I was exposed to the Physical Therapist Assistant field after my divorce when I worked at a therapeutic horse ranch. Later, when I began really researching careers that might be a fit for me, my search led me to the PTA field. I wanted a career in the medical field that was active and had a hands-on type of relationship with people. I wanted a school with a good reputation and one that provided support. That's what made me choose Pima Medical Institute.
During my first semester, I had to drop out because of my struggle with Anatomy and Physiology. But, the awesome staff at PMI met with me, they heard my heart, and encouraged me to reapply and I was accepted into a new class. Since I live an hour and a half drive from school, I was able to rely on my community to help with my children. It strengthened my faith and also taught me to rely on my classmates to help me study and learn. It was an amazing experience!
I am currently working for Columbine Health Systems, where I had completed my clinicals as a student. I work at all 5 of their skilled nursing facilities. I love my job! I feel like I'm able to talk to the geriatric population in a way that helps them understand the reason behind why their physical therapy is important and how it can improve their quality of life. I carry the education and confidence PMI gave me each time I walk into a treatment room. I am so proud to be a PMI graduate.
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My journey into health care began with the encouragement of my aunt, Marie Defede, who worked in admissions at Pima Medical Institute's Chula Vista campus. Inspired by her support, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program in 2002 and graduated in 2003, a decision that forever changed my life.
Shortly after, I started working at Scripps Anderson's Clinic in La Jolla as a medical assistant in the Sports Orthopedic Department. I had the unique opportunity to support the San Diego Padres Baseball Team. That fast-paced environment taught me the importance of clinical accuracy, teamwork and compassionate patient care.
Wanting to give back, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor, teaching Medical Assistant front and back office skills, Medical Administrative courses and Career Preparation. Helping students grow was deeply fulfilling, and in 2010, I was honored as Pima Medical's Peak Performer for my dedication to education and mentorship.
My career expanded beyond clinical work when I transitioned into the biopharmaceutical sector. I worked with Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, focusing on clinical operations, system optimization and compliance in regulated environments. Alongside my career, I advanced my education. I earned an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration in 2010, a B.S. in Health Care Administration in 2013 and then a M.S. in Health Administration. I am currently completing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, with a focus on inclusive leadership and healthcare transformation.
Today, I serve as a Clinical Business Systems Analyst, leading projects in organizational development, system implementation and process improvement. Beyond my career, I am a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, patient rights and underserved populations.
Pima Medical was where it all began. It provided the foundation, support and mentorship I needed to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare and leadership. I will always be proud to say my journey started at PMI.
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I was a mother of four who was tired of the long hours spent working in restaurant and hotel management. I decided to make a change and enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute. My mother had COPD and my daughter was born with breathing issues, so I was pretty familiar with the respiratory field. Despite my familiarity with the field, I was very nervous about going back to school. Once I realized I could do it, I started really enjoying learning. My clinicals gave me a wide variety of experiences that made me totally fall in love with the field, especially when I realized that I was the one helping a patient breathe. I was making it happen!
After graduation, I struggled to find a job. I went back to retail for a little while, but then I was hired on with one of the Fundamental facilities. While I started by training the nursing staff on the stent unit, I continued to advance, and today I am the Director of Respiratory at our College Park facility. In fact, now I have PMI clinical students training in my department. I love seeing the look on their faces when they get their hands-on training. I often hire PMI graduates because they are confident, well trained, and I believe in them.
I had the most amazing instructors at PMI, and I'm so thankful for my experience there. My next goal is to continue my education with PMI by enrolling in the BSRT program.
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I was working at Goodwill Industries when I realized I didn't want to still be working there when I was 40 years old. I realized I needed a career and decided the medical field might be the best place for me. I live near Pima Medical Institute and drove past it regularly, so I decided to try their Medical Administrative Assistant program.
I was nervous but my instructors made me feel comfortable coming to them to ask for help or to talk with them about school or personal life. I took my work seriously and got good grades thanks to my amazing instructors. My core instructor helped me understand math, something I never was able to understand in high school.
I was placed at a great site for my externship and I felt confident and prepared. After I finished, they offered me a position and I am currently working at Lotus Family Health and Wellness as a Medical Administrative Assistant. I love my job; we are all close and it feels like family!
I recommend Pima Medical to my friends. The medical field can seem scary, but I tell people that Pima Medical prepares you by giving you the skills and confidence you need to do your job. Thanks Pima Medical!
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I was a waitress for 10 years and felt like I was going nowhere, stuck in a rut. While lying on the couch one day I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute. As soon as it was over I called the campus and set up an appointment. Once my admissions advisor showed me the Respiratory Therapy lab and I saw how hands-on it was, I immediately enrolled.
