I once dreamt of a high power job working on the top floor of a sky scraper. I graduated with my bachelor's and obtained a good position with a fortune 500 company where I learned valuable information, but felt unfulfilled. I had a desire to help people and make a difference, so when my mother suggested looking into occupational therapy I jumped in feet first.
I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant program because their accelerated curriculum, class schedule and location fit my needs. My experience was quite different than my bachelor's had been, in that the instructors had on-the-job experience and there was significantly more hands-on learning. As students, we were encouraged to become involved in the OT community and I continue to play an active role by holding board positions and sitting on ad hoc committees in our state associations. Through networking, I received a position in subacute rehabilitation and worked my way into management.
Currently, I am an OTA instructor back at the PMI campus where I once attended. It wasn't that long ago I sat in those same chairs and, consequently, I understand the challenges and pressures my students face. I didn't just find a job; I found a profession and a career I am proud of and extremely happy to support on a daily basis. I am thankful to PMI for the education I received and now for the opportunity to continue to educate others in the OTA profession. I'm not in a sky scraper (although my office is on the 5th floor) but I love my job!
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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 have been employed now for almost a year at Lutheran Medical Center. During this time I've recognized just how critical our role is in the sterile processing department of the hospital. We have a very important and serious responsibility, particularly in the operating and emergency rooms.
Just over a year ago I was looking for a complete career change and considering the medical industry. When I visited Pima Medical Institute's campus and learned about their new Central Sterile Processing Program and saw the new and very impressive lab, I decided to enroll. I really appreciated the program director and my instructors. They all contributed a wealth of knowledge due to their long and successful personal experience of being employed as sterile processing technicians themselves.
I worked very hard as a student maintaining a high GPA and was determined to make a good impression at my clinical site. Not only did I achieve my goal of completing my 400 clinical hours at Lutheran Medical Center, but was also offered a job upon graduating and passing my certification exam.
I would recommend PMI to anyone who wants to get into the medical field. They provided a great education and helped me get my foot in the door within a large hospital. I am a huge advocate for continuing education and hope this is just the beginning.
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After being in the construction field for quite some time, I decided to follow my dream of working in the medical field. I researched Pima Medical Institute's medical assistant program and decided it might be a good fit for me. Being one of the first of my family members to actually attend college, I wanted to see if I could do it.
I found the classes to be challenging but not too hard and I caught on pretty fast. I found when you have something you really want to accomplish and you're focused, you can do almost anything. The atmosphere was great and I found I had good friends all around me.
I went into my externship experience knowing I wanted to do a really good job. I worked hard to go above and beyond in my work. They saw and appreciated my work ethic, and although they didn't have a position available at the time, it later opened doors for a position working for the same owners at a different facility.
I am currently a registered medical assistant working at Desert Family Medicine. I'm really happy working at a family clinic where I get to see everything from young children to geriatrics. I'm so appreciative of my instructors and the personal attention they gave to each of us. I really enjoy my job and just want to say - THANK YOU PMI!
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One day while working in retail assisting a customer who had a personal assistant and, obviously had a different lifestyle than mine, I struck up a conversation and ended up asking her what she did. She explained that she was a VP for San Ysidro Health Center and, after our conversation about her work, she gave me her card and asked me if I knew any CNA's to send them her way
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Something about that conversation caused me to look at my life differently and think about where I was headed. I'd been working in retail for 10 years and I just couldn't see it taking me anywhere. At the time, my cousin was attending Pima Medical Institute. He told me the school was great, the program was fast and it wasn't too expensive and encouraged me to attend. So I went to PMI and enrolled in the Medical Assistant program. It was the best experience I've ever had! I never considered myself a great student and wasn't very book-smart, but PMI was very hands on and I loved it. The instructors were super helpful and would come in early to help me and the students became my lifelong friends. Even the security guard was awesome.
I did my externship with a plastic surgeon and learned a ton. It had been 2 years since I'd had contact with that customer, but I found her business card, called her, and asked if she remembered me - Delilah from Pier One. She was blown away that she had touched me enough to encourage me to get my education and she told me she wanted to help me find a job at her company. She called me back and offered me a position as a health educator in their HIV department, with a brand new branch working with the Center for Disease Control and their federally funded grant. It is an amazing opportunity typically reserved for someone with a bachelor's degree. We offer free HIV testing and counseling for those who test positive for HIV.
Even though it was a little different route than I'd planned, if I hadn't gone to PMI and gotten my education, I would have missed a fantastic opportunity! I've kept in touch with Pima. I'm on their advisory board, I come back to speak to classes, and I am able to offer their students opportunities to volunteer with our organization. I am so grateful for my education at PMI!
