WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

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.

I grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program. I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff. While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics. My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.

Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online? In 2011, I completed the associate degree program for Health Care Administration. For a number of reasons I waited to begin the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program, but at 52 years old in March 2019, I started the program and graduated in June 2020! In the beginning, I had reservations about online learning. I had been in a classroom environment for 11 years and it is what I knew and was comfortable with. But, I jumped into it and honestly adapted quite quickly. What made you choose PMI's program? I believe in our mission and what we stand for. There was never any question of choosing any other institution. What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load? When I started the associate degree program in 2011, I had four kids at home all playing sports and I was working a full-time job. My planner and I were inseparable. I still have it and it is a testament to students who struggle with working school into their schedule. It was a lot more manageable than I expected and the only thing that suffered was my TV time. It was a small price to pay for an education! Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession? Absolutely! I cannot tell you how many times I refer to what I have learned from courses in both programs. I apply my learning experiences from the courses I have taken into my position here at Pima Medical on a daily basis. The biggest shift in thinking for me has been in seeing the bigger picture and knowing that every decision I make can reflect on the company as a whole. Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program? Yes! I do every chance I get. My family, students and co-workers have heard me say more than once, "I don't care where you go to school just go ... but I chose Pima Medical!" Some of them have listened and that makes me so proud! In fact, my daughter completed the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences online program a couple of years ago after completing the Radiography program, both at Pima Medical.

I have overcome unusual circumstances and outright hardship to graduate from the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at Pima Medical Institute. I began my OTA program homeless and penniless. A divorce necessitated looking for a new place to live in the weeks prior to school and plans to live with a friend fell through the weekend before school started. I was scrambling to find a domestic violence shelter for my three kids and myself, when at the last minute my brother a disabled veteran, offered his one bedroom apartment where we could stay with him. We all learned what you can accomplish with dedication, hard work, sacrifice and family support. After a grueling 35-mile commute to and from my children's school, each day I helped with their homework, did my homework and scraped together a meal, which we ate on the floor in the tight quarters where I slept on the couch and my kids on the floor. We had no Wi-Fi so I was forced to do most of my homework either on campus or at a library. The support of my brother and my children allowed me to successfully complete the program, but it wasn't easy. At times it felt like Pima Medical was the only positive thing in my life and it kept me going. I'm so grateful to my instructors who were so supportive of me. I had no money to give my kids Christmas gifts that first year so they arranged to provide presents for my children. I have recently moved into an adequate place for my kids and we've begun to rebuild our lives. My graduation has been a source of pride and relief for myself and my children. I really enjoyed my clinical experiences and can see myself in a position as a pediatric COTA. I have always dreamt of completing my bachelor's degree, so recently I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care of Administration program. My kids and I have learned that anything worth doing is worth sacrificing for.

A person's journey to success is not without obstacles and I have had many. But, my family's unconditional love and motivation saw me through the hardships. In 2009 while a single parent, I graduated from the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute's Tucson Campus. I was hired at my extern site where I was fortunate enough to help people with neuropathy using cutting edge technology and also obtained experience in labor and delivery while working at St. Mary's Hospital. I moved back to New Mexico and reconnected with a childhood friend who is now my husband. With his encouragement I was able to continue my education and I enrolled in the Health Care Administration Certificate program at Pima Medical's Albuquerque Campus. Midway through the program the pandemic hit and my classes went online. I was pregnant and home with 11 children; all of us doing remote learning. It was not easy but I have triumphed over many struggles and I am stronger and more determined because of the obstacles. My instructor, Jessica Reindorp and other Pima Medical staff members were amazing and made a point to check in on me regularly. I was placed at a podiatry clinic for my externship where I was able to use skills from both my medical assistant and healthcare administration programs and as a result, they offered me a position. I know I have been an example for my children. In fact, my daughter is starting Pima Medical's LPN program and my son signed up for their Dental Assistant program. I am 46 years old, I have a great paying job that I love, a family that is proud of me and I just started PMI's online HealthCare Administration program in hopes of earning my bachelor's degree. Thank you Pima Medical!

My family always told me I would thrive in the veterinary field, but I didn't believe in myself. I was 24, working and intermittently taking general education classes at the community college or university with no clear direction. Everything changed when I visited Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant (VA) and Veterinary Technician (VT) programs. These programs ignited my passion for the veterinary field, and I was finally on a career path I loved. The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible, providing both education and valuable connections in the veterinary field. While attending the VT program, I balanced two full-time jobs in the industry, applying my classroom learning to real-world situations. This hands-on experience was invaluable. My instructors were always available and understanding of my very demanding schedule, even making sure I had snacks when I hadn't taken time to eat. After graduation, I spent six years at a fast-paced ER. Today, I am the Hospital Administrator at Pima Pet Clinic where I am able to utilize both my technical skills and administrative expertise. Additionally, I serve in the United States Army Reserves in a Veterinary Detachment, training medical personnel on K9 emergency assessments. Utilizing a remote-controlled robotic dog, I create scenarios (increased heart rate, insinuating pain, blood flow sensors, stomach inflation, even amputations) in order to practice real-time medical emergencies. The mix of knowledge and experience I gained at Pima Medical has been instrumental in my career and my ability to teach. Participating in these training exercises has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. The connections and the education I received at Pima Medical have truly transformed my life.

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.

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.

I spent nearly seven years working as a Medical Assistant (MA) before I finally decided to continue my education and complete the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was my commute - I live in Colorado Springs, so this was a 74-mile drive each way to attend class at the Denver Campus. That meant spending at least two and a half hours a day just on the road, in addition to my coursework, clinicals and job at UCHealth. The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible. They were more than just educators-they were mentors who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. The program was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I loved every moment of it, and I genuinely believe that the hands-on, real-world experience I gained during my time there has set me up for success in my new career. One of the most exciting parts of this journey was being hired to work for both UCHealth and Penrad Imaging before even completing my program. I was offered a full-time position at Penrad Imaging and later, I was hired as a PRN at UCHealth. It was a huge confidence boost, knowing that I was already making an impact in the field even before passing my ARRT registry exam. Now, I'm officially a Radiologic Technologist, and I couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of my career. Every challenge, every late night, every moment of doubt was worth it. Thank you Pima Medical!