WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was getting ready to retire from the department of corrections and I knew I wanted a second career in the medical field. My sister was enrolled in PMI's Occupational Therapy Assistant program and she encouraged me to join her, but I just didn't quite understand it. Then my mother-in-law had a stroke and as I visited her in the rehabilitation facility and asked questions of her therapist, I realized this was the field my sister was talking about. The light went on for me and I knew it was the career field I wanted. A week after I retired, I started the OTA program at Pima Medical Institute. One of my first thoughts was, I am the oldest person here and I have nothing in common with my classmates. But, it wasn't that way at all! Everyone is on the same level, learning the same things, and you need each other. My instructors offered us life experience that you just don't find in a book and they were so encouraging. No matter how good your education is in the classroom, you're never totally prepared for clinicals. But once I was there, everything seemed to click and I knew just what to do. I loved the clinic atmosphere and I fell in love with pediatrics. I wish I would have started 20 years ago, but I've learned you're never too old to learn! My son was my at home study partner while I was in school. Now, he and his girlfriend have enrolled in the OTA program at PMI starting later this year. It's becoming a family affair!

Before enrolling in the Pharmacy Technician program at Pima Medical Institute, I was constantly stressed about not succeeding in life. I had been working a dead-end job for several years, I couldn't provide for my wife and felt like my life had no endgame. After hearing a radio ad for Pima Medical, I prayed for a decision and decided to enroll. When I spoke with my financial aid advisor he told me I needed to graduate with honors. I didn't know what that meant, so I looked it up and learned it meant graduating with at least a 3.5 GPA and that became my goal. I commuted 90 minutes each way, attended afternoon classes, and after that I worked an 8-hour night shift. But, I am proud to say I graduated with a 3.85 GPA! In 2012 I sustained a terrible brain injury and although I had a miraculous recovery, I still forget things and struggle with anxiety. My success is the result of attending a school run by some of the most compassionate people I have ever met. My instructor became like a mentor to me. I'm 31 years old and I have questionable episodes in my past including some misdemeanors. I was initially denied my fingerprint security card and I had to file a good cause exception. My career services advisor, who helped me through the process said, "This is what determination will get you. You will succeed!" I carried that with me through the rest of my program. My primary motivation was to gain a new career and a less stressful situation for my wife and I. Pima Medical turned out to be a great decision. I already have a job lined up that will be the fresh new start I've been looking for.

I attended a university where I obtained my bachelor's degree in communications, but after working a number of jobs that didn't really utilize my degree, I began considering the medical field. I wanted to get started as soon as possible, so I bypassed the community college program that had a list of prerequisites and enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program. Even though the cost was a little more, unlike the other programs, everything from books to uniforms were included in the tuition price. I appreciated the schedule and structure of the program that allowed time for class, work and study. Our class was quite a diverse group with students right out of high school and older students looking for their second career, but we worked really well together. I was able to obtain a job less than a month after graduation at an orthopedic clinic and enjoyed working there for almost three years. After moving to El Paso, I began working as a Lead Tech at The Hospitals of Providence, Sierra Campus. At first, I didn't realize there even was a campus in El Paso, but I was so excited to meet other Pima Medical students at my hospital. Now several years later, I have joined the team at Pima Medical El Paso where I am currently the RAD Clinical Director. Shortly before my graduation, someone came and spoke to us about Pima Medical's online programs. And even though I already had a bachelor's degree, I decided to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS). I found I was easily able to transition right into the program, they accepted many of my previous university credits and I finished in about a year. Much of what I learned in that program is helping me in my current position and I'm planning to start the master's program in the near future. I am very happy that I chose Pima Medical Institute - I got the best education!

As a proud Pima Medical Institute BSRT graduate, my journey from an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT), to a bachelor's degree, to achieving my dream job as a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children's Mercy has been nothing short of remarkable. While in school for my associate's at Concorde College, they highly encouraged us to continue our education and recommended Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). I knew a bachelor's would increase my salary and would also be helpful for future supervisory or management positions. The flexibility of online classes made it manageable for me to work full-time at Salem Health, a level II trauma center with a level III NICU, while pursuing my degree. My dream of working in medical transport began at age 17, when I was a volunteer patient for the local fire department and experienced being flighted out of our neighborhood. After years of experience as an RT, I landed my dream job. As a Critical Care Transport RT, I participate in various types of transports, from helicopters and fixed wing, to jets and ground transportation, proving support to hospitals nationwide. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is one of the busiest transport teams, covering a wide range of patients including neonates, pediatrics, maternal and fetal cases. Working with limited resources challenges me to think on my feet and be creative with patient care. The transport team, comprised of brilliant minds, requires continuous education, certifications, and simulations to improve patient care. During my downtime, I enjoy visiting former patients and their families and witnessing their progress. I love to do PR at community events where I hope to inspire young girls to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I'm appreciative for the role Pima Medical played in shaping my success and making my dream job a reality.

After completing high school, I was looking for a temporary source of income that would pay enough to allow me to put myself through college. I had several family members who had attended various programs at Pima Medical Institute, so decided to enroll in their nine-month Pharmacy Technician program, figuring it might be a quick way to make more than the average college student. The class schedules were ideal, allowing me to work while going to school. It was a strenuous curriculum but my instructor, a Doctor of Pharmacy with many years of experience, ensured his students became successful Pharmacy Technicians. He knew exactly what made a great technician and he prepared us well to become nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technicians. I have spent the past 17 years as a Pharmacy Technician working in inpatient pharmacy performing sterile and chemotherapy compounding. I moved away from Arizona about seven years ago and I was hired at the VA Medical Center, where I was quickly promoted to Lead IV Trainer. Recently, the Mayo Clinic in Mankato reached out to me and offered me a job as their Technician Supervisor with a focus in Sterile Compounding. The temporary job I thought would support further education became my career. I am very proud of my work as a Pharmacy Technician and I'm thankful for my Pima Medical instructor. As a result of being trained by him, I feel like my career has been really distinguished and for that I will always be grateful.

Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother. After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse. Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.

My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program. My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well. Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN. Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.

After high school, I spent four years juggling two jobs-one at Office Max and the other at a bakery-when one day, my aunt called and asked if I wanted to go back to school with her. I had no idea what she meant, but I agreed. That's how I found Pima Medical Institute. I chose the Medical Assistant (MA) program because, when my dad was ill, I saw firsthand the impact healthcare professionals can have on a person's life. I wanted to do that too, and the program was only nine months long, which made it a perfect fit for me. I loved every minute of the MA program! The hands-on training felt so different from high school, and I found myself excited to learn. In particular, I discovered I had a passion for injections and blood draws. When it was time for my externship, I was nervous, but my head MA was incredibly supportive, and I quickly found that it all came naturally to me. Toward the end of the program our homework assignment was to apply for three MA positions. Afterwards, I didn't think much about it, but to my surprise, Saguaro Dermatology called and hired me. Dermatology is fast-paced and challenging, but I love it. My favorite part is working with skin cancers and assisting in surgeries. I also enjoy my role in the lab, processing tissue samples as a histotech. Since relocating to Tucson, I easily found another dermatology position, and I couldn't be happier. Pima Medical set me on a path I'm truly passionate about, and I'd do it all over again. If you're thinking about a medical career, don't hesitate-come to Pima Medical. You won't regret it!

had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for. My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being. I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.