Shortly after graduating from high school I found myself attending a community college with the intent of majoring in psychology. One day my psychology teacher shared a list of "1000 Jobs Built to Last" and RAD Tech caught my attention, as I'd always had an interest in the medical field. When I mentioned this to my teacher, he told me about Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program, gave me a brochure and I ended up enrolling. I was one of the youngest students in the program, but the diversity of age groups was really helpful for me. The program is very intense and fast paced so I took advantage of every tutoring opportunity. I had three amazing instructors who prepared me, allowing me to score a 98 on my boards, and taught me invaluable life skills.
I got some great experience at my first job at a radiology clinic, but I really missed the hospital setting so after a few years I obtained a position at Banner/Good Samaritan. Within the first year I was able to work into leadership and I have benefitted from Banner's leadership development programs over the last 21 years. I also obtained both my bachelor's and master's degree in business management. I've held roles of supervisor, senior manager, director, associate administrator. Currently, I am the Chief Operating Officer at both Banner University Medical Center Tucson and South Campuses. Having been a clinician has been really helpful for me in understanding the needs of both our patients and employees.
I recommend becoming a Rad Tech. You make good money and I have found it to be stable, even in uncertain economies. Plus, the sky is the limit! Not only do you have many specialty options (CT, Mammography, Ultrasound, MRI, Interventional Radiology), you get to integrate with the whole hospital and become a core part of what makes a hospital run. This allows for an easy step into leadership. I never entered this career saying I wanted to be the COO, I just wanted to make the world a better place for people.
Choosing to attend the RAD program at Pima Medical Institute was one of the best decisions I've made.
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My mom spent more than 25 years as an instructor at the Tucson campus and encouraged me to explore what Pima Medical Institute had to offer. I was initially drawn to Physical Therapy, but as I learned more, I discovered Occupational Therapy. During my entrance interview for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, everything about the profession resonated with me. Ten years later, I have no doubt that this is my calling.
The OTA program demanded a high level of self-accountability. I had to learn when to use the resources available, how to ask for help and how to grow through discomfort. The growing pains were worth it. My cohort became my biggest support system and those relationships have turned into lifelong friendships.
I truly appreciated being held to a higher standard throughout the program. The structure and expectations prepared me to deliver quality healthcare right out of school. The professionalism required of every student helps ensure graduates are not only ready to pass certification exams and succeed as clinicians, but also stand out when applying for jobs.
Thanks to that preparation, I was offered a position during my second fieldwork rotation and hired as soon as I completed my certification requirements. Since then, I've been fortunate to explore many settings, roles and opportunities throughout my career.
I've worked primarily with pediatric and young adult populations, serving my community through outpatient clinics, home health and school settings. I'm currently continuing my education with a bachelor's degree and plan to become a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).
I would absolutely recommend Pima Medical to others. The OTA program prepares you to be more than just job-ready. It gives you the foundation to build a meaningful and lasting career in healthcare.
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I was born in Miami to immigrant parents from Cuba, and I travelled to Las Vegas with my mother when I was 14. Unfortunately, being a single mother with an adolescent daughter was taking a financial toll on my mother, so I dropped out of high school when I was 17 to work two full-time jobs, as a face painter at Circus Circus Casino and as a retail cashier. I later obtained my G.E.D. and decided that a career working with animals was for me.
I enrolled in PMI's Veterinary Assistant Program in 2004, and I graduated with honors. Finding satisfaction working with animals prompted me to continue my education when PMI started their Veterinary Technician Program and I returned. After graduation, I sat for the Veterinary Technician National Examination and passed with a score in the top 10% in the nation.
Academic success and shelter experience led to a position at the Las Vegas Emergency Hospital where I was promoted to technician supervisor and the mainstay veterinary emergency nurse. I am currently working on a dual degree in Environmental Science/Chemistry at UNLV.
Without the support of parents or siblings, I learned early in life to set goals and obtain them with hard work in everything I do. I really value the experience of my education from Pima Medical Institute and I know the faculty of the PMI Veterinary Technology Program is proud of me!
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I had worked in a totally different industry for 15 years, but my wife always encouraged me to get into health care. When I discovered that in two years I could have a new career as a PTAI, I decided to enroll in PMI. Going to school and keeping up with all the new information while managing a family was difficult. It was an intense program, but the way they have it structured provided me with the knowledge base I needed. They set the bar really high and we rose to it.
PMI gave me the opportunity to be on the board for PTWA (Physical Therapy Association of Washington). I was chosen to be the student liaison for the state of WA. The relationships I've made through that experience have opened many doors for me. One of the vice presidents of the board suggested I look into a hospital setting for a job. That lead to my current position as a PTA at Northwest Hospital in Seattle. I work on all the floors including - ICU, special care, psych, medical floor, surgical floor, and neuro. I am able to participate in many levels of care. Being in acute care is a great opportunity. I'm very happy with my job. The sky's the limit for me! Thanks 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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At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field.
I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position.
I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program.
I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.
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While in high school I had the opportunity to shadow a respiratory therapist in the ICU. They were running life support on people who were totally out of it and I saw the huge impact they were making on people's lives. I thought - what a cool mission to help people without them even being aware of it. When I asked their RT director where he liked to hire new graduates from, he said - Pima Medical Institute. Then I called a couple more hospital RT directors and asked the same question and they all said, Pima Medical. I enrolled shortly after high school, and although I'd been told in the past that I needed remedial help, I flourished. My instructors were amazing; they were passionate about the field and it was infectious. They would often provide a scenario that would help with the application of what we were learning. I am now a teacher and a shadow of my instructors. To this day I incorporate scenario-based education because of them.
I ended up being hired as a student intern at my first clinical rotation and upon graduation went right into their ICU training. I was a new grad in a critical care unit at a level one trauma center working in NICU, high risk deliveries and advanced diagnostics and I loved it! After 11 years, I'd completed my bachelor's and obtained a number of specialty credentials, all of which prepared me to become an instructor at Pima Medical. Now I get to take bland material in a book and "turn on the light" for my students. I get to bring the functional application into their brains in a way they can apply it through games and role play. I am teaching the Pima Medical way - framing the knowledge for each student and providing a reason for them to see and understand concepts. I love my job!
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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 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.
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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.
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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 was born and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, and I'm proud to be a first-generation college student. My interest in radiology began in fourth grade after a broken wrist landed me in the ER. I was fascinated by the X-ray process, and that moment never left me.
After high school, I shadowed in the radiology department at a local hospital where my mother worked and decided to apply at Pima Medial Institute. I didn't get in the first time, but I gained more experience, took classes and eventually reapplied after COVID. I was accepted! And that changed everything.
The program was tough, especially being far from home and dealing with personal loss. But I was never alone. Kristen Miller, Jolene Pobrislo and Jeff Botkin supported me every step of the way. They believed in me, and I always knew I could reach out for help.
Today, I work as a radiologic technologist performing X-rays and bone density scans. I hope to add Computed Tomography (CT) to my credentials and grow into a hospital role. Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence and care to make my dreams possible. And now, I get to show my grandparents every day that their sacrifices were worth it.
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