When I came to Pima Medical Institute, I was a single mom with a teenage daughter. I had attended college in the past but was left with a useless degree working a job that wasn't paying the bills. I like helping people but don't really like to touch them, so the Pharmacy Technician program was a perfect fit for me.
Since graduating in 2014, I've held various roles within the pharmacy community; from retail, to long-term care, to home infusion where I am currently working. I am part of an amazing team at Providence Infusion and Pharmacy where I get to help patients that are receiving home IV treatments. I've also recently expanded my knowledge and have moved into a billing role.
In the seven and a half years since I've graduated from Pima Medical, I've doubled my income and have been able to provide my daughter with a life we would never have had before. We take multiple vacations a year, we have our own home, and we both drive great vehicles and she is working on becoming a pilot. We have a life we never could've dreamed possible, and I was able to build amazing friendships in the process.
Pima Medical was most definitely the right choice for me. Most recently, I've been looking into continuing my education and going for a bachelor's in Health Care Administration. I can't thank Pima Medical enough for what they've done for me and my family. I wake up every morning excited to come to work and help people. I love what I do!
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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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I chose PMI because of the quality of instructors and because the local community college would take three times as long and I want to reach my goals as quickly as possible. I found my instructors really cared about the progress of the students and our ability to care for patients. I felt my experience was enhanced because I was active in student groups, including two years as president of the NSNA. This helped me develop my leadership skills and exposed me to other professionals locally and nationally. PMI did an excellent job of preparing me for my profession. We had a lot of lab and clinical hours which was invaluable real world experience that translated directly to my future career.
I found my first job with ABQ Health Partners by networking with other medical professionals in the community. My comfort in speaking with health care professionals, because of my medical knowledge, experiences and training from PMI, was vital in obtaining a job. Since then I have moved from being the Lead RN at one clinic to RN supervisor overseeing three different clinics at ABQ Health Partners. I have continued my education and in just a few months I'll have my master's of nursing and will begin working as a Family Nurse Practitioner. My long term goal is to open my own clinic.
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My name is Kachaw Harrison and I am a Pima Medical Institute graduate from 1999. I knew I wanted to become a nurse at some point but my biggest fear was needles. I'm a big science nerd and wanted to learn about what's in your body and how it works, so I overcame my fear and enrolled in PMI's Phlebotomy program and never looked back.
My instructor, Meg Roop, was fantastic! She explained everything to us, even the unexpected! I started in PMI's Phlebotomy program and I have been studying Lab Sciences for nearly 19 years......AND I LOVE IT! I have worked in both hospitals and clinics and, although I know just about everything there is to know about drawing blood, I'm always learning something new. This field has been amazing to me and has opened many doors. I'm not finished learning and have just applied to nursing school. I work at one of the biggest hospitals in San Antonio, Texas and I owe my successful career to Pima and Meg Roop for not only teaching how to be a successful Phlebotomist, but to be the best medical professional out there. Thank you PMI!
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Pima Medical Institute was a great place for me. I was going through chaos in my personal life, but I wanted something more and I didn't want to be a statistic. The instructors there see your struggles and your desires and they push you and care for you in a way that enables you to be successful.
I always had the dream of becoming a veterinarian but life got in the way. I started the Veterinary Assistant program at Pima Medical as a single mom with 7-month-old twins. The evening program worked perfectly for me and I liked that the instructors set clear expectations and then helped us meet them. I started the Veterinary Technician (VT) program in 2015 but due to personal struggles, I had to drop out. I would often call and try and re-enroll, but each time something stood in the way. Finally, in 2018 my program director, Ms. V., agreed to give me another chance. I entered the program pregnant but determined to give it my all. My instructors were great and Ms. V. even visited me in the hospital when I had my baby and helped me through my many struggles. I had never even ridden a horse before, but I found a passion I didn't know I had during our equine class. I was placed at an equine specialty clinic for my externship and I loved my time there!
I've also been offered a position at another clinic, but am waiting and hoping to get an official job offer from the equine clinic. I cried the last day of my externship because I did it!! It felt so good to complete something. I have an associate's degree even though many thought I'd never finish high school, and I have a career that will enable me to provide for my children.
I don't have the words to adequately thank Pima Medical and my instructors, especially Ms. V. She pushed me, encouraged me, never judged me and never gave me special treatment. She believed in me and I did it!
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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 proud to say I am a radiologic technologist at Sharps Memorial Hospital, a level two trauma center, in San Diego, CA. Because of my new career, my wife and children are well cared for and we are finally financially secure. I had to make huge sacrifices and I almost failed, but I don't regret my decision to take this journey.