It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but my instructors were amazing and it was worth it! One of the greatest experiences during my time at Pima Medical was the opportunity to be part of their Sputum Bowl Team, a Jeopardy type game using respiratory questions. Our team won at the state level and then headed to Las Vegas where we won the national championship! The experience provided great networking and exposure for all of us new graduates. In fact, after the championship I met a department educator from the University of Colorado (U of C) and I took the opportunity to tell her I was hoping to get a job there. She encouraged me to contact her once I'd applied and I was later hired and am still working there today. I am a certified preceptor, a co-chair of our guideline committee, and most importantly, I absolutely love my job! Working at a level one trauma center means we have been a base for COVID patients. It has been super busy, hectic, and stressful and yet, we've had so many success stories of people walking out of the hospital when we thought they might not make it.
I went from going to a job I hated, to a job I LOVE! My life has done a 180. I'm so thankful for Pima Medical Institute and every one of my instructors. I am just so grateful!
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At the age of 16 I became pregnant and had to drop out of high school. Later, I attended a program for teen moms and graduated as their valedictorian. But, my attempts to attend college were futile and I soon had another child and began working at a call center. My desire to be a medical professional never left me, and on my way home from work, I started driving past Pima Medical where I would sit in the parking lot watching students come and go. I just couldn't get up the nerve to go inside. As a result of my emotionally unstable relationship, I did not feel worthy or capable of anything. One day, a student walking near my car dropped all his books and papers. I jumped out of the car to help him and he looked me in the eye and said, "You've been sitting out here every day for a month - what are you waiting for?" God speaks in mysterious ways. I went inside and signed up for the Medical Assistant program.
It was difficult working, going to school and caring for my children. I knew I had to leave Albuquerque because of my unstable relationship, so Pima Medical arranged an externship for me in Phoenix. My instructors and classmates not only helped me pack, they raised money to help fund the move for me and my kids.
I was offered a position during my externship. I became the lead assistant quickly and then their office manager. After a few years, I moved to Scottsdale Physicians Group where I am a director over 38 other MA's. I am continuing my education in Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program with plans to complete my bachelor's degree. I am still breaking the cycle. Pima Medical transformed my life both personally and professionally!
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Back in 2012, I was a recently separated army medic veteran looking for a career in the medical field. Pima Medical Institute was a well-known school for having excellent training in the Colorado Springs area, so I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. I had the best instructor! She was knowledgeable, patient and cared deeply about her students. As I began working in the field, I found many of my coworkers had also been trained by her and it felt good to know I was working alongside others who had a quality education.
I loved being an MA and found my place working in oncology. Wanting to build on my education, I enrolled in Pima Medical's Health Care Administration online associate's degree and then continued to the bachelor's program. I was a single mom, working fulltime and going to school and, although it was challenging, I found it to be very manageable. My education helped me understand management's expectations and the theory or the why behind what I was doing.
Realizing I was having trouble being on my feet all day, I applied for an administrative position, got the job and soon realized THIS is what I was meant to do. After moving further up into management, I knew I wanted to learn additional skills, so I enrolled in Pima Medical's Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program. I am only in my first class, but I know I'm going to benefit from this program. I encourage my staff to further their education and I find it helps them to be more confident because they understand the why behind their clinical work.
Pima Medical Institute instructors were knowledgeable, responsive and understanding and I really appreciated the good quality education I received in ALL (soon to be 4) of my programs.
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My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!
I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field.
My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything!
I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities.
I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!
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After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary.
Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!
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When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute.
My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.
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My journey into healthcare wasn't planned. During my senior year of high school, I was preparing to study engineering when my dad passed away. It was a tough time, and I decided to take a break. My mom, a nurse, suggested I become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), so I completed an accelerated program and started working at Silver Hills Healthcare Center in Las Vegas. I never imagined a career in long-term care, but I excelled as a CNA and was promoted to rehab aide. One day my regional director, who saw potential in me, signed me up for an informational seminar at Pima Medical Institute for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. I attended, was intrigued, and decided to enroll.
Balancing school and work wasn't easy, but Pima Medical made it possible. I worked flexible hours, attended classes and studied late into the evenings. The instructors were experienced, and the small class sizes made learning enjoyable. When I took the national licensing exam, I achieved one of the highest scores my instructor had ever seen. After working in the field, I wanted to grow my career even more, so I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Today, I'm an Assistant Administrator at Alta Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, finishing my Administrator in Training program. Soon, I'll sit for the licensing exam to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and my ultimate goal is to own a skilled nursing facility.
Pima Medical gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. Their programs may cost a bit more, but they are efficient and effective with no prerequisites. I received a quality education at Pima Medical and I'm proud to be a graduate!
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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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