WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was working in the veterinary industry and had gotten my bachelors in animal sciences intending to become a veterinarian. While working at a small animal clinic, I became very interested in the x-ray area and gradually became the x-ray go to person. Later I had the opportunity to work for an animal radiologist. One of my co-workers was going to PMI and I would help her study. She had all these cool assignments that fascinated me. She encouraged me to go to PMI's info session. It felt strange because I already had my bachelor's, but I went and I got so excited about the possibility of learning more and doing what I really wanted. I had gone to Oregon State Univ and it was hard but you're in classes of 500 and you're just a number. If you're struggling, you have to set up an appt. Help isn't really available. No way do you raise your hand in class to ask a question. At Pima is challenging but the instructors want you to succeed. Its hard but the instructors give you all the tools you need to succeed. As a student because its such a small learning environment questions are encouraged. Not only do they encourage asking questions, they were willing to take the time to explain and make sure you understand the material. They care! The two years went by SO fast. They make if fun. They cater to different learning styles. I'm tactile learner, my friend was a visual learner and they teach to your style. During my externship I got to work with my former co-worker and she said, "You did it!" I am so thankful for her encouragement to go to Pima. After graduating I got a job with the University of Washington and I am also working with the Seattle Mariners. I found I really love orthopedic medicine and I am having so much fun! PMI was such a fantastic experience! It changed my life! I felt 100% prepared to go into the workforce !I now have the pleasure of going to work every day knowing I am making a difference. It is so rewarding and I love what I do!

I am currently a Research Technician for two different labs in Tucson. One lab does stem cell research with rats, and the other does neuroscience research for autism. I am in the process of being trained to conduct rodent heart surgeries. I really enjoy being able to work with animals and, in the process, help researchers help humans. Before my time with PMI, I worked at the airport for TSA, but I just wasn't happy. I had always dreamed of working in the medical field, and I love animals, so I combined the two and found the Veterinary Technician program at Pima Medical Institute. The instructors were great, the program was quick, and it taught me exactly what I needed to know. The VA portion taught basic knowledge, and the VT program refined that knowledge and gave us the hands-on experience we needed. I enjoyed the program, but when we reached the lab sciences, my interest was piqued! After graduation, I worked in a general practice for a while, but it just wasn't for me. I found a position as an Animal Technician at the University of Arizona where I worked with rodents, swine, sheep and monkeys. While there, I became more interested in the research and was able to care for, observe, and report animal responses to investigators. I wouldn't be able to do the job I now love without the excellent training I received in the VT program. PMI's program prepared me beyond what I ever expected!

Both of my parents have careers in the medical field and my older sister was working as an X-ray technologist's assistant at the same hospital. I had many broken bones as a kid and recall getting many X-rays, but when my sister started talking about what happens behind the scenes in her department, I started considering a career as a radiologic technologist. Both my sister and my mom encouraged me toward the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. It is a robust program for sure. It was super challenging for me and required a lot of study. But, the instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraging. I formed great relationships with my classmates; we became quite close and helped each other get through the program. It was quite intimidating to walk into my clinicals. Although I was well prepared and had help from the technologists, it was quite overwhelming to be in trauma situations and be interacting with nurses and doctors in real life situations. I worked really hard in my final round of my clinicals at Sharp Memorial Hospital and a couple months after graduation, I was hired as a radiologic technologist. I spend the majority of my time in the ER and I really enjoy my current job, but may consider a position in mammography in the future. I want to thank Pima Medical and especially my instructor, Dr. Schmidt, who was so helpful and supportive. I was in a terrible car accident during the program and without her guidance I may not have been able to finish my program. I am 23-years-old, I have a career in the medical field and I am really proud of myself.

Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online? I was a reluctant participant in the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program but became an enthusiastic student and graduate once it was all said and done. My prior undergraduate and graduate degrees were in fields unrelated to healthcare. My Campus Director (who is very supportive) had been encouraging me from the start to pursue a more advanced degree in what I was teaching. His very credible and legitimate thought process was that I should not have the same degree as my students when they graduate (i.e. an Associate of Applied Science). So my prime motivator was to be a better example to my students as well as be a more qualified employee. What made you choose PMI's program? It was a streamlined and easy-to-understand admissions process and very well priced relative to all the other similar bridge programs. I also appreciated the flexibility of pace. It was an accelerated program that allowed me to complete my degree between May-December of 2016 (Although I would not necessarily recommend that. See response below). What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load? In one word: ROUGH! I thought I could take on a full load since (I'm all that!), but the program is not to be taken lightly, and I may have done exactly that (at my own peril). And candidly, there were times I got behind. But the Student Services Coordinator and Program Director were in constant communication and made every reasonable accommodation they could. In hindsight, I would have contemplated going a little slower. But again, they are willing to work with you and make changes to fit your needs Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession? Yes, the program is constantly evaluating and updating its curriculum to keep it germane to the current healthcare environment. Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program? Yes, in today's fast-paced and dynamic world, a degree is migrating from a nice-to-have to a need-to-have. Especially, given recent economic circumstances, a candidate needs every advantage they can get. Start your degree as soon as possible. This is an investment that no one can ever take away from you and will yield dividends for life.

My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and trached throughout her life, so I was familiar with respiratory. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's RT program. I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings, and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master's Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as their Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO. I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it whether you're at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.

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!

After dropping out of community college, resulting in a $2000 tuition bill, I was at the lowest point in my life. I knew I wanted to go back to school, but had no money and no car. So, for one year I jogged three miles to begin my shift at McDonalds at 4:00 am until I could save the money I needed. Inspired by my brother who had graduated from Pima Medical Institute, I met with an amazing admissions advisor at the East Valley Campus who spoke encouragement and belief into me. I chose the 3-month Phlebotomy program because it was the shortest path into the medical field and had a wonderful experience, despite passing out watching my first blood draw. I was hired at Banner Desert in Mesa, and after a few years, I began the Nursing program at the Mesa Campus. I really struggled with self-doubt, but with guidance from my dedicated instructors, I emerged prepared for my new profession. A nurse manager, who had observed my performance as a Phlebotomist, hired me as a Trauma PCU nurse. I later transitioned to a Psychiatric Nurse in the adolescent unit at Banner Behavioral to help others who were struggling like I had. I completed a bachelor's degree and recently a doctorate program from the University of Arizona to become a Nurse Practitioner. I am so grateful to my Pima Medical instructors who gave me my start in the medical field and never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. In my journey from McDonald's, to Phlebotomist, to Trauma Nurse, to Psych Nurse and now Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am proof that with determination and support, one can achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact by never giving up.

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 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!