WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

After being in the construction field for quite some time, I decided to follow my dream of working in the medical field. I researched Pima Medical Institute's medical assistant program and decided it might be a good fit for me. Being one of the first of my family members to actually attend college, I wanted to see if I could do it. I found the classes to be challenging but not too hard and I caught on pretty fast. I found when you have something you really want to accomplish and you're focused, you can do almost anything. The atmosphere was great and I found I had good friends all around me. I went into my externship experience knowing I wanted to do a really good job. I worked hard to go above and beyond in my work. They saw and appreciated my work ethic, and although they didn't have a position available at the time, it later opened doors for a position working for the same owners at a different facility. I am currently a registered medical assistant working at Desert Family Medicine. I'm really happy working at a family clinic where I get to see everything from young children to geriatrics. I'm so appreciative of my instructors and the personal attention they gave to each of us. I really enjoy my job and just want to say - THANK YOU PMI!

I attended a university right after high school, but I was immature and didn't do well. Consequently, I dropped out and paid student loans for years. I worked in retail and restaurant management, often working 2-3 jobs at a time, when my wife, who happens to be a PMI graduate, really encouraged me to consider going back to school. I began to consider PMI's Veterinary Assistant program because it would give me an opportunity to work with animals. One day I walked in to PMI to pick up some information and ended up enrolling in the VA program. My class schedule allowed me to continue working while going to school. It was difficult, and I had to overcome a lot of self-doubt! I was 27-years old and felt like I was starting over, but the instructors were really helpful, and the creative, hands-on projects made it interesting and helped me feel prepared. Besides the VA curriculum, we were taught valuable things like resume writing and professional etiquette. I am currently enjoying working at BluePearl Veterinary Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant. It is a fast-paced, intense atmosphere, and I am exposed to many different procedures. I have the opportunity to listen to the doctors, view x-rays and ultrasounds over their shoulders, and learn more each day. I am working on getting to the top of my game as a VA and then plan to progress into the Veterinary Technician field. The hands-on, personal attention and challenging curriculum I was exposed to at PMI helped prepare me to be a professional. My education at Pima was second to none.

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!

I was raising four children and getting away from a domestic abuse situation when I moved to Las Vegas. I had been to college for accounting and business, but knew I needed a new direction. Through my daughter's asthma and my exposure to the medical field, I realized I wanted to help others. After researching, I found Pima Medical Institute's Respiratory Therapy program and ended up getting the last spot in my class. Toward the end of the program, my daughter was kidnapped. I still made it to my clinical site after looking for her all over Vegas and putting up posters. I was so close to graduation and didn't want to quit. It is certainly an accelerated program and wasn't easy, but my instructors saw potential in me and pushed me. In fact, one of my instructors spent extra time tutoring me on mechanical ventilation so I wouldn't fail. Thankfully, we ended up finding my daughter. It was such a painful time in my life, but when I walked across that stage at graduation, I felt so fulfilled. I had several job offers, but chose to accept a respiratory therapist position at UMC where I had completed my clinicals. Later, my career took me to the Veterans Affair where I ran a C-Pap Clinic for a time. Currently, my husband and I own our own company, Simply Medical Recruiting. We even work with Pima Medical's career services department to help find positions for their graduates. Pima Medical is a gateway to a better life. It has changed my life and has continued to open doors for me.

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.

After twelve-plus years as a personal trainer, I found myself needing a job with benefits like a 401K and insurance, so I transitioned to a desk job. However, I was miserable and knew I needed a career that left me feeling fulfilled. I reevaluated my passions and realized I still loved working with bodies and physical health. A co-worker who had attended Pima Medical Institute for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program encouraged me to consider it. After researching and learning about the program, I decided to go back to school. Despite my experience, I wasn't initially accepted into the PTA program. Crushed but determined, I quit my desk job and worked as a rehab tech at an assisted living facility for a year. When I reapplied, I was accepted and I set a goal to graduate with honors. At 39, I was older than most of my classmates, but I felt more prepared for the professional aspects. My instructors were great clinicians and I was able to learn and draw on their experiences. My clinicals were challenging, especially when COVID hit, causing disruptions. Despite the added stress, our instructors ensured we gained the necessary practical experience. After graduation, I worked at a skilled nursing facility, which I enjoyed, but quickly experienced burnout. I accepted a Physical Therapist Assistant position at Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy, where I have been thriving. In fact, a year ago I was promoted to Clinic Director. I love my job, my patients and the challenges of managing the clinic. As a clinical instructor, I work with Pima Medical students, drawing on my experiences to engage them in hands-on learning. I'm proud to have graduated with honors and have even inspired a former client of mine to enroll in Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program. Now, both of us are medical professionals making a difference in people's lives. It's incredibly fulfilling!

