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!
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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!
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I never ever thought I would be in the medical field. I was a personal trainer, had opened up a gym and was an entrepreneur, but I decided I wanted to make a difference and chose to make a change. After doing some research I found Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant program to be the perfect fit for me.
Their program schedule allowed me to attend classes in the afternoon and continue my other jobs during the morning and evening. I loved the faculty, graduated with a 4.0 GPA and I fell in love with the medical field! After only a week at my orthopedic oncologist externship, I was offered a position. While working 40-50 hours a week, I chose to continue my education with Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration (HCA) Program. Fortunately, the program provides lots of flexibility and I was able to complete much of my coursework on the weekends. It was certainly a challenging 11 months, but I learned so much about leadership and management styles. It was so worth it!
I am currently the Clinical Practice Director for Scottsdale Physician's Group Virtual Care. In just over a year we have gone from 4 to 45 technicians and I credit Pima Medical Institute and their HCA program for providing me the foundation and the training needed to lead this fast growing company. I am currently encouraging my managers to attend Pima Medical's HCA program to help prepare them for their leadership roles and set them up for success.
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I have a bachelor's degree but was actually working minimum wage jobs in retail and waitressing, and I just wasn't making a sustainable income. I began looking into administrative work and saw there was a need in medical administration. As I researched Pima Medical Institute, I was impressed with their teacher to student ratio so I decided to give them a call. They were immediately welcoming and receptive, but my biggest concern was that I didn't have the money to pay for the program. Within 15 minutes of meeting with their financial aid counselor I was shocked to find there was aid that would enable me to go back to school.
I enrolled in the Medical Administrative Assistant program and loved it. The instructors were great and the time flew by. I was placed at the New Mexico Cancer Center for my externship and they ended up hiring me on as a Patient Care Coordinator. My job is to take care of all the administrative details for the patient so they can concentrate on fighting their cancer. I truly enjoy my job.
I now have the practical means to pursue many of my dreams, including future educational and career goals. I am very grateful for the many opportunities that I now have before me. Many doors have been unlocked for me and Pima Medical has been the key!
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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!
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As a small child I was obsessed with watching medical shows. I told my dad I wanted to be a nurse and I never changed my mind! I knew Pima Medical Institute had a great reputation so I enrolled in the Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) at their Mesa Campus. I had a great experience and loved my instructors and, even though it's very uncommon to admit, I actually miss nursing school! It was a challenging time for me as I logged over 45 flights back and forth to San Diego during my program to help care for my husband's grandfather who was on hospice. But, my instructors were great and helped me succeed.
I've always loved children, so I combined my two passions and landed a job working in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Shortly after landing my dream job and enrolling in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Nursing's (BSN) online program, we received the wonderful news that we were expecting a baby boy. I found myself writing discussion boards while in labor in my hospital bed. Although it was challenging working full-time, raising a newborn and going to school, the online classes maintained enough organization and a steady pace to encourage me to keep going and graduate on time.
I get questions daily from people interested in a nursing program. I've always told them the truth - if you want a solid education that prepares you for the world of nursing, Pima Medical is the best option. The clinical sites are unmatched, the staff will do anything to help you succeed and there is nothing that isn't covered in the 20 month program that you will need to start your nursing career.
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Prior to attending Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant program, I had worked in the medical field for a number of years. I was a CNA in both hospice and home healthcare. Then, I went to school to get my bachelor's degree in business administration and obtained a position as an office manager for a home healthcare company. But I found I really missed the patient interaction, and that's when I decided to enroll in the Medical Assistant program.
I had a great experience at Pima Medical and really enjoyed my instructors! One area where they really helped me was by setting up role playing situations with patients. They helped me break out of my introverted shell and become bolder. In the past, if a patient was confrontational with me, I tended to just sit back and be quiet; the more aggressive a patient became, the more passive I became. Now when I'm dealing with insurance companies or other difficult situations, I can hear my instructor's words in my head and I am able to respond respectfully and firmly and hold my own.
