WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I got out of the US Army in 2016, took a couple of months trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up, and then began looking into the medical field. I was looking for a career that would provide job security and the accessibility to work anywhere in the country, and I wanted a profession where I helped people. Respiratory Therapy caught my eye and after a little research, I found Pima Medical Institute. I was the second oldest person in my class and ended up helping to keep others on track. In fact, I was labeled the class dad. The program was challenging but I really enjoyed it. I had a great group of classmates. We formed a tight knit group and my instructors laid a great foundation for us to be successful. Moving into clinicals and hands on work requires having a little self-confidence and the boldness to ask questions. I ended up being chosen for an RT internship at UW Harborview Medical Center - Seattle's level one trauma hospital. That internship set me up for success as it was essentially a yearlong clinical rotation. It provided a tremendous opportunity and led to a job after graduation. My experience in Seattle set me up for success when my wife was transferred to Phoenix and I obtained a position working at Deer Valley Hospital in North Phoenix. COVID-19 hit shortly after our move and although our level of care increased, my experience in the army trained me to stay calm and cool as I assessed and responded. We learned about PPE in school but COVID changed the level of critical thinking required to take very deliberate steps and double check to make sure we didn't cross contaminate. At our hospital we actually have a single set of scrubs for our COVID patients and another set for non-COVID patients, so it's very time consuming staying 100% clean. We also spend much time monitoring ventilator settings and carefully watching patients not on ventilators as they can crash rather quickly. On a much lighter note, one of the most traumatic impacts COVID-19 had for me on a personal level was that I had to shave off my beard, which I'd had since 2016. ☺ I am currently enrolled in PMI's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program. I want to continue to educate myself and grow my skills. My goal is to move into management or teaching down the road. I would certainly recommend the medical field to others looking for a career. Being an RT can be stressful at times; it's overwhelming to be needed in two places at the same time or to deal with a code or trauma in the ER. It's not easy, but it is very rewarding."

Prior to attending Pima Medical Institute, I worked in HR in the gaming industry for 10 years. I knew I wanted to pursue a new career, and having several family members in the medical field helped me decide to go in that direction. After researching different schools and programs considering length, cost and convenience, I chose Pima Medical Institute's Respiratory Therapy program. It was very challenging and required dedication but our program director was very knowledgeable and the instructors were really helpful. My clinicals prepared me for my job and I was hired shortly after passing my state boards at the same hospital where my husband is currently employed. He works days and I work nights, which works well for our family. COVID-19 has clearly made everyone aware of what a respiratory therapist does, but it brought on a whirlwind of emotions for me. I found out right before it hit that I was pregnant which has added to my concern and my family's concern for me. I have worked with some COVID-19 patients, but my hospital has been trying hard to keep me extra safe, so I'm mainly assigned to our non-COVID patients needing respiratory care. One way our job has changed with COVID-19 is that we now fill the role of family members. Right now even our non-COVID patients can't have family with them. They are lonely and want to talk, so we spend extra time with each patient. It's so important for their healing to have face-to-face interactions and right now we provide that and fill the role of family. Being a respiratory therapist is a very rewarding job and I encourage others to a career in the respiratory therapy field! Pima Medical was quick and hands on and it worked well for me. My job is very rewarding and I love it!

Today I am the Medical Assistant (MA) Program Director at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. It's pretty crazy to think I didn't even know what a Medical Assistant was when I walked in the door of Pima Medical Institute back in 2007. I had recently moved to Colorado Springs from North Carolina to help my father, who had a serious medical condition. I had been a CNA, but I always knew I wanted more, so when I saw the commercial for Pima Medical, I made an appointment. As they described the Medical Assistant program, I knew it was for me and I enrolled. The program was great! I had not been a good student in high school, but I graduated with honors. My instructor, Shirley Jelmo, really impacted me. In fact, she is the reason I chose to go into teaching. I mimic her style even today. She was real and didn't feel the need to stay at the front of the class, instead she sat with us, engaging and attempting to get to know us. I understand now that she was learning how best to teach each one of us. She is the main reason I am in the education field. I was hired about three weeks into my externship at a pain clinic. About a year later I moved back to North Carolina where I worked at the Cancer Center, initially in the clinic, and later in the bone marrow transplant lab. All the while, I knew I loved training other MA's and thought I might enjoy teaching. So, after obtaining my bachelor's degree, I began my career as an instructor and, in all honesty, I patterned my teaching style after my former instructor. My education at Pima Medical was phenomenal. They prepared me for my career and the adventure I'm on now - training new Medical Assistants and passing on the passion.

