Following high school I wanted to enroll in a physical therapist assistant program at a local college. I attended a community college and took online classes to complete the pre-requisites. I had been on the school's wait list for almost three years, when they changed the requirements. I was so frustrated! In pursuing other options, I learned Pima Medical Institute had a Medical Administrative Assistant program I could finish in only seven months. After completing the program I knew I could begin my career in the medical field and later continue with their online associate degree in Health Care Administration, so I signed up!
I really enjoyed my education at PMI. The instructors were great and every class was valuable. There were no random classes that didn't apply to my career. Everything was something I could relate to. I was concerned when I started with online Health Care Administration that an 11 month program would be too intense and overwhelming. However, I found the instructors were not only responsive, but the classes were applicable to my daily work. For example, my human resources class really helped me in my role as office supervisor.
I'm currently working as a front office supervisor. I've completed my HCA associate degree and plan to continue with PMI's online HCA bachelor degree. Everything I've learned from my MAA program to my HCA classes, I find to be very valuable. I'm looking forward to the knowledge that awaits me as I continue my education.
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Nathaniel Fisher is a 2018 graduate of the Denver Campus Respiratory Therapy associate degree program and a 2020 graduate of the online Respiratory Therapy Bachelor's Degree program (BSRT)
Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: I was transitioning out of the army, and had reclassed to 68W for the Colorado national guard. I was working as am EMT-B. Great experiences but struggling to make ends meet. One of my fellow Sergeants in my unit had just graduated from the Denver campus respiratory therapy associate degree program. She basically twisted my arm, and forced me to go sign up for classes. It was one of the best things I ever did in my life. It was challenging but I took to it like a fish to water.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Respiratory Therapy program?
A: I had a positive experience in the program and I don't feel like I faced any extraordinary obstacles, but studying and making ends meet were definitely challenging. I worked nights at a gas station and would study while I was working the register. Later, I got a job with a DME company, where I took overnight call. Balancing work, school and studying wasn't always easy, but I was determined to keep moving forward and complete the program.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: The instructors. They set the standard, showed us the perfect examples, and were an incredible knowledge resource. They really invested into who I was as a student. They turned me from a combat medic to a respiratory therapist. They really helped me find myself in the professional workforce.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: Absolutely. I would recommend Pima Medical Institute to others because it is an incredible institution and truly set me up for success. During my time as a student, I participated in the 2018 CSRC and AARC Sputum Bowls and went on to win both the state and national championships that year. I give Pima Medical Institute a lot of credit for helping prepare me for that success.
Since graduating, I've had the opportunity to build a diverse career in respiratory therapy. I worked in Sterling, Colorado, before taking a flight respiratory therapist position on Saipan in the Mariana Islands. When COVID hit, I returned to the United States and worked in the FEMA ICUs throughout the first year of the pandemic. I later worked in rehabilitation and am now teaching clinicals at local Career College.
Looking back, I feel Pima Medical Institute gave me the education, hands-on experience and confidence I needed to succeed in the profession and opened the door to many different opportunities throughout my career.
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PMI helped me obtain my career in the medical field. A friend of mine was enrolled in their Medical Assistant program and always shared how much she enjoyed going to school. I started to look into the other programs they had to offer and decided on the Pharmacy Technician program. I wasn't sure, but since it was only a nine month course I wasn't losing much time if it wasn't a fit. I ended up loving the program and couldn't wait to start working in the field. My instructor was great and some of my classmates have become my lifelong friends.
My externship site gave me the hands on experience I needed and Career Services sent me job leads and helping me find a position. My goal was to work in the hospital setting, so I was very excited when I received a job at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). I started as a float until I learned all the different positions. Then I began working in the Operating Room (OR) pharmacy where I would make the medications and bring them to the anesthesiologists, nurses, and doctors while they were in surgery. After about a year of working in the OR, I transferred back to the central pharmacy and became a PYXIS technician, refilling the medications in the PYXIS machines on the units for the nurses. After three years, I was promoted to Pharmacy Compliance Officer. Now, I make sure UCH is compliant with the State Board of Pharmacy (SBOP) and USP 797. I am currently enrolled in school to pursue my bachelors in business and hope to continue moving up within the company at UCH.
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After years of working manual labor out in the hot Phoenix sun, I came to Pima Medical Institute looking for a new career. When they told me about the Sterile Processing Technician program and I realized I could do behind the scenes hands-on work that was valuable to patients in the hospital. I knew I had found the right place for me.
The program was challenging, but not too difficult and my classes included a lot of hands on learning. They did a great job preparing us for what we would face at our clinics in the hospital. The process of finding a job was pretty easy. The hospital where I completed my clinicals wanted to hire me, but I had applied a number of places and when Children's Hospital offered me a position, I took it. I really enjoy my job. Each day is different as we rotate through instrument decontamination or sterilization to packaging and delivering instruments to the operating rooms.
I make way more money, I'm in the air conditioning all day and I am making a difference. Plus, I can take this skill set with me to almost any city and get a job. Once my kids are out of school, I'm considering taking some travel technician jobs and living in different parts of the country. In the meantime, I plan to continue to learn and get more certifications. I'm very happy with my new career. Thanks PMI!
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Pima Medical Institute gives you everything you need to do your job well in your new career. I find myself recommending them to everyone.
Before I started at Pima Medical, I was a stay at home mom to my two kids. As they got older, I started looking for something that would work for someone who had been out of school for 10 years, and a place with a good reputation. A lot of my motivation was my kids; I needed something stable for them. I've always had an interest in the medical field, and after seeing an advertisement on a bus for Pima Medical, I decided to look into their programs. I applied online, later stopped in for a tour of the campus and signed up for the Medical Assistant Program.
