WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I grew up in the Middle East in the country of Oman. After high school I attended an ophthalmic certificate program and for the next 10 years worked in my career at an army hospital. When my boss began encouraging me to continue my education, I researched around the world and found Pima Medical Institute's Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OMT) program at their Denver Campus. I began emailing people at Pima Medical and they helped me each step of the way. Once I was accepted, I applied with my government and obtained approval to go to the U.S. and THAT is when my journey began. I am a mother of five children and moving to the U.S., adapting to a new culture, learning to drive a car and not knowing anyone was difficult. But, everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful. When I first started my program, I was very shy and my accent was difficult to understand, but my instructors tutored me and my classmates accepted me. I became more and more confident each day and soon it felt like my second home. When COVID hit, my government required me to go back home. I continued the OMT program virtually until I was able to return to the U.S. to complete my clinicals. Upon returning to Oman, I resumed my job at the army hospital where I became the supervisor of all the technicians. In the future, I will be teaching and training other OMTs in our school. When I returned, everyone wanted to hear about my experience and now several of my colleagues plan to study at Pima Medical. I tell them, "Change comes with being around people who are different than you." I am so glad I found Pima Medical Institute. It has changed my life.

My sister was the one who encouraged me to attend the Veterinary programs at Pima Medical Institute. The instructors were great! My classmates were there because they wanted to learn and that made it helpful. Every part of my experience was awesome! I loved being in the programs and I can't imagine doing anything else. I felt very prepared for my two clinical sites for the Veterinary Assistant (VA) both at a cat shelter and an animal hospital and it was great to be able to apply the things I had learned in my classes. I really wanted to be at a mixed-animal practice - one that sees both dogs/cats as well as large animals - for my Veterinary Technician externship. My instructors worked really hard to find a fit for me and I was placed at Jackpot Veterinary Center, a mixed-animal practice. I learned so much and evidently, they liked me because I never left. I had one week off between my externship and starting my new job as a Veterinary Technician. I really love my job. Every day is different, I mainly work in the area of large animals where we care for goats, sheep, cows and horses. We have a regular schedule but since there are no ERs for large animals, we regularly go on emergency calls. There's often lots of adrenaline dealing with a 1200-pound animal and I've had some crazy experiences, but I love every minute of it. Education is very important to me and someday I would love to get into teaching. Our state allows you to do technician work without being licensed, but I think it's important for people working with animals to know the why and the how, not just the what. I wouldn't be where I am today without Pima Medical. This field has become a great passion of mine!

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.

While facing setbacks in my undergraduate BSPS (Bachelors in Science of Pharmaceutical Science) program due to grade issues, I decided to step away. My advisor from the University of Arizona (UA) suggested I apply to Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. From the moment I stepped into the program, I knew I was in the right place. I had wonderful instructors to help guide me on the path of reaching my goal. I enjoyed meeting new and different people, each with their own unique story. Probably the biggest obstacle I faced was the poor performance that was lingering from my time at UA and wanting to show that I wasn't the reason for not doing well there. I'm proud to say I cleared that hurdle and finished my program with a 4.0 GPA. One of the most invaluable aspects of Pima Medical was the accessibility of instructors for one-on-one guidance and always knowing I could easily ask questions and get help. This bolstered my confidence during my externship, enabling me to be comfortable with my colleagues and have the confidence to ask questions. I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Banner University Medical Center Tucson. My time there as an extern showcased my capabilities, earning me a position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. I owe immense gratitude to my instructors Shaun, Sara and Grace for their unwavering support and dedication to my success. Pima Medical Institute is able to offer opportunities to those that believe they don't deserve it, when in reality they do!

While initially interested in Dental Hygiene (DH), at age 18, I chose to pursue Dental Assisting (DA) instead, partly because I was hesitant to commit to a university four-year DH program. Later, as I learned about Pima Medical Institute's two-year DH program, my research told me it was highly reputable and very challenging. This both intrigued me and motivated me and I enrolled. During my third semester an unexpected pregnancy brought huge challenges. My baby son was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a high-risk condition requiring frequent medical visits and a 54-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Despite the challenges of being a new mother and the emotional strain of the situation, I remained determined to succeed in my studies. I studied and completed assignments while at the NICU, my son serving as my inspiration. He was a reminder of my strength and my determination to never give up on my dreams. My DA employer had been supportive and excited about my becoming a Dental Hygienist and invited me to join their team as a DH upon obtaining my license. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of my instructors at Pima Medical for their unwavering support during my journey, especially as I navigated the challenges of my son's condition. Each instructor was incredibly helpful and supportive, always striving for my success. I am confident in the quality of education I received and would enthusiastically recommend it to others. While the program is rigorous, it is definitely achievable-I am living proof of that!

