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!

I have a bachelor's degree in Health Management Policy and have worked in several area hospitals as an analyst, doing financial billing and credentialing work. While I enjoyed working in the healthcare field, I struggled with the day to day work and felt unfulfilled. I was first introduced to the possibility of a new career at an outpatient clinic where I spied a lady holding a big red ball. I followed her, asked her what she did for a living and she told me she was a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Struck with curiosity, I researched schools and found Pima Medical Institute's PTA program. I had some hesitancy, but seized the opportunity and it turned out to be a game changer that provided more opportunities than I could have dreamed of. The PTA program was rigorous but relevant. Instructors were passionate about the curriculum and regularly went above and beyond. I worked hard throughout the program and eventually received the PTA accolade award at the end of the program. I have contributed to a national PT study and have had the opportunity to work as a stand in director of rehabilitation. I'm very appreciative of the education I received at Pima Medical. This experience really opened my eyes to a meaningful career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I tell young people all the time to get a skill that's practical and pursue a career that makes them happy. I was pleasantly surprised with my education at Pima Medical. I am thankful every day that I went to Pima Medical and am now a lifelong advocate for vocational healthcare education.

I was a physical therapist assistant looking to further my physical therapy knowledge when I received a mailing about Pima Medical Institute's Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant online program. Returning to school after being out for 25 years was an adjustment. It was difficult to organize my time and prioritizing time specifically for school and studying, but I had a great experience as a student. During the program I had a death in my family and was dealing with chronic migraines, but my instructors were very understanding and helped me push through and finish strong. Soon after completing my bachelor's, I accepted a part-time faculty position at Lehigh Carbon Community College's physical therapist assistant program while continuing to work per diem as a physical therapist assistant. I furthered my education with a master's degree in healthcare education from Washburn University and I am currently enrolled at A.T. Still University's doctorate program in healthcare education. My future goals are to become full-time faculty or obtain an administrative position. I really appreciated Pima Medical's bachelor's program. The courses were very inclusive and helped prepare me for my master and doctorate programs. All of my instructors were amazing and helped me with my future studies. I have recommended Pima Medical Institute's program to others and will continue to do so.

I was in my early 20's, ready to complete a degree in finance when I realized I really didn't want to spend my life sitting behind a desk. I had a few family members working in the radiography field and I noticed they not only had a great career, but they could choose to work in different modalities and had lots of variety in their jobs. I began researching, found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled. I had wonderful instructors! It's an intense and tough program, but the way the program is structured really makes you feel prepared for your profession. I enjoyed the shorter rotations for clinicals which exposed me to many different areas and modalities. Once I knew what I was looking for, I was able to complete multiple rotations in my area of interest which prepared me for a job at that very location. I was hired at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and after a year I was promoted to a charge technologist and almost 2 years ago I moved into the role of General Radiology Supervisor. I love the fast-paced environment at UNMH. We're the only trauma one hospital in the state and we see something new every day. I'm not the only Pima Medical graduate in my department, we currently have five employees that were my classmates and each year I hire multiple new Pima Medical new graduates. Pima Medical provided a great education and really prepared me for the field.

When COVID hit, I had to close my in-person business and was struggling and searching for a career that would always be in demand. As a single mother of two, I needed to know that the work I was doing would not be in jeopardy. Having been raised in a family with healthcare backgrounds, I chose to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. In less than a year I graduated with all the skills I needed to enter the world of healthcare. My instructors were very thorough and amazing, especially Mr. Wilson. He not only shared his clinical expertise, but gave me invaluable real-world knowledge and insight into the field. I currently work fulltime in clinical research developing pharmaceutical drugs and therapies at the cutting edge of medicine. I'm working with Pfizer, Moderna, Eli Lilly, Braintree and other sponsors to help develop treatments for illnesses and indications from vaccines like the MRNA-Covid 19 Booster Vaccine to rare diseases such as Amyloidosis and Alzheimer's. I couldn't have done it without taking that first step of enrolling in the MA program. I'm currently continuing my education with Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration associate and bachelor's degree programs. Starting my career with Pima Medical was easily the best decision I have ever made and it has opened doors to even broader horizons. If you are on the fence about making an investment in yourself, I encourage you to enroll and pursue a career in healthcare.

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 12 years working primarily as a public health nurse at a Federally Qualified Health Center (BQHC) serving medically underserved populations, I became a supervisor at the Florida Department of Health. It was then that I realized that I needed to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to remain competitive in the job market. When I changed jobs, my new employer offered a deal I couldn't pass up; a FREE RN to BSN program, with the only contingency being that I remain with them 12 months after my degree attainment. I was initially accepted at a much larger and well-known university for an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, but the communication between myself and their recruiters left a lot to be desired, and as an older student who had never taken online classes, it spooked me. I searched and found Pima Medical Institute's online BSN program. I applied and was immediately welcomed by a veritable squad of people helping ease my fears and walk me through a new-to-me online educational experience. The director even called me personally to ensure the program fit my needs for maximum success. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA this past May, and I couldn't praise my professors or fellow students more! I had access to kind and helpful staff even at odd hours, and it has helped me become so much more confident in my current practice. My positive educational experience at Pima Medical has me seriously considering the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) online program. This is something that was never on my radar before and I know I would only want to tackle this goal with Pima Medical Institute.

I knew since I was a child that I wanted to be in the medical field. When it came time for me to graduate from high school, I wasn't interested in a four-year college or university because I just wanted to jump right into the workforce as soon as possible and begin my career in the medical field. After explaining this to my gramma, she recommended Pima Medical Institute. We visited together and took a tour; I knew then that the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program was the best fit for me. My experience as a student was amazing! The MA program is an accelerated program and while you're learning lots of information in a short time, the hands-on practice helps you apply your skills and prepares you for the profession. All the nerves, tears and anxiousness were so worth it. I was so well prepared for my six-week externship that I was offered a position as an MA upon completion. I am still employed there and I recently began going back to school to obtain my associates in Nursing with plans to continue on to get my bachelor's (BSN) degree. I want to say thank you to every single one of my instructors. Pima Medical changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the education I received, the lifelong relationships I built with my instructors and classmates, and the lasting career it has given me.

My wife, a nurse for 12 years, always encouraged me to join the medical field, but I kept putting it off. I worked as an insurance adjuster, traveling to areas hit by natural disasters, often being gone for 21 days at a time. With young children and older kids involved in activities, I was missing too much. One day, I told my wife I was ready to resign and pursue a medical career at the end of the year. Just a week later, I was let go from my job. We actually laughed at the timing. At the same time, my grandmother began having health problems. Caring for her made me realize the urgency of getting into the medical field-not just for my career, but to better understand her needs. My best friend had gone through Pima Medical's Practical Nursing (PN) program and had encouraged me to join him, but I wasn't ready then. Now, I knew it was the right choice and the right timing. The PN program was very challenging for me, but I developed a strong small group of classmates who supported me and I had caring instructors who offered extra help. However, when my dear grandmother passed away on Christmas Eve, I was crushed. She had raised me and was my biggest cheerleader and I just wanted to quit. I arranged to meet with my director to withdraw from the program, but she encouraged me to stay. My wife reminded me why I had started the program, and decided to continue. I completed the PN program but still struggling with the loss, I failed my NCLEX exam twice. I felt so defeated, but I knew I couldn't give up. After passing on my third attempt, I drove to Pima Medical to hug my program director and we shared an emotional moment. I am excited for my new career at the Center at Lowry, a rehabilitation facility where I did clinicals. I can't thank Pima Medical Institute enough; the instructors, especially Director Risner, were amazing and I wouldn't be where I am without them!