The program, my teachers and my classmates were a perfect fit for me. My classmates were helpful and we had a lot of fun. I had the help and support from instructors not only for my education, but personally as well. My instructors have become my friends.
I was hired on at Presbyterian Medical Center as a Medical Assistant in their orthopedic department. It was a transition for my kids to have me go back to work, but I am teaching them the importance of an education. My kids are looking up to me and I'm proud of my new career.
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I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job!
It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision.
Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful.
When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!
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Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online?
In 2011, I completed the associate degree program for Health Care Administration. For a number of reasons I waited to begin the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program, but at 52 years old in March 2019, I started the program and graduated in June 2020! In the beginning, I had reservations about online learning. I had been in a classroom environment for 11 years and it is what I knew and was comfortable with. But, I jumped into it and honestly adapted quite quickly.
What made you choose PMI's program?
I believe in our mission and what we stand for. There was never any question of choosing any other institution.
What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load?
When I started the associate degree program in 2011, I had four kids at home all playing sports and I was working a full-time job. My planner and I were inseparable. I still have it and it is a testament to students who struggle with working school into their schedule. It was a lot more manageable than I expected and the only thing that suffered was my TV time. It was a small price to pay for an education!
Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession?
Absolutely! I cannot tell you how many times I refer to what I have learned from courses in both programs. I apply my learning experiences from the courses I have taken into my position here at Pima Medical on a daily basis. The biggest shift in thinking for me has been in seeing the bigger picture and knowing that every decision I make can reflect on the company as a whole.
Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program?
Yes! I do every chance I get. My family, students and co-workers have heard me say more than once, "I don't care where you go to school just go ... but I chose Pima Medical!" Some of them have listened and that makes me so proud! In fact, my daughter completed the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences online program a couple of years ago after completing the Radiography program, both at Pima Medical.
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My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!
I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field.
My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything!
I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities.
I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!
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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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When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it.
I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
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My journey into health care began with the encouragement of my aunt, Marie Defede, who worked in admissions at Pima Medical Institute's Chula Vista campus. Inspired by her support, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program in 2002 and graduated in 2003, a decision that forever changed my life.
Shortly after, I started working at Scripps Anderson's Clinic in La Jolla as a medical assistant in the Sports Orthopedic Department. I had the unique opportunity to support the San Diego Padres Baseball Team. That fast-paced environment taught me the importance of clinical accuracy, teamwork and compassionate patient care.
Wanting to give back, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor, teaching Medical Assistant front and back office skills, Medical Administrative courses and Career Preparation. Helping students grow was deeply fulfilling, and in 2010, I was honored as Pima Medical's Peak Performer for my dedication to education and mentorship.
My career expanded beyond clinical work when I transitioned into the biopharmaceutical sector. I worked with Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, focusing on clinical operations, system optimization and compliance in regulated environments. Alongside my career, I advanced my education. I earned an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration in 2010, a B.S. in Health Care Administration in 2013 and then a M.S. in Health Administration. I am currently completing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, with a focus on inclusive leadership and healthcare transformation.
Today, I serve as a Clinical Business Systems Analyst, leading projects in organizational development, system implementation and process improvement. Beyond my career, I am a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, patient rights and underserved populations.
Pima Medical was where it all began. It provided the foundation, support and mentorship I needed to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare and leadership. I will always be proud to say my journey started at PMI.
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Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: I started out as a 20-year-old looking for a job that could get me out of being a waitress. I found Pima Medical Institute and was very interested in the pharmacy technician program. I started the program in 2010 and graduated in 2011. I was a pharmacy technician from 2011 to 2022. In 2019, I decided to go for my bachelor's degree in health care administration. From then I found a position in 2022 as a product manager/business analyst and continue to be a certified pharmacy technician. The bachelor's degree program helped me in my current career and it also helped me pursue my master's degree in information systems at the University of Denver.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Pharmacy Technician and Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration programs?
A: When I was a student in the pharmacy technician program at Pima Medical Institute, I was on campus and it was a great experience. Overall, I was able to socialize with those who were also interested in being a pharmacy technician. It was very nice to be in the classroom and have hands-on experience during that time. When I decided to go for my bachelor's degree, I was online full-time and it had everything that I needed to pursue my degree. It was a great experience as well because I was able to still manage my full-time job and also gain the experience I needed to pursue another position as a product manager/business analyst in 2022.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: One thing I would say that I appreciated about the education at Pima Medical Institute was how it prepared me for my pharmacy technician experience. I really liked the fact that I had an externship for it so that I could get hands-on experience and get into the field easily. I believe that Pima Medical Institute paved the way for my path to where I'm at today.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: I would recommend Pima Medical Institute to others because it started my career and it has developed me into what I am today. I was young, as a 20-year-old, not knowing what to do or where to go because I thought I was not able to be successful or be able to pay for an education, but when I found Pima Medical Institute, that is what helped me to be more successful. As I gathered more experience as a pharmacy technician, I was able to find ways to pursue my education even further. This got me to where I am today as a product manager with a master's degree in information systems with a specialty in business intelligence.
If I had not attended Pima Medical Institute, I do not believe I would be where I am today, because they gave me the tools I needed to succeed. I was able to be very successful in the pharmacy field. My 12 years of experience and dedication really helped me to earn the role I have today as a product manager in the pharmacy automation field.
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