After being rejected by two programs, I was accepted at Pima Medical Institute's Albuquerque Campus Radiography program. The only problem was, we were living in San Diego. I quit my job, drove to Albuquerque (a place I'd never even visited) on a Saturday, got an apartment and started my classes on Monday.
I am a hands-on-learner, not a book scholar, so the first couple semesters were very difficult and I was close to failing the program. My instructors were always there for me when I needed them. My classmates and instructors became my ABQ family. For over two years, I lived separate from my family, only making trips back and forth when we could. It was SO hard!
I am currently working the graveyard shift. I am called upon to perform lots of COVID X-rays in the ICU, and within the entire hospital while performing different types of X-rays at the trauma room, ER, NICU, PACU and OR. I feel prepared and qualified, but no one could have prepared me for the number of code blues and deaths I am seeing right now due to COVID.
I'm grateful to Pima Medical Institute and I know all the difficulties I had to overcome were worth the end result. I've improved my life and my family's life. My advice to prospective students is don't be afraid or doubt yourself and never give up!
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While facing setbacks in my undergraduate BSPS (Bachelors in Science of Pharmaceutical Science) program due to grade issues, I decided to step away. My advisor from the University of Arizona (UA) suggested I apply to Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. From the moment I stepped into the program, I knew I was in the right place. I had wonderful instructors to help guide me on the path of reaching my goal. I enjoyed meeting new and different people, each with their own unique story. Probably the biggest obstacle I faced was the poor performance that was lingering from my time at UA and wanting to show that I wasn't the reason for not doing well there. I'm proud to say I cleared that hurdle and finished my program with a 4.0 GPA.
One of the most invaluable aspects of Pima Medical was the accessibility of instructors for one-on-one guidance and always knowing I could easily ask questions and get help. This bolstered my confidence during my externship, enabling me to be comfortable with my colleagues and have the confidence to ask questions. I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Banner University Medical Center Tucson. My time there as an extern showcased my capabilities, earning me a position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
I owe immense gratitude to my instructors Shaun, Sara and Grace for their unwavering support and dedication to my success. Pima Medical Institute is able to offer opportunities to those that believe they don't deserve it, when in reality they do!
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At age 18 I got a job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. After gaining more experience at several hospitals as both a receptionist and an assistant, I knew I wanted to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). It seemed everyone I had worked with in the Seattle area had attended Pima Medical Institute, so that made their VT program an easy choice. I had struggled in classes at a traditional college, but loved my classes at Pima Medical. The instructors were excellent and very understanding. Everything I was learning seemed to apply to my experience at my job, giving me a conceptual understanding of the material. I felt very prepared for my clinicals and was offered a position at one of my sites. I worked at a number of clinics and an ER in the Seattle area, volunteered at a wildlife hospital and worked at a high- volume spay neuter clinic.
When we moved to rural Alaska, I spent a short time at a bear sanctuary before landing at Sitka Animal Hospital. I am the hospital supervisor and lead LVT and we see everything at the facility. Last week we cared for a ferret, a gecko, dogs, cats, bunnies, rodents, as well as performing surgery on a duck that had been attacked by a bald eagle. I am also on the board of a nonprofit animal shelter and a municipal animal hearing board where we hear appeals for animal control.
I am currently in pursuit of a master's degree. I hope to be part of the first group of technicians emerging into a mid-level practitioner position, much like a veterinary nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. Almost every day I think about my Pima Medical instructors and how grateful I am to have learned from them. I am proud of my successful career and I know I have them to thank.
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Dentistry was always in my plan, but life took a turn when I became a young mom while attending NMSU (New Mexico State University). Returning home, I started working for a family friend's dental practice, fell in love with the field, and decided to officially pursue a career in Dental Assisting (DA). I was looking for a fast-paced program and Pima Medical Institute was the perfect fit. My experience there was fantastic-I applied what I learned on the job and made lifelong friends.
After working as a dental assistant for a year, I decided to further my career and enrolled in the Dental Hygiene (DH) program at Pima Medical. The program was challenging, but the instructors were incredible. I was taught by some of the icons of dental hygiene and I thrived in the rigorous environment. Upon graduation, I quickly secured a job as a dental hygienist, working five days a week to maximize my education. Over time, I got married, had another son, and excelled in my career, and began working in a corporate dental setting. In 2021, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor in the hygiene clinic, a full-circle moment. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Not only did I find my passion for teaching, I got to continue learning alongside my students.
Currently, I'm preparing to open New Mexico's first dental hygiene studio to meet the needs of preventative care. I hope to employ several dental hygienists and we plan to collaborate with local dentists. I'm also starting a dental hygiene consulting business. I am excited about this business venture and genuinely credit my success to the education I received at Pima Medical. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors for shaping me into the professional I am today.
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When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support.
The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set.
My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way.
I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.
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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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