I am a Medical Assistant at Children's Hospital of Colorado where I work in the pulmonary department, and I love my job! Believe it or not, I wake up every day excited to come to work. I can't wait to see the families and kids.
Way before PMI, I was trained in the animal science field, and later my husband and I ran an HOA management company for a number of years. Unexpectedly, two family members became very ill, and walking through this very difficult experience led me to desire a career in the medical field.
After finding Pima Medical Institute, I never hesitated. I thought of it one day, signed up the next, and started the Medical Assistant program a month later. It was not only the right timing, it was the right place, and it has been an amazing journey!
I had a great student experience at Pima, and the instructors were amazing. They cared about us and were available anytime any of us needed anything. To be honest, they actually became more like friends than teachers. My current job is a perfect fit for me, and I'm so grateful for my training at PMI!
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I wanted to be a Radiologic Technologist and Pima Medical Institute offered a fantastic radiography program with great reviews. My friend who mentored x-ray students at the hospital she worked at offered me the best advice: "choose Pima Medical Institute!"
I had a smooth learning experience as all the teachers wanted the students to succeed and to excel in the medical field. I took advantage of Arizona grants to help me pay for schooling and the financial officer guided me through that with ease. At Pima Medical Institute, I was taught to put myself out there, whether it's stepping into a learning opportunity or jumping in to help a teammate. Seven years later, that lesson has stayed with me, and it's something my coworkers continue to notice.
Pima Medical Institute offered a job fair where I met multiple companies interested in new grads, so I started at SimonMed. I worked for an orthopedic doctor for six years in x-ray, then I furthered my learning through an online program to train in MRI, which is what I'm doing now at a children's hospital.
I would recommend the school 100%! I have told people over the years not to put themselves on a waitlist for other schools and instead go to Pima Medical Institute! I had the best experience there and I felt like the teachers really cared for their students.
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I was interested in Respiratory Therapy but the school I was considering had a two year wait. So when I saw an advertisement for PMI, I headed over. I wasn't exactly sure what Respiratory Therapy was but the advisors at PMI walked me through, showed me what was involved, and I signed up. I was part of Class A, which was the very first RT class at PMI's Chula Vista Campus. It was very challenging and different from the way it is now. There were no clinical instructors and we were our own liaison. It was certainly stressful, but it was good for me.
I'm currently a clinical instructor at the hospital for PMI and I'm a relief shift lead in the ER. I tell my students to learn as much as you can from the therapists you follow in the hospitals. Throw out the bad, keep the good, and always establish good habits.
It's much more challenging for my current students to find a job. But, I was very fortunate in that when I graduated every hospital was looking for respiratory therapists. In fact, I passed my exam at noon, went to lunch, submitted my application at Sharp Memorial at 1 pm and at 5 pm I got the call offering me a job. AND, I'm still here!
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I was working in a motorcycle shop and trying to figure out what to do with my life. I told my manager that I really wanted to work with animals and she told me I should check out the Veterinary Assistant Program and Pima Medical Institute. I checked out Pima and enrolled. I loved coming to school every day and still do! I gained so much knowledge and hands on experience. The instructors made learning fun and they inspired me. I came home from the first day of my externship and thought to myself, this is where I was meant to be.
I was hired right after graduation by my externship site. I have lots of friends there and I love what I do. I recently started PMI's Veterinary Technician Program and I am learning so much every day. My job helps me to prepare for VT and I feel more confident in my learning.
My family has been so supportive. I never really did anything with my life until now, so it brings my parents to tears to see how far I've come. After VT I would like to continue my education and eventually end up in marine biology. Thank you Pima - for everything you've done for me!
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I was always that child who brought every animal I found home with me. I can still remember my dad trying to make a splint with toothpicks and straws for a broken wing on an owl.. My plan was always go to school to become a veterinarian, but instead I got married and started a family. I began working at Wal-Mart to help pay the bills. I wasn't happy and realized if I was going to work, I really should find a career I loved. My husband was very supportive of me going to school, in fact he was the one who did the research and found PMI.
I started in the Veterinary Assisting program, with the goal of completing it and moving right into the Veterinary Technician program. It wasn't easy, especially since my daughter was four months old when I started the Veterinary Technician program. I was also working three 12 hour shifts at a veterinary clinic on the weekends.
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After graduating from high school, I attended UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) but despite attempting a number of majors, I still didn't have a plan. The thing that brought me joy was volunteering at the shelter where I adopted my dog. I really loved working with the animals and it made me realize that's what I was meant to do.
