WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. When my oldest child headed to college I felt like I had lost my identity and purpose, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to be behind a desk and I enjoyed being on my feet and using my hands. So when I saw the commercial for the Dental Assisting Program and Pima Medical Institute, I decided it might be a fit for me. It was somewhat intimidating going back to school when I was the oldest student in the class and it was certainly challenging having homework again while balancing family and home life. But, my instructor was helpful and cheered me on. I felt very prepared, although extremely nervous, for my hands on externship experience. But I learned so much and it helped me understand that I really wanted to work in a specialty area of dentistry. I was initially hired at a general practice but soon found the place I really belonged; a periodontist office. I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. I have great coworkers and wonderful doctors who continue to teach me about their specialty. I love it all and am so happy! Pima Medical has been so good in helping me go from "what's my purpose?" to "this is where I should be!" Finding that out and being happy where I am has been everything. It has done so much for me! Plus, my kids are really proud of me. I love the patients! It's different every day! It's a lot of fun. I love it! I'm so glad I did this!

In 2012 I was in a bad accident and spent time in the hospital. This experience enabled me to observe the nurses and see how they cared for people. I had been working as a team lead at Target for a number of years but I decided that I wanted to do more than help people spend money, so I began pursuing the medical field. I started as a CNA and after 4 years decided I wanted to attend school to become an LPN. I heard about Pima Medical Institute on the radio and got excited about attending their Practical Nursing program. I have to admit my first sequence of classes was really challenging! The whole program was a huge learning experience for me, but my hard work paid off. I appreciated how the whole program was laid out ahead of time, including our course work and the schedule. This really helped us be successful. I was offered a job at my clinical site. The administrator took notice of me and offered me a position as a unit manager, not your typical first job as an LPN. I believe Pima Medical helped me develop a level of confidence that made a difference in obtaining this position. Recently, I was contacted by another facility and offered a job as another unit manager. I am honored and proud that in such a short time my education and hard work has provided opportunities for growth in my career. Pima Medical prepared me to be successful. The encouragement and support I got from my instructors was just overwhelming, and it's an experience I am always going to cherish.

My senior year of high school I attended EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) and became a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). At the age of 18, I began working in a hospital setting and knew then I wanted a career in the medical field. I wasn't quite ready for an intense nursing program, so after meeting with an advisor at Pima Medical Institute, I chose their Patient Care Technician (PCT) program. This eight month program provided exposure to a variety of healthcare procedures, enabled me to move up into a job in ER at my hospital and gave me the perfect foundation for transitioning into nursing. After researching several other schools, I chose Pima Medical's Nursing program because it had everything I was looking for; a quick admission, smaller class sizes and a fast track program. The thing I appreciated the most about my education at Pima Medical was how much my instructors were willing to help me; offering to stay late or provide resources to help me. They completely prepared me for my career and to this day, I hear their voices in my head as I attempt procedures. Today, I am a full-time RN at Cardon Children's Medical Center. I have obtained certifications in pediatric advanced life support (PALS) and trauma nursing core course (TNCC) and am currently enrolled in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. I am so grateful to Pima Medical and my instructors. A year ago I was struggling to get through school and today I love working my three night shifts and I'm living my dream! I recommend Pima Medical to everyone. It was the best decision I ever made!

I was involved in a really bad car accident and was hit by a drunk driver. I had been working to become an arborist, but during my long recovery and MANY surgeries, I was forced to give up my career. During one of my doctor visits I struck up a conversation with a young man and asked him about his job. He began to explain the role and responsibilities of a Medical Assistant (MA). When I inquired about his education, he told me he had attended Pima Medical Institute and recommended it. As I continued with my many visits to hospitals and clinics I would ask the MA's where they received their education, and it seemed everyone went to Pima Medical. I knew I needed a new career, so I enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. The COVID timing was perfect for me as classes were online which allowed me to keep my leg up at home. The instructors were great! While in the program, I required 5-6 surgeries and my instructors were so kind, understanding and supportive. I would like to be employed, but my current struggle with my leg doesn't allow me to and in fact, I am looking at amputation. I so look forward to the start of a new life. Down the road, once I get my prosthesis, I would love to work in an orthopedic office. While at my externship site I was able to learn and practice casting and I would love for that to become my specialty. I really just want to help others. Going through all my surgeries fueled my passion for the medical field. I pray no one else has to go through what I have, but if they do I want to help and be there for them. Pima Medical was honestly one of the best things that ever happened to me.