I was injured while playing soccer in high school and my physical therapist said to me, "I think you'd be a really good physical therapist!" I tucked that away until I was at Texas State University heading toward becoming a nurse when I realized it just wasn't for me. I switched to Exercise Sports Science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After graduation, the doctorate physical therapy programs were extremely competitive and I just didn't have the confidence to apply - still a regret. Instead, I reviewed my options and began searching for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and found Pima Medical Institute. It was a challenging, accelerated 18-month program, but my instructors were super motivating. Although they were hard on us, they gave us all the tools needed to be the best professional clinicians we could be. I was awarded the most "outstanding student" at graduation and offered a job at each of my clinical rotations. I began my therapist journey as a pediatric PTA until I found the place I really loved; working in sports medicine and rehabilitation. During my five plus years in orthopedics, I worked with multiple students as a clinical instructor. This drew my passion for education and I began my journey as a clinical director and instructor back at the same PTA program I'd attended. I tell my students I've been down their same path and I am going to give them everything they need to be a success in their clinical experience. I remind them that I am invested in their success because not only is Pima Medical's reputation on the line, so is mine as a graduate of this program. Pima Medical provided what I needed to become a great therapist and for that I am thankful. I believe I've found my place in education and I am hoping to further my education through the master's degree program in the future.

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 graduating from high school in Rio Rico, I moved to Tucson to attend a community college, but it just wasn't the right place for me. One of my friends had gone to Pima Medical Institute, and after checking out their Medical Assistant (MA) program, I thought-this is perfect! The program was fast, flexible, and had no wasted classes. Since there were options for morning, afternoon or evening classes, I was able to continue working while attending school. At just 19 years of age, I graduated with my certificate and started working in a "grown up job" while most of my friends were still in college. I knew I had made the right choice. I landed a job at Catalina Pediatrics where I worked as an MA for 13 years, eventually becoming the back-office manager. Wanting more, I considered nursing, but a co-worker suggested I look into Respiratory Therapy (RT). When I found out Pima Medical had an RT program, I knew it was for me. The classes were challenging, but my instructors were supportive, and my classmates and I helped each other through the program. The biggest challenge I faced was during my ICU rotation, when COVID hit and we were sent home. After graduating, I saw a job opening at Banner Main as Program Manager for their Sleep Research Lab. I applied, and got the job! It was a tough first year learning the ins and outs of research, but now I love the responsibility and even the pressure. If I hadn't gone back to school for RT, I wouldn't be where I am today, with a job I love. My advice? Whether you're 19 or 39, go to school. Pima Medical gave me opportunities I never imagined, and it can do the same for you!

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.

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.

I have always admired health care professionals and knew from an early age that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to patient care. As a young adult preparing for college, a routine physical led to the discovery of a benign brain tumor. I spent much of that summer in and out of the hospital. The compassion, skill and reassurance shown by my nurses and doctors left a lasting impact on me during a time filled with fear and uncertainty. I began working as a dental assistant for a family friend, which gave me a glimpse into the profession and led to a transformative mission trip to Nicaragua, where I assisted in providing dental care to underserved communities. Soon after, I applied to the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute's Seattle campus. The program was rigorous, but the unwavering support from instructors made all the difference. They were dedicated to our success academically, clinically and personally. When it came time to take my clinical boards and graduate, I felt fully prepared and confident. Now, with eight years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I often hear from employers how much they value Pima Medical graduates. This reputation for excellence inspired me to continue my education and enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. That journey equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to start my own myofunctional therapy practice. Through my Capstone project, I developed a comprehensive business plan and learned what it takes to build and sustain a health care practice. I am proud to now serve as a Hybrid and Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Seattle campus. It's an honor to be a Pima Medical graduate, a dental professional, a business owner, an educator and, above all, a mother to three amazing children. I feel truly blessed to support my family while thriving in a career I am passionate about.