After earning a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology, I struggled to find a job and ended up in finance. When COVID hit, my new job offer was rescinded and I was forced to take a job at a grocery store bakery, far from my career goals. I kept hearing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute which piqued my interest in the medical field. This led me to enroll in their three-month Phlebotomy program, allowing me to work and study simultaneously with minimal school commitment. It was a way to dip-my-toe into the water of the medical field. The Phlebotomy program was a turning point in my life. Small classes, hands-on experience, and an excellent instructor, Miss Denise, made a significant impact. I soon secured a position at Chandler Regional Hospital, where I interacted with various departments and realized my passion for patient care. Nursing stood out as the most versatile and impactful role, prompting me to pursue a nursing degree at the institute I trusted and I enrolled at Pima Medical's Mesa Campus. The Nursing program was challenging and intense, pushing me to grow and become accountable for patient care. Through diverse clinical experiences, I gravitated towards ER and ICU settings. I've recently accepted a position at OBS Banner Dessert, aiming to transfer to the ICU and eventually join the trauma team. I am immensely grateful for my education at Pima Medical. The Phlebotomy program provided a crucial foundation, giving me the framework I needed for a career in the medical field. I invited Miss Denise to my nursing pinning ceremony and my dad told her COVID had been difficult for me and she had saved my life. He was right, Pima Medical Institute truly changed my life.

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.

After twelve-plus years as a personal trainer, I found myself needing a job with benefits like a 401K and insurance, so I transitioned to a desk job. However, I was miserable and knew I needed a career that left me feeling fulfilled. I reevaluated my passions and realized I still loved working with bodies and physical health. A co-worker who had attended Pima Medical Institute for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program encouraged me to consider it. After researching and learning about the program, I decided to go back to school. Despite my experience, I wasn't initially accepted into the PTA program. Crushed but determined, I quit my desk job and worked as a rehab tech at an assisted living facility for a year. When I reapplied, I was accepted and I set a goal to graduate with honors. At 39, I was older than most of my classmates, but I felt more prepared for the professional aspects. My instructors were great clinicians and I was able to learn and draw on their experiences. My clinicals were challenging, especially when COVID hit, causing disruptions. Despite the added stress, our instructors ensured we gained the necessary practical experience. After graduation, I worked at a skilled nursing facility, which I enjoyed, but quickly experienced burnout. I accepted a Physical Therapist Assistant position at Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy, where I have been thriving. In fact, a year ago I was promoted to Clinic Director. I love my job, my patients and the challenges of managing the clinic. As a clinical instructor, I work with Pima Medical students, drawing on my experiences to engage them in hands-on learning. I'm proud to have graduated with honors and have even inspired a former client of mine to enroll in Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program. Now, both of us are medical professionals making a difference in people's lives. It's incredibly fulfilling!

When I got braces in high school, I was fascinated by how something so simple could transform a person's smile-and their confidence. That experience sparked my interest in the dental field, and after researching options, I found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. I enrolled right after high school and jumped into the program. My instructors were incredible! I never considered myself a standout student, but the hands-on learning style was perfect for me. I learned so much, and when it came time for my externship, it felt like a breeze because I was so prepared. They even offered me a job as soon as I finished, and I worked there happily until I moved out of state. Since graduating in 2011, I've worked in every part of a dental office-from assisting to managing the front desk to being an office manager. Today, I'm a mom of two fast-growing kids, and I want more flexibility to be with them, so I'm going back to school for billing and coding. This will allow me to continue working in the dental field from home. I love the dental field because I get to make a difference-helping patients find relief from pain or transforming their smiles - and I'm excited about the next chapter in my dental career. Pima Medical is an amazing place with caring instructors and I would choose it all over again. It's changed my life.