I am currently a Medical Assistant at an endocrinologist office where I report to two physician assistants. I do referrals, room the patients, handle medication refills, respond to portal messages and keep our insulin inventory. I have a lot of fun at my job and I have learned so much about this specialty. I finally feel like I have found my place. It has become my passion and I enjoy getting up and coming to work every day. Thanks Pima Medical!
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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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After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary.
Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!
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Dentistry was always in my plan, but life took a turn when I became a young mom while attending NMSU (New Mexico State University). Returning home, I started working for a family friend's dental practice, fell in love with the field, and decided to officially pursue a career in Dental Assisting (DA). I was looking for a fast-paced program and Pima Medical Institute was the perfect fit. My experience there was fantastic-I applied what I learned on the job and made lifelong friends.
After working as a dental assistant for a year, I decided to further my career and enrolled in the Dental Hygiene (DH) program at Pima Medical. The program was challenging, but the instructors were incredible. I was taught by some of the icons of dental hygiene and I thrived in the rigorous environment. Upon graduation, I quickly secured a job as a dental hygienist, working five days a week to maximize my education. Over time, I got married, had another son, and excelled in my career, and began working in a corporate dental setting. In 2021, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor in the hygiene clinic, a full-circle moment. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Not only did I find my passion for teaching, I got to continue learning alongside my students.
Currently, I'm preparing to open New Mexico's first dental hygiene studio to meet the needs of preventative care. I hope to employ several dental hygienists and we plan to collaborate with local dentists. I'm also starting a dental hygiene consulting business. I am excited about this business venture and genuinely credit my success to the education I received at Pima Medical. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors for shaping me into the professional I am today.
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After running a travel agency for fifteen years, I began searching for a new career in the medical field. I'd always been interested in photography, so radiology seemed like a natural fit. At 43, I returned to school to earn my associate degree in Radiologic Science.
I gained experience working at a regional hospital in Minnesota, learning X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Then in 2014, my husband and I, looking to fulfill our dream, moved to Alaska where I became a multi-modality technologist with Providence in Seward. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, leading a $1.8 million department remodel to improve patient care. Upgrading our equipment to include a new CT scanner and digital X-ray systems has enabled us to offer year-round mammography, allowing for earlier breast cancer detection and better outcomes.
In 2023, my love for learning led me to Pima Medical Institute, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS) online. Graduating with honors was a major accomplishment. I was especially impressed with the instructors and the quality of education at Pima Medical, and I'm proud to be a graduate.
We are a critical care access hospital that sees patients from around the world. Tourists visit our community for various reasons, such as sport fishing, sightseeing, mountain hiking, mountain biking and cruise ships. This year we had ninety-six cruise ships bringing thousands of passengers on and off the ship. In my role, I often meet patients on one of the toughest days of their lives. My goal is to make a difference for them. I'm grateful for the skills and support from Pima Medical that has allowed me to provide the best care possible.
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I spent nearly seven years working as a Medical Assistant (MA) before I finally decided to continue my education and complete the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was my commute - I live in Colorado Springs, so this was a 74-mile drive each way to attend class at the Denver Campus. That meant spending at least two and a half hours a day just on the road, in addition to my coursework, clinicals and job at UCHealth.
The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible. They were more than just educators-they were mentors who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. The program was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I loved every moment of it, and I genuinely believe that the hands-on, real-world experience I gained during my time there has set me up for success in my new career.
One of the most exciting parts of this journey was being hired to work for both UCHealth and Penrad Imaging before even completing my program. I was offered a full-time position at Penrad Imaging and later, I was hired as a PRN at UCHealth. It was a huge confidence boost, knowing that I was already making an impact in the field even before passing my ARRT registry exam.
Now, I'm officially a Radiologic Technologist, and I couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of my career. Every challenge, every late night, every moment of doubt was worth it. Thank you Pima Medical!
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