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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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After graduating from high school, I attended UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) but despite attempting a number of majors, I still didn't have a plan. The thing that brought me joy was volunteering at the shelter where I adopted my dog. I really loved working with the animals and it made me realize that's what I was meant to do.
I began researching schools with a veterinary program around El Paso and found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program. I cannot tell you how excited and joyful I was to finally start on a path to a career I knew I would love! I had a great experience during my 9-month program. My instructor was wonderful and I received lots of hands-on practice. I was placed in Boerne, near San Antonio, at the Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital for my externship and before I left to head back to El Paso, they offered me a position!
After almost three years as a Veterinary Assistant I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program, this time at the Pima Medical in San Antonio. I have been learning so much and am enjoying getting exposure in different areas like exotics and livestock. I appreciate my instructors sharing their experiences and providing hands-on instruction. I plan to graduate later this year.
I love the veterinary field and I am so thankful to Pima Medical for providing a path to a great career that I love!
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I received my Medical Assistant (MA) certificate from Pima Medical Institute's Renton Campus back in 2007. I was a high school dropout at age 16. A few years later, I was working at a grocery store and felt like I wasn't going anywhere. I found Pima Medical through a coworker who was attending and since my mom had been an MA and I felt I had disappointed my parents, I signed up.
I did not stay in medical assisting, but I used my education from Pima Medical to further my career in the healthcare field on the administration side of things. Over 14 years I have worked at a number of healthcare facilities, including Neurology, Ear, Nose, and Throat, and Facial Plastic Surgery.
In 2020 I received an alumni email from Pima Medical Institute which prompted me to continue my education in their online Health Care Administration program. I've just completed my associate degree and am enrolled in the bachelor's program with the goal of continuing on to the master's program.
I work full time at my dream job where I help teach providers how to use function medicine in their clinics. Recently, as a result of completing my associate degree, I received the promotion I have been waiting for as the Senior Production Specialist. I am so thankful for Pima Medical, I would not be where I am today without their help. My online classes taught me exactly what I needed to be successful in my current job. All of my instructors helped me get through this year; they were always available when I had questions and made the process extremely smooth and comfortable.
Pima Medical gave me an amazing career in the medical field and I can't wait to see what my future holds!
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After moving from Texas to Colorado for a fresh start, I was determined to build a stable career in the medical field. Research led me to Pima Medical Institute, and from the moment I began speaking with admissions, I knew it was the right choice. Despite facing many challenges, I embarked on the Medical Assistant (MA) program with unwavering determination.
I started living in my car three weeks after starting the MA program. I was juggling homelessness, school and a full-time job. I struggled finding safe places to park, hot and cold nights, and finding time between work and school to do homework, sleep and get to the gym to take showers. I found incredible support from caring and understanding instructors who became like family to me. They provided resources and encouragement, helping me navigate the toughest moments. As difficult as my situation was, school was my biggest motivation and the people at Pima Medical were my support and prepared me for my future. Thanks to great instructors and comprehensive training, I excelled at my externship at Advanced Urgent Care, impressing my supervisors enough to secure a job offer before even graduating.
To my instructors at Pima Medical, I owe a debt of gratitude. I am the person I am today because of you. Your unwavering support and belief in me kept me going when times were toughest. Thank you for never giving up on me. You've shaped me into the professional I am today and I will forever be grateful.
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After graduating from high school in Rio Rico, I moved to Tucson to attend a community college, but it just wasn't the right place for me. One of my friends had gone to Pima Medical Institute, and after checking out their Medical Assistant (MA) program, I thought-this is perfect! The program was fast, flexible, and had no wasted classes. Since there were options for morning, afternoon or evening classes, I was able to continue working while attending school. At just 19 years of age, I graduated with my certificate and started working in a "grown up job" while most of my friends were still in college. I knew I had made the right choice. I landed a job at Catalina Pediatrics where I worked as an MA for 13 years, eventually becoming the back-office manager.
Wanting more, I considered nursing, but a co-worker suggested I look into Respiratory Therapy (RT). When I found out Pima Medical had an RT program, I knew it was for me. The classes were challenging, but my instructors were supportive, and my classmates and I helped each other through the program. The biggest challenge I faced was during my ICU rotation, when COVID hit and we were sent home. After graduating, I saw a job opening at Banner Main as Program Manager for their Sleep Research Lab. I applied, and got the job! It was a tough first year learning the ins and outs of research, but now I love the responsibility and even the pressure.
If I hadn't gone back to school for RT, I wouldn't be where I am today, with a job I love. My advice? Whether you're 19 or 39, go to school. Pima Medical gave me opportunities I never imagined, and it can do the same for you!
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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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I grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level.
Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family.
I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.
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