't stopped learning. After graduation I decided to get my bachelors. Since PMI hadn't yet stared their own online program, I attended Chadron State University, one of PMI's partners. I still wanted more, so I am currently finishing up my master's of Health Care Administration at Colorado State University.
I am a huge cheerleader for PMI. I love what I do. My experience at PMI was priceless!
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I was 17 years old when I started working for American Express and I worked for them for 27 years. Then both my husband and I were laid off within a week of each other. I was 48 years old and I had always wanted to be a nurse. So I decided it's never too late to learn, and I began researching the medical field. The day my doctor told me he only accepted students from Pima Medical Institute because the others just didn't do as well, I knew I needed to go to PMI for my education.
After talking with an admissions advisor about my options, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program. I worked in the field as an MA for a number of years but always kept in touch with my PMI instructor. One day she suggested I come back as a substitute instructor, so I did. Shortly after, I became a fulltime instructor. I feel like I am able to connect with my students on a special level, because I was once sitting in their chairs. Particularly, I can relate to my older students, because I know it wasn't easy when I returned to school. But, I'm able to encourage them and say, "If I can do it, you can do it! Look where I am!"
I've held a number of different positions over the years at PMI, from admissions to career services, but teaching is my first love so I am back teaching in the MA program. It is where my heart is! I just love coming to work every day!
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After working for a time as a Metropolitan Transit System bus operator, I realized I couldn't do it my whole life. After my daughter was born, I decided to pursue a career. My mom had completed the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute years earlier and I have always had an interest in the medical field. So, I went to Pima Medical, heard about their program offerings and the Pharmacy Technician program piqued my interest and I enrolled.
I loved the program. Everyone talked about pharmacy math being hard, but it just stuck with me and I didn't find it difficult. My classmates were wonderful and I made great friends. Pima Medical's externship program gave me experience in multiple settings. I enjoyed both, but learned that I definitely preferred the fast-paced setting of the hospital over the retail site.
After graduation I ended up with two job offers. I chose a position at Scripps Mercy Hospital since it offered both full time and benefits, which I needed to provide for my little girl. I've since been promoted to a Technician II position and I just love my job and my new career! I love the environment, my co-workers and the busyness; there's never a dull moment and always work to be done.
I would definitely recommend Pima Medical Institute. I had a great experience and the best instructor. The opportunities for my future are endless; I've considered becoming a buyer, a narcotics specialist, a system analyst or even becoming a pharmacist.
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I attended a university where I obtained my bachelor's degree in communications, but after working a number of jobs that didn't really utilize my degree, I began considering the medical field. I wanted to get started as soon as possible, so I bypassed the community college program that had a list of prerequisites and enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program. Even though the cost was a little more, unlike the other programs, everything from books to uniforms were included in the tuition price.
I appreciated the schedule and structure of the program that allowed time for class, work and study. Our class was quite a diverse group with students right out of high school and older students looking for their second career, but we worked really well together. I was able to obtain a job less than a month after graduation at an orthopedic clinic and enjoyed working there for almost three years. After moving to El Paso, I began working as a Lead Tech at The Hospitals of Providence, Sierra Campus. At first, I didn't realize there even was a campus in El Paso, but I was so excited to meet other Pima Medical students at my hospital. Now several years later, I have joined the team at Pima Medical El Paso where I am currently the RAD Clinical Director.
Shortly before my graduation, someone came and spoke to us about Pima Medical's online programs. And even though I already had a bachelor's degree, I decided to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS). I found I was easily able to transition right into the program, they accepted many of my previous university credits and I finished in about a year. Much of what I learned in that program is helping me in my current position and I'm planning to start the master's program in the near future.
I am very happy that I chose Pima Medical Institute - I got the best education!
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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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While initially interested in Dental Hygiene (DH), at age 18, I chose to pursue Dental Assisting (DA) instead, partly because I was hesitant to commit to a university four-year DH program. Later, as I learned about Pima Medical Institute's two-year DH program, my research told me it was highly reputable and very challenging. This both intrigued me and motivated me and I enrolled.
During my third semester an unexpected pregnancy brought huge challenges. My baby son was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a high-risk condition requiring frequent medical visits and a 54-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Despite the challenges of being a new mother and the emotional strain of the situation, I remained determined to succeed in my studies. I studied and completed assignments while at the NICU, my son serving as my inspiration. He was a reminder of my strength and my determination to never give up on my dreams. My DA employer had been supportive and excited about my becoming a Dental Hygienist and invited me to join their team as a DH upon obtaining my license.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of my instructors at Pima Medical for their unwavering support during my journey, especially as I navigated the challenges of my son's condition. Each instructor was incredibly helpful and supportive, always striving for my success. I am confident in the quality of education I received and would enthusiastically recommend it to others. While the program is rigorous, it is definitely achievable-I am living proof of that!
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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 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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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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I completed my bachelor's degree in child development and worked at child care centers for a number of years, but something inside me always longed to be in the medical field. My dad was a physical therapist assistant and later became an RN, so I had lots of exposure to the medical field. But, it's very difficult to switch careers. After a coworker told me about Pima Medical Institute, I began taking steps to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. I was still working full-time so the hybrid MA program, which offered online learning and the opportunity to attend classes two nights a week, was exactly what I needed. I loved my experience as a student and appreciated my instructors. It was tough attending classes and working full-time, but I was diligent with my studies and disciplined myself to study on weekends. When it came time for my clinicals, I quit my child care job and began applying all I had learned in my classes at a family medicine clinic. The people I worked with really helped me and I was able to apply the skills I had learned, gain experience and also increase my confidence. It was probably my favorite part of my education.
Finding a job ended up being a lot easier than I had anticipated. I am currently working as an MA at Parker Pediatrics and Adolescence. I love my job! I am able to marry all my experience working with children and my new career in the medical field. I really enjoy the people I work with and it's providing me a ton of opportunities for further growth and learning. I'm not finished with education, so I am in the process of getting my bachelor of science in nursing. Pima Medical gave me my start in the medical field. Being able to work full time while obtaining my MA certificate was so worth it and provided a jumping off point for me into the medical field.
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