I had some prior college experience but couldn't find anything that interested me. It wasn't until I began working in a hospital as a lab technician that I decided to pursue a career in the medical field. I originally was looking at nursing and had interviewed at a few different colleges when I came to Pima Medical Institute and the counselor suggested Respiratory Therapy (RT). I found the RT program to be a challenging program initially, but once I got into my study and work routine it became easier. My class was small so we all became quite close and I really can't say enough great things about my instructors. I enjoyed my clinical experiences where what you've been learning on the pages come to life. I decided to apply at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, a leading academic medical center providing clinical and hospital care, as well as research, education and health information. My program director wrote me a letter of recommendation and coached me for my interview. I was offered a Respiratory Therapist position two months before I had even graduated. Arriving at the Cleveland Clinic was a little intimidating. It's a huge hospital and I often got lost during my first couple months. There are three different Respiratory Departments (Cardio Thoracic Anesthesia, Pediatrics, Pulmonary) with over 300 respiratory therapists. Working at a place like The Clinic where there is so much research being done, so much technology and high-level doctors, it's impossible to know it all. That being said, I felt very prepared. I am 24 years old, working full time and attending school to earn my bachelor in Health Sciences. I plan to continue progressing in my career by going to school for Perfusion or becoming an Anesthesiologist Assistant. Pima Medical has a great Respiratory Therapy program and the instructors will do all they can to get you where you want to be in your career.

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.

At age 19, I started at Pima Medical Institute after realizing that my initial path at UNM wasn't the right fit for me at that time. A friend suggested looking into CT technology, and after some research, I found that Pima Medical's Radiography (RAD) program offered a quicker and more fitting path to my career goals. The structured environment in the RAD program was exactly what I needed, although it wasn't always easy. My father passed away during my second semester, which made it tough to stay on track, but with the support of the school, I persevered. The clinical experiences were mostly positive, giving me valuable hands-on learning. Even in challenging situations, I gained skills by working independently, which proved to be great learning experiences. Graduating in 2004, I entered the workforce during a tech shortage and quickly landed a job. I started in x-ray and, over the years, expanded my expertise by becoming registered in mammography, bone density, and MRI. However, I chose to focus on mammography, as it offered a better work-life balance compared to MRI. After a decade at a hospital, I transitioned to a quieter clinic setting where I could work more independently, which suits me well. I've been at a small clinic for nearly a year now, enjoying the stability and better hours. Alongside my career, I'm also completing my bachelor's degree in university studies, thanks to a state program offering free classes to those close to finishing their degree. Looking ahead, I'm content with where I am but open to new opportunities, possibly in management. Pima Medical set me up for success, giving me the tools I needed to start and grow my career in radiology. Now 20 years later, I'm grateful for the education and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.

When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support. The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set. My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way. I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.

I had an amazing experience in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I had the best instructors and, as we spent time studying together, my classmates became amazing friends. I had always known I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people and I wanted to work with children. My older sister had completed the Veterinary Technician (VT) program at Pima Medical, so I knew it was a school I could trust and enrolled in the MA program. I appreciated all the knowledge and information they gave us about working in the real world. The hands-on experience helped us feel prepared for our new career. Since graduating in 2018 I have worked for three clinics or organizations as an MA and have gained experience in family practice, OB/GYN and specialty clinics and have learned so much! I love my job! Every day is different and I am constantly learning new things. I am so very grateful for my instructors at Pima Medical for helping me to be able to achieve my dream job. I love what I do and I am so grateful I took the leap to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.