I began researching schools with a veterinary program around El Paso and found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program. I cannot tell you how excited and joyful I was to finally start on a path to a career I knew I would love! I had a great experience during my 9-month program. My instructor was wonderful and I received lots of hands-on practice. I was placed in Boerne, near San Antonio, at the Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital for my externship and before I left to head back to El Paso, they offered me a position!
After almost three years as a Veterinary Assistant I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program, this time at the Pima Medical in San Antonio. I have been learning so much and am enjoying getting exposure in different areas like exotics and livestock. I appreciate my instructors sharing their experiences and providing hands-on instruction. I plan to graduate later this year.
I love the veterinary field and I am so thankful to Pima Medical for providing a path to a great career that I love!
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Before attending Pima Medical Institute, I worked in the restaurant industry for eight 8 years. I had several surgeries, which prompted an interest in the medical field, and I began looking for a radiography program. I was excited to find no waiting list for Pima Medical's Radiography associate degree and I enrolled. My instructors were some of the most incredible people and they made learning easy and fun. My classmates were a huge help and my clinicals really shaped me into the technologist I have become. I loved that during my clinicals I could do anything, as opposed to students from other schools who were limited in what they were allowed to do.
I had a job offer before I even graduated and worked in pain management clinics and orthopedic offices over the next few years. I hit a burn out point during COVID and feeling overworked, decided I wanted to pursue a different health care position. Every job I inquired about required a bachelor's degree so I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration Bachelor's program, knowing it would help me move into a management role. I enjoyed my classes and my capstone project pulled it all together and helped me understand the worth and value of all my papers and projects. While in the program I landed a remote position as a Post Process 3D Technologist. I take nationwide CT and MRI images and, using special software, I prepare 3D images for the radiologist. I am confident my bachelor's degree will assist me in growing with this new company.
Pima Medical was so worth it because it led me into a stable career path with a great future. I tell everyone to go to a career college. I don't know where I would be if I hadn't taken that first step.
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After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary.
Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!
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Pima Medical Institute has been a cornerstone in my career, providing a foundation that has endured through different stages of my life. Now, I'm excited to return to school and build on that strong base.
No one in my family is in the dental field, but I've always had a passion for becoming a dental hygienist. After high school, I spent five years working in Alaska's fishing industry. Upon returning to Seattle, I inquired about the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and ultimately enrolled in the Dental Assistant program. Balancing full-time work during the day with evening classes at Pima Medical was challenging but rewarding. My teacher was great, and I formed lasting friendships-I'm still close with one of my classmates more than 20 years later.
My first job was with a doctor in West Seattle, where I worked for two years before needing to go on bed rest due to pregnancy. I took a 15-year break to focus on being a mom. Remarkably, I was able to jump right back into my career as a Dental Assistant when I was ready. After moving to Phoenix, I started working as a temp and then secured my current position at Anthem Sonoran Valley Implants and Dental Center. It felt like riding a bike-everything came back to me. I love educating patients and helping them take care of their teeth. Currently, I'm in the process of applying to a Dental Hygiene program in my area. I want to further my education in the dental field and one day I hope to be able to clean teeth for free to help people who can't afford dental care.
Pima Medical Institute has been supportive throughout my journey, from enrolling and securing financing to ongoing assistance whenever I need it. I'm incredibly grateful for the education and opportunities Pima Medical has provided me.
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After running a travel agency for fifteen years, I began searching for a new career in the medical field. I'd always been interested in photography, so radiology seemed like a natural fit. At 43, I returned to school to earn my associate degree in Radiologic Science.
I gained experience working at a regional hospital in Minnesota, learning X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Then in 2014, my husband and I, looking to fulfill our dream, moved to Alaska where I became a multi-modality technologist with Providence in Seward. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, leading a $1.8 million department remodel to improve patient care. Upgrading our equipment to include a new CT scanner and digital X-ray systems has enabled us to offer year-round mammography, allowing for earlier breast cancer detection and better outcomes.
In 2023, my love for learning led me to Pima Medical Institute, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS) online. Graduating with honors was a major accomplishment. I was especially impressed with the instructors and the quality of education at Pima Medical, and I'm proud to be a graduate.
We are a critical care access hospital that sees patients from around the world. Tourists visit our community for various reasons, such as sport fishing, sightseeing, mountain hiking, mountain biking and cruise ships. This year we had ninety-six cruise ships bringing thousands of passengers on and off the ship. In my role, I often meet patients on one of the toughest days of their lives. My goal is to make a difference for them. I'm grateful for the skills and support from Pima Medical that has allowed me to provide the best care possible.
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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.
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Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made.
My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared.
Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home.
In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy.
I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!
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