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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I started my career as a medic on an ambulance and knew I wanted
to become a nurse. Everyone around me was doing it and it felt like
the natural next step. At the time, I was working toward a degree in
paramedicine at another college but their nursing program required
a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (CNA), which I didn't have.
I was ready to get started and Pima Medical Institute offered exactly
what I needed: a program that didn't stretch over an entire semester.
I enrolled in the CNA course, checked that box and had a great
experience.
Eventually, I was accepted into a nursing program elsewhere - but the
waitlist was a year and a half. That's when Pima Medical reached out.
They said, "You're an alum and we have a nursing program." It was
accelerated and could get me in right away, so I said yes. I completed
the Registered Nurse (RN) program and went straight to work as a
nurse.
My boss had always encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) and though it was something I wanted
to do, I just kept putting it off. I finally enrolled in another school's
program but didn't like the structure. They said it was "fully
online", but there were group projects and required meetings that
didn't fit my schedule. I dropped and gave Pima Medical a shot
again. The BSN program was amazing. It was clearly laid out,
well-paced and truly online. I had the support I needed but I
could also self-guide.
Today, I'm the clinic manager for a company that operates
12 occupational health clinics across five states. Plus, I've
been accepted into the Master of Science in Organizational
Leadership (MSOL) program at Pima Medical. I'm pursuing
this advanced degree to grow as a leader and bring more to
the table.
Pima Medical has always been honest, consistent and
structured. If you're a self-starter with a busy schedule, this
is the school for you.
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While in the military, I became interested in the pharmacy field, but was unable to pursue it. When I arrived at Pima, I felt warmly welcomed the minute I walked in the door and it confirmed my decision to attend. I had a wonderful instructor! He was very attentive and always willing to help. He taught me what my job duties would entail and the future issues I might experience out in the job field. Pima helped me become a professional.
With the help of the career services advisors, I was able to find a job within two weeks of graduation. I really enjoy my new job and love what I do! I want to thank my instructor, Mr Feaver, for everything he's done for me and for his dedication to educating his students. Thanks PMI!
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I love my job working as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant for the Sunnyside School District.
Let me tell you how I got where I am today. We had both a physical therapist assistant and an occupational therapy assistant who worked with the children in the preschool class I taught. As they observed me with my autistic and other special needs students, they told me I naturally did what therapists are trained to do. Both of them encouraged me to consider going to Pima Medical Institute's OTA program. It sounded intriguing and they planted the seed, but I just wasn't at a place in my life to go back to school.
Nine years later I decided it was my time. I contacted PMI, met with the program director and started the program. I was so excited to have a deeper understanding of what I'd been doing for years. PMI not only gave me great tools and prepared me for my future job as a therapist, but helped me to be a better mom to my son who had sensory issues. I was one of the older students in our class, but everyone was really friendly and I really felt like I fit right in. Balancing being a mom and a full time student is tough, but I always felt the support of my classmates. The instructors were helpful and always available when I began to feel overwhelmed. I am so thankful for PMI and my instructors who gave to me, so I can now give to others!
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I was a contractor in my 50's with my own construction company in Las Vegas who would come home from work tired, sunburnt and with bleeding knuckles. I knew I needed a new career. So, I met with an advisor at Pima Medical Institute on a Friday and signed up for their Medical Assistant program starting the following Monday. It was a good thing I didn't have more time to think about it or I may have backed out.
Many of my classmates were younger than I was and I wondered who would hire this old man. But when I talked with my instructors about it, they reminded me I was bringing maturity and life experiences to my new career. I had a 4.0 GPA, but I could not pass the typing test with my two-finger typing and was ready to quit. One of the instructors met me on a Saturday and told me we weren't leaving until I passed the typing test. She wouldn't let me quit and I did it!
Shortly after graduating and passing my licensing test, my fiancé started a master's program on the East coast and we moved to Pennsylvania. I was concerned about finding a job, but I completed 15 applications and was offered 12 positions! I chose Doylestown Health, a primary care with a small ER, just outside of Philadelphia where I knew I would learn and be challenged.
I am 56 years old with a new career in the medical field and I know I can go anywhere in the country and get a job. The instructors are caring, passionate and so good at what they do. My boss recently asked me if Pima Medical could send them some more of their graduates!
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I was a first responder for close to 20 years when the pandemic hit. I've always been interested in helping others and always wanted to be a nurse. So as a first step in that process, I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's 9-month Medical Assistant (MA) program.
Being a student again after so many years was fun! I had a wonderful instructor in Lisa Gabaldon. She instilled such positivity in each one of us. During the program, I had to have surgery requiring me to be non-weight bearing and in a wheelchair. At times I wanted to give up, but my instructors encouraged me and wouldn't let me quit. One thing I really appreciated about my education at Pima Medical was the dedication of the staff. They really take the time to explain things until they become clear and I utilize the skills they taught me every day in my career.