After 25 years in restaurant management, I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but life kept getting in the way. In 2017, everything changed when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. One nurse, an older, highly skilled woman, was so inspiring that I thought, "If she can do this, so can I." Though I didn't want to be a nurse, I knew my management background could help me run a medical office. However, when I tried applying for receptionist jobs, I kept hearing the same thing-I needed medical experience. That's when I decided to take a leap and enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. The nine-month program gave me the education I needed to get my foot in the door. It wasn't easy-after being out of school for 20 years, I had to relearn how to study and manage my time. But thanks to Pima Medical's support system and my fellow students, I got through it. I landed my first job as an MA through my externship at Pima Heart. I soon enrolled in the online Health Care Administration (HCA) program, while moving up in my job and then continued into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Upon completion, I applied to administrative positions and was humbled to have 15 interviews scheduled. After considering numerous job opportunities, I chose to join Banner Health as a Practice Manager, overseeing a staff of 20 (with eight providers and 40 residents). Pima Medical provided the education I needed to excel in the medical field. My instructors were there for me every step of the way. If you're considering going back to school, just do it! Choose Pima Medical and you will get the support you need.

After high school, I spent four years juggling two jobs-one at Office Max and the other at a bakery-when one day, my aunt called and asked if I wanted to go back to school with her. I had no idea what she meant, but I agreed. That's how I found Pima Medical Institute. I chose the Medical Assistant (MA) program because, when my dad was ill, I saw firsthand the impact healthcare professionals can have on a person's life. I wanted to do that too, and the program was only nine months long, which made it a perfect fit for me. I loved every minute of the MA program! The hands-on training felt so different from high school, and I found myself excited to learn. In particular, I discovered I had a passion for injections and blood draws. When it was time for my externship, I was nervous, but my head MA was incredibly supportive, and I quickly found that it all came naturally to me. Toward the end of the program our homework assignment was to apply for three MA positions. Afterwards, I didn't think much about it, but to my surprise, Saguaro Dermatology called and hired me. Dermatology is fast-paced and challenging, but I love it. My favorite part is working with skin cancers and assisting in surgeries. I also enjoy my role in the lab, processing tissue samples as a histotech. Since relocating to Tucson, I easily found another dermatology position, and I couldn't be happier. Pima Medical set me on a path I'm truly passionate about, and I'd do it all over again. If you're thinking about a medical career, don't hesitate-come to Pima Medical. You won't regret it!

I had been working at a grocery store for 12 years when I decided it was time for a change. I hadn't been in school in a very long time and wasn't quite ready to commit to a four-year university. When I found Pima Medical Institute, it felt like the right fit for me in my stage of life. I chose the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program because I viewed it as a great stepping stone into a career in the medical field. I really enjoyed my time at Pima Medical. It was exciting to be in a learning environment surrounded by students who were all motivated to succeed. My biggest challenge was balancing full-time work with evening classes while still finding time to study. It wasn't easy, but I did it! The thing I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the genuine commitment to student success. There was always help available whenever I had questions or needed support. Because of that, I walked out of the program feeling prepared and confident in my new profession. Upon graduation, I quickly found a job and began working as a Medical Assistant with Providence in family practice, where I stayed for six years. Currently, I work for Optum Primary Care, continuing my career in family medicine. While at Providence, I had the opportunity to be a preceptor in the apprentice program, and I hope to take on that role again at Optum in the future. Educating and mentoring others is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the field of healthcare.