On my 35th birthday I woke up to go to work and told myself: "I won't be doing this next year."
After researching several schools, I chose Pima Medical Institute because of the variety of programs offered. After taking the tour I chose the Radiography program and I started in the very next class. The program was tough and demanding of my time. However, with the personal sacrifices of my family and an employer who was flexible, I was able to complete the program. The biggest challenge was making time for my family and trying to make the most of the time we had.
The clinical rotations gave us experience with all the various types of facilities and exposure to many different employers and technologists. My first job was as a PRN Rad Tech at Lovelace Westside Hospital. I was hired about 2months after graduating. On September 4, 2014 I opened JCAT Imaging Services with my fellow classmate and business partner, Anita Torrez. I currently half own and operate the only independent X-ray clinic in Los Lunas, New Mexico.
In January, 2015, I started Pima's Bachelor program to get my BSRS and look forward to putting that to use later. I recommend Pima to anyone interested in a medical career not just Radiography. I would like to thank my instructors for guiding me through my program. My dreams have come true, in part, because of them.
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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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I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. I've never been a big fan of school, so I actually chose PMI because I wanted a program I could get through quickly and start my career. I loved my instructors, and had a great experience at Pima. I was hired upon graduation at the site where I had done my externship. However, when cutbacks began to occur, being the last one hired meant I was the first to go. Gratefully, I was able to leave on good terms.
I was hired by my current employer, Eagle Pointe Dentists and Orthodontics, as a dental assistant and within a short time became their lead DA. I have learned so much in this position. I'm basically the "go to girl" - I supervise the other assistants, order all supplies for the office, and make sure we're OSHA compliant. I've enjoyed training PMI externship students in our office, and have set up a system to help them feel comfortable and ease them into their role. After all, I know what it's like to be in their shoes. I love my job! Thanks PMI.
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I enrolled in a four year university and ended up quitting during the first semester. That was the lowest point in my life. I felt like I had let everyone down. I came to PMI because I saw how much success my father had after he completed his program. I wanted to gain my family's respect back. After a rough start, I found my stride at PMI. I loved the externships which provided opportunities to meet people in my profession and to begin forming networks. In my case, I ended up with so many references; they won't fit on one page! When I learned I'd passed my first certification test, I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my face. It was such a relief because there were so many hearts counting on me and I couldn't imagine breaking them again.
On the same day I passed my second certification test, a phone call came from Cheyenne, WY. A hospital there wanted to fly me out, pay for my hotel, rental car, and food for three days so that they could interview me! I was shocked! But, I happily boarded the plane only a few days later. I came home with a rock solid job offer and a sign-on bonus!
I decided to continue my education with Pima and recently completed the BSRS program!
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I worked for the census bureau for almost 5 years but I always wanted to do something in healthcare. So when a coworker invited me to come with her to check out Pima Medical Institute, I jumped at the chance. I knew very little about the Respiratory Therapy Program, but I signed up. I had wonderful instructors and a great experience. It was challenging to work full time and attend classes but I knew my goal.
After working in many areas of respiratory at Banner Hospital, I transitioned into Pulmonary Function Testing. I knew I wanted more so I came back to Pima Medical and enrolled in the online Health Care Administration Bachelor Degree program. I have 3 children and I continued working full time while taking classes, so it was challenging but also very convenient to my life and I found the instructors to be very responsive.
After graduating, I was promoted to the Respiratory Manager for Pulmonary Function. Part of my bachelor's requirement was to build a business plan. I had chosen to create a Mobile Pulmonary Lab business and that process totally prepared me for my current position. Actually, many of my online classes were applicable to my job. We even learned leadership and communication skills through our group discussions. Both of my programs at Pima Medical were a great learning experience for me! My family is first, but eventually I would love to continue my education and get my master's degree. Thanks for my start, Pima Medical!
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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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During my junior year of high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, ready for a lifelong military career. However, my world came crashing down during a training exercise when I suffered severe injuries to my back, ankle, leg and foot. I was medically retired, lost and uncertain about my future. I tried school earning an associate's degree in electronic engineering, but the emptiness still lingered. I returned to school, this time for criminal justice and I worked in law enforcement and security field for the next 20+ years.
Finally, in 2020 I found myself totally burnt out and looking for a new career. Conversations with friends in the medical field led me to Pima Medical Institute. Change isn't easy at age 47, but wanting out of my current job, I chose the shortest program, Phlebotomy. My instructors were caring and always willing to listen and explain things that didn't make sense. After graduating with honors, I landed a job as a phlebotomist. After two years of getting comfortable in the medical field, I wanted more returned, enrolling in the Medical Assistant program. It wasn't easy, as I often worked a 10-hour shift prior to coming to class at night. I'm now 50 years old, I have found my new career and I love it!
Thanks to Pima Medical Institute East Valley and my supportive instructors, I have found my new career and passion. It's never too late for a fresh start.
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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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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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I was looking for a change from my previous jobs in food service and explored various community colleges in Seattle. After considering culinary arts, I decided to pursue a healthcare career where I knew jobs were more in demand. I chose Pima Medical Institute because the stories from previous graduates resonated with me. They were just like me, seeking change and career advancement. Despite having no prior knowledge or experience in pharmacy, I chose the Pharmacy Technician program to challenge myself.
My experience at Pima Medical was fun and engaging. The courses, from Career Prep to the Pharmacy Technician classes, were well planned. I learned everything I needed to succeed. The biggest challenge was balancing homework and projects with a full-time job, but it was worth it. The support from the staff at Pima's Renton campus was invaluable. The admissions and financial aid advisors helped me with my FAFSA, easing my financial worries. My Career Prep instructor made learning exciting and engaging. The staff provided support and organized stress-relieving activities like the Halloween costume contest. My instructor imparted all the pharmacy knowledge I needed and now apply daily in my work.
Since graduating from Pima Medical in 2018, I worked at ReadyMeds for nearly four years and I've spent the last several years working as a Specialty Pharmacy Technician at Kaiser Permanente of Washington. I highly recommend Pima Medical Institute for the support and programs they offer to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your career. Now I'm one of those graduates sharing my story to inspire others!
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I knew since I was a child that I wanted to be in the medical field. When it came time for me to graduate from high school, I wasn't interested in a four-year college or university because I just wanted to jump right into the workforce as soon as possible and begin my career in the medical field. After explaining this to my gramma, she recommended Pima Medical Institute. We visited together and took a tour; I knew then that the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program was the best fit for me.
My experience as a student was amazing! The MA program is an accelerated program and while you're learning lots of information in a short time, the hands-on practice helps you apply your skills and prepares you for the profession. All the nerves, tears and anxiousness were so worth it. I was so well prepared for my six-week externship that I was offered a position as an MA upon completion. I am still employed there and I recently began going back to school to obtain my associates in Nursing with plans to continue on to get my bachelor's (BSN) degree.
I want to say thank you to every single one of my instructors. Pima Medical changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the education I received, the lifelong relationships I built with my instructors and classmates, and the lasting career it has given me.
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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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