I was a waitress for years but I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do the rest of my life. After suffering severe injuries from a car accident, I woke up to the fact that I really needed to pursue a career. I'd always been interested in the medical field and have two sisters who attended Pima Medical Institute so I decided to check it out. I found PMI to be really welcoming and I signed up for their Medical Assistant program.
I remember well my first day as a very nervous and shy student. My instructors put our minds at ease and they were amazing! My dad became very ill and was hospitalized and I was spending all of my time outside of school with him. My classmates and instructors became like family to me. When I wanted to quit, they encouraged me to stay and I'm so glad I listened to them.
I was really nervous going into my externship at the hospital, but I found it really rewarding. My dream was to work in the neurology department at the hospital and as I was preparing to graduate, a position in neurology opened up. I went to my interview feeling confident in my skills and was hired and even offered a signing bonus! I'm so thankful to PMI and my instructors for helping me through the program. I have a career and my dream job!
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My wife, a nurse for 12 years, always encouraged me to join the medical field, but I kept putting it off. I worked as an insurance adjuster, traveling to areas hit by natural disasters, often being gone for 21 days at a time. With young children and older kids involved in activities, I was missing too much. One day, I told my wife I was ready to resign and pursue a medical career at the end of the year. Just a week later, I was let go from my job. We actually laughed at the timing. At the same time, my grandmother began having health problems. Caring for her made me realize the urgency of getting into the medical field-not just for my career, but to better understand her needs. My best friend had gone through Pima Medical's Practical Nursing (PN) program and had encouraged me to join him, but I wasn't ready then. Now, I knew it was the right choice and the right timing.
The PN program was very challenging for me, but I developed a strong small group of classmates who supported me and I had caring instructors who offered extra help. However, when my dear grandmother passed away on Christmas Eve, I was crushed. She had raised me and was my biggest cheerleader and I just wanted to quit. I arranged to meet with my director to withdraw from the program, but she encouraged me to stay. My wife reminded me why I had started the program, and decided to continue. I completed the PN program but still struggling with the loss, I failed my NCLEX exam twice. I felt so defeated, but I knew I couldn't give up. After passing on my third attempt, I drove to Pima Medical to hug my program director and we shared an emotional moment.
I am excited for my new career at the Center at Lowry, a rehabilitation facility where I did clinicals. I can't thank Pima Medical Institute enough; the instructors, especially Director Risner, were amazing and I wouldn't be where I am without them!
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In 2010 I was a banker. I was working as the assistant vice president at Citibank when the whole banking industry began collapsing and I was laid off. I remember thinking - what will I do? I started researching online and found Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant program and decided it was for me.
It was a little nerve wracking at the beginning because it had been a long time since I was a student and I wasn't sure what to expect. But, the entire staff and faculty made me feel really comfortable and all that fear went away. I had a great experience in school and my clinical experiences gave me confidence.
It didn't take long at all to find a job in my field. Instead of me searching for a job, people were actually emailing and calling me about positions. I got my first job at a skilled nursing facility. I've worked in the hospital setting and in home health care. Recently, I started my own company and I'm working with a number of home health agencies. When I was a banker it was more stagnant crunching numbers and helping the bank make money. Today I am making a difference I'm changing lives and the satisfaction level for me is so much better.
PMI has a great program! For someone who may be skeptical or unsure if they can do it, I encourage you to be brave and just jump! It's very rewarding work and you won't regret it!
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I had a great time at PMI! I met new people and I learned so much. I graduated with honors and demonstrated that there are no boundaries that can hold me back when it comes to my goals. I am currently working at Arizona Podiatry Associates. I have used the skills that I learned at PMI, and I am looking forward to becoming the office manager. I have learned billing, surgery scheduling and much, much more. I recently enrolled in PMI's Health Care Administration Online Program. It will put me just one step closer to my long term goal of becoming a doctor.
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For 20 years, I worked in management in both the apartment and construction industries. When my position was eliminated, I became an unemployed 50-year old. I felt way too old to go back to school, but I decided to take the plunge and signed up for the Medical Administrative Program at PMI.
My instructors were unbelievable! They not only taught me skills, they cared about me and my growth as a person. I had very little confidence when I walked through that front door, but my instructors believed in me and encouraged me to do more. It gave me a sense of pride just being a part of the program.
PMI assigned me to do my practice externship with a plastic surgeon where I ended up getting a job. I take care of all things administrative, including insurance and surgery scheduling, and it's given me such a sense of self-value. My instructors encouraged me to keep going and get my associate's degree through PMI's online Health Care Administration program. This program has given me the extra knowledge and insight I needed for today's medical world, and it's been instrumental in the changes I've been able to make at work.
PMI has given me what no one else has ever given me - confidence in myself. I will never be able to thank my instructors enough. Now I'm not worried about being too old. I know I have something to contribute. I feel so grateful!!
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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.
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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.
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I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician!
I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me.
I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program.
I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!
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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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I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients.
I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job.
Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.
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I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare but wasn't sure which path to take. While working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), I met a patient receiving Occupational Therapy (OT). I had never heard of OT before, but it intrigued me. After some research, I discovered the wide range of opportunities in the field, especially working with children. I was hooked! That's when I found Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
My time at Pima Medical was incredible. My cohort was fun and supportive, and the instructors were knowledgeable and kind. There were challenges along the way, like COVID delays during clinicals, but I never regretted my decision. The hands-on learning experiences truly prepared me for the field.
After graduation, I pursued my dream of working with children and was hired at Piller Child Development. Knowing I wanted to eventually attend graduate school, I enrolled in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. The program was quick, flexible, and allowed me to balance work, school, and life.
Now, I'm working as a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant with Mariposa Therapy Services, supporting children in schools, while attending Northern Arizona University to earn my Doctor of Occupational Therapy. I've developed a passion for feeding therapy, including sensory-based treatments and lactation consulting. My ultimate goal is to open my own feeding therapy practice.
I'm so excited for the future, and I'm grateful to Pima Medical for giving me the foundation to build a career I love.
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Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me.
While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business.
After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.
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