Growing up, I always wanted to become a police officer, so when I turned 18, I signed up for an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course. My plan was to get experience and improve my resume so that I could get into the police department, but I fell in love with emergency medicine during that course. I realized there was nothing more I wanted to do with my life than become a paramedic firefighter.
Upon the recommendation of a friend who had gone through Pima Medical Institute's Paramedic program, I enrolled in the program. On the first day, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that would be required, but my instructors were fantastic, and they helped us all along the way. It's a challenging and stressful program, but it is also a lot of fun and worth it! My classmates and I became great friends, and our class almost felt like one big, dysfunctional, happy family.
I was nervous at the beginning but learned so much and had great experiences during my clinical and field experiences. The whole EMS community is very small and supportive, and it's a great profession to be in. PMI has a really good reputation in the community and has does a great job preparing students like me for the paramedic field.
|
After retiring from the military in 2007 and working ten years as a corrections officer in a supermax prison, I decided it was time for something new. In 2019, I used my military education benefits to enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program (PHL). That led to Medical Assistant (MA), then Health Care Administration (HCA) and finally Veterinary Assistant (VTA). I also enrolled in Respiratory Therapy (RT) for a short time, but I realized it was not the right fit. In total, I completed four programs at Pima Medical.
The reason I kept coming back was simple: the people. There's a real sense of community here. When I finished my last program, I felt like something was missing. I applied for a position on campus, not expecting much, but the team saw potential in me and offered me a role in financial aid. At first, I thought I wasn't qualified. They told me they could teach the technical side, but what they really needed was someone who could connect with students. That gave me the confidence to accept the job.
I came here to learn, and I ended up staying to serve. Now I get to work with students every day, and I always try to check in with the ones who stand out. I let them know they're not alone, that someone here is rooting for them. It's not just about numbers or forms. It is about connection.
Math used to be something I wasn't crazy about, but now I use it every day and even enjoy it. Back when I started the Phlebotomy program, I would have laughed if you told me I would be in business attire, in an office, helping students plan their futures. This job changed my perspective. I come in each day not just to work, but to make a difference.
I tell my boss all the time: if it is not here, it is not anywhere. Pima Medical isn't just where I studied - It's where I belong.
|
I had been a stay at home mom for almost 10 years and had 3 beautiful children when I went through a divorce. I didn't have a career and the jobs I found just didn't pay our bills. I was so discouraged! My sister kept telling me to go back to school but I just didn't see how I could go to school, work, and care for my children.
One day I heard an advertisement on the radio for Pima Medical Institute and I thought ... maybe I can do it. I found the people at PMI to be so helpful and understanding. I knew it would be a difficult 9 months and I'd be putting in 20 hour days 3-4 times a week, but I also knew if I sacrificed now, it would mean a better future for my kids. So, I started the Medical Assistant program. It was tough and I was often exhausted. But I kept reminding myself and my kids why we were doing this. One day in the car my son held up my stethoscope and said, "Mom, you did this for us!" It was one of the best moments!
I'm so grateful for all the people at PMI - they were like family to me. Now I have a career in the medical field and a fantastic job with so much potential. Most of all I can provide for my children and they are SO proud of me! THANK YOU PMI!
|
I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute as a very determined 53-year-old grandfather, a retired military robotics technician, licensed barber, and nightshift security officer. My goal was to go beyond what I thought I could do.
When I began my studies at Pima in July of 2009, I was surrounded by classmates that were the age of my children. As I progressed through the Medical Assistant Program, I gained more and more confidence in my abilities. One Friday morning, as I was getting off my night shift job and was on my way to Pima, I began to experience shortness of breath and the gradual numbing of my left hand and arm. Instead of coming to school that morning, I drove myself to the ER. One heart attack, two heart stents and a week later, I was back at PMI. I was upset, not because I had the heart attack, but because my perfect attendance was ruined! My next goal is to become an RN. I am methodically building a new life for my family and myself. I love being in a field where I help people and PMI gave me my foundation.
|
I moved to the United States from the Philippines in 2011. I worked at a bait shop and as a nursing assistant, but I was uncertain and not my best self. I wanted to do more in the medical field. I would see commercials for Pima Medical Institute; the students looked so happy, and for a long time, a goal of mine was one day attending PMI.
In 2017, I rearranged my work schedule so I could finally begin attending Pima Medical Institute. I was so thankful for the opportunity and met so many wonderful people. I faced challenges, like starting work at 6 am and working all day before attending evening classes. I also questioned whether I could still learn at my age. However, my instructors encouraged me, and my classmates became lifelong friends.
PMI matched me with a perfect site for my externship, and I enjoyed every minute. I applied for and was offered jobs at four different organizations, some even included sign-on bonuses. I chose Swedish Ballard Primary Care where I assist an internal doctor and nurse practitioner. After just 45 days of employment, I was given a raise and encouraged to take on additional roles. As a result, I am considering continuing my education with PMI's online Health Care Administration program in order to someday become a clinical administrator.
I am so happy, and I am able to help support my family in the Philippines. I am thankful for everyone at Pima. I would not be where I am today without their help and support.
|
I grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program.
I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff.
While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics.
My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.
|
How did I become an Occupational Therapy Assistant? Well ... it all started when a friend invited me to participate in a Personal Self Improvement weekend seminar. Little did I know how it would push me to get out of my comfort zone. One of our exercises was to create goals for ourselves. School wasn't really on my radar at this point, as I had completed an associate degree back in 1992 and I had raised four kids, but simply to fulfill the assignment, I went home and looked at a couple school options. Over the years while working with special needs children, I was exposed to and intrigued by Occupational Therapy (OT).
The following day we were challenged to put our goals into action, so I made an arrangement to tour Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. By the time the grueling weekend was over, I knew I had to go back to school and I enrolled in the program.
Again, little did I know what I was getting myself into returning to school while in my 40s. I had never used a laptop, didn't know how to navigate my way around a touch pad and had to Facetime my son in college to get help creating a PowerPoint. But my instructors offered support, tutoring, time to ask questions and were very responsive to my need for extra help. Every time a new area of focus in the field of OT was introduced, I got so excited and wanted to work in every area from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, memory care, orthopedics, pediatrics, to burn patients. I was fortunate to be assigned to hippotherapy for my fieldwork rotation with an instructor who had years of experience working with horses and after graduation, I was given the opportunity to take her position at ABLE Acres, where I've been working for almost two years now. I appreciate all my Pima Medical instructors and the extra time they took to make sure I would succeed in this field.
|
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 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.
|
Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother.
After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.
Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.
|
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.
|
I was born and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, and I'm proud to be a first-generation college student. My interest in radiology began in fourth grade after a broken wrist landed me in the ER. I was fascinated by the X-ray process, and that moment never left me.
After high school, I shadowed in the radiology department at a local hospital where my mother worked and decided to apply at Pima Medial Institute. I didn't get in the first time, but I gained more experience, took classes and eventually reapplied after COVID. I was accepted! And that changed everything.
The program was tough, especially being far from home and dealing with personal loss. But I was never alone. Kristen Miller, Jolene Pobrislo and Jeff Botkin supported me every step of the way. They believed in me, and I always knew I could reach out for help.
Today, I work as a radiologic technologist performing X-rays and bone density scans. I hope to add Computed Tomography (CT) to my credentials and grow into a hospital role. Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence and care to make my dreams possible. And now, I get to show my grandparents every day that their sacrifices were worth it.
|