Unfortunately, after graduation it took a long time for me to recover enough from my surgery to begin applying for positions. I was offered a job at an orthopedic clinic, but it was just too far for me to travel. While looking at job boards, I came across this fabulous federal job that incorporated health and safety. I was hired by SAMES Engineering and Surveying, a contractor with Los Alamos National Lab (LANL), the birthplace of the atomic bomb. My position is unique, as I do Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) ensuring safety of all workers on job sites. The position requires a lot of paperwork, computer use and outdoor work. I love my job! I am very well paid and have chances for advancement and opportunity to travel.
I want to thank my instructors, Mrs. Gabaldon and Ms. Ingram for not letting me give up and encouraging me to reach for the future. I am proof anything is possible.
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While facing setbacks in my undergraduate BSPS (Bachelors in Science of Pharmaceutical Science) program due to grade issues, I decided to step away. My advisor from the University of Arizona (UA) suggested I apply to Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. From the moment I stepped into the program, I knew I was in the right place. I had wonderful instructors to help guide me on the path of reaching my goal. I enjoyed meeting new and different people, each with their own unique story. Probably the biggest obstacle I faced was the poor performance that was lingering from my time at UA and wanting to show that I wasn't the reason for not doing well there. I'm proud to say I cleared that hurdle and finished my program with a 4.0 GPA.
One of the most invaluable aspects of Pima Medical was the accessibility of instructors for one-on-one guidance and always knowing I could easily ask questions and get help. This bolstered my confidence during my externship, enabling me to be comfortable with my colleagues and have the confidence to ask questions. I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Banner University Medical Center Tucson. My time there as an extern showcased my capabilities, earning me a position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
I owe immense gratitude to my instructors Shaun, Sara and Grace for their unwavering support and dedication to my success. Pima Medical Institute is able to offer opportunities to those that believe they don't deserve it, when in reality they do!
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After earning a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology, I struggled to find a job and ended up in finance. When COVID hit, my new job offer was rescinded and I was forced to take a job at a grocery store bakery, far from my career goals. I kept hearing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute which piqued my interest in the medical field. This led me to enroll in their three-month Phlebotomy program, allowing me to work and study simultaneously with minimal school commitment. It was a way to dip-my-toe into the water of the medical field.
The Phlebotomy program was a turning point in my life. Small classes, hands-on experience, and an excellent instructor, Miss Denise, made a significant impact. I soon secured a position at Chandler Regional Hospital, where I interacted with various departments and realized my passion for patient care. Nursing stood out as the most versatile and impactful role, prompting me to pursue a nursing degree at the institute I trusted and I enrolled at Pima Medical's Mesa Campus. The Nursing program was challenging and intense, pushing me to grow and become accountable for patient care. Through diverse clinical experiences, I gravitated towards ER and ICU settings. I've recently accepted a position at OBS Banner Dessert, aiming to transfer to the ICU and eventually join the trauma team.
I am immensely grateful for my education at Pima Medical. The Phlebotomy program provided a crucial foundation, giving me the framework I needed for a career in the medical field. I invited Miss Denise to my nursing pinning ceremony and my dad told her COVID had been difficult for me and she had saved my life. He was right, Pima Medical Institute truly changed my life.
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When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support.
The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set.
My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way.
I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.
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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.
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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!
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My journey into healthcare wasn't planned. During my senior year of high school, I was preparing to study engineering when my dad passed away. It was a tough time, and I decided to take a break. My mom, a nurse, suggested I become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), so I completed an accelerated program and started working at Silver Hills Healthcare Center in Las Vegas. I never imagined a career in long-term care, but I excelled as a CNA and was promoted to rehab aide. One day my regional director, who saw potential in me, signed me up for an informational seminar at Pima Medical Institute for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. I attended, was intrigued, and decided to enroll.
Balancing school and work wasn't easy, but Pima Medical made it possible. I worked flexible hours, attended classes and studied late into the evenings. The instructors were experienced, and the small class sizes made learning enjoyable. When I took the national licensing exam, I achieved one of the highest scores my instructor had ever seen. After working in the field, I wanted to grow my career even more, so I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Today, I'm an Assistant Administrator at Alta Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, finishing my Administrator in Training program. Soon, I'll sit for the licensing exam to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and my ultimate goal is to own a skilled nursing facility.
Pima Medical gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. Their programs may cost a bit more, but they are efficient and effective with no prerequisites. I received a quality education at Pima Medical and I'm proud to be a graduate!
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