I am a Medical Assistant at Children's Hospital of Colorado where I work in the pulmonary department, and I love my job! Believe it or not, I wake up every day excited to come to work. I can't wait to see the families and kids.
Way before PMI, I was trained in the animal science field, and later my husband and I ran an HOA management company for a number of years. Unexpectedly, two family members became very ill, and walking through this very difficult experience led me to desire a career in the medical field.
After finding Pima Medical Institute, I never hesitated. I thought of it one day, signed up the next, and started the Medical Assistant program a month later. It was not only the right timing, it was the right place, and it has been an amazing journey!
I had a great student experience at Pima, and the instructors were amazing. They cared about us and were available anytime any of us needed anything. To be honest, they actually became more like friends than teachers. My current job is a perfect fit for me, and I'm so grateful for my training at PMI!
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My journey into health care began with an interest in nursing, but I soon realized it didn't align with my personality. A shadowing opportunity in a Radiology department, arranged by my mother, confirmed my passion for radiography. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Radiography associate degree program and had exceptional experience as a student.
The program's blend of didactic and clinical training thoroughly prepared me for my career. I viewed each clinical rotation as a job interview, especially my fourth-semester placement. I worked hard to impress the staff by demonstrating the skills I had learned and I earned a job offer at the same hospital, where I continue to work.
Currently, I serve as the Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Canyon Vista Medical Center. Since graduating from Pima Medical's Radiography program 13 years ago, I have had the privilege of precepting students from various programs across Arizona and California. Among them, Pima Medical students consistently stand out. They arrive at their first clinical rotation with strong positioning skills and the confidence to image patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics.
Pima Medical not only equipped me with essential skills but also instilled confidence and set me on a path to success.
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I was a high school dropout with no desire to ever get my diploma. I never saw the value in education or what some piece of paper could do for me. That all changed with the news of a baby on the way. My priorities changed and I thought about the things I wanted for my children. How could I expect them to do well in school when I hadn't?
I passed my GED and went into retail management. Everything was great until I hurt my back and needed surgery. After three surgeries, I lost all hope of ever being able to provide for my family again. I was disabled and my wife had taken on the role of provider. She needed to find a job where she could make more money, so she started looking into school. I joined my wife on her admissions interview at Pima Medical Institute, talked with the admission's counselor, Frank Pignone, who encouraged me to also begin a medical career. He was an inspiration and started me on my path to success.
The instructors taught me and inspired me to strive to be my best. Nothing was going to get in the way of my education. I was able to maintain perfect attendance and achieve director's honor roll with a 4.0 GPA. I am proud to say that as a graduate of Pima, my wife is now on the same path and I plan to continue my education by getting my bachelor's degree. Thanks Pima!
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I used to be a real estate agent specializing in short sales and foreclosures. As much as I liked the money, I was not happy with this career path. I worked 24-7 and never got to see my family and I needed to make a change. On my way home from a chaotic day, I heard a radio commercial for PMI. I went home, talked it over with my husband, and made the decision to get more information. It all happened so fast. After I enrolled, I went to my supervisor the next day and gave my two weeks' notice.
While in school, I had perfect attendance and maintained a 4.0 GPA. I loved being in school, although I did have challenges. I struggled with math but I met a lot of supportive people who helped me along the way. Some of my closest friendships were developed with people I went to PMI with. My instructors were amazing and I still have a professional relationship with some of them today. When I graduated, I had three job interviews lined up. I ended up accepting an offer at a podiatrist office where I worked for the next two years. In 2014, I accepted an offer with an internal medicine facility.
I have an excellent work/life balance and I am excited to go to work every day. I want to further my education to become a physician's assistant once my son is a little older. My husband is 100% supportive and I am excited to see what the future holds. Thanks PMI!
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I came to PMI as an older student. I had been an EMT, owned my own business, and worked for other companies. But, I just couldn't find my niche - that one thing. I began to research schools that offered veterinary programs because I have been passionate about animals my entire life. Two of my family members had attended PMI and were thrilled with their choices, so I decided to enroll in their Veterinary Assistant program.
My first day I hesitated outside my classroom; knowing it wasn't going to be easy. But, I decided failure was not an option. I took a deep breath, walked through the door and opened the doors to a whole new life. Shortly before graduation, I was asked to consider enrolling in their Veterinary Technician program. I was apprehensive, but knew from experience my instructors would always be available to help answer my questions and would push me to do my best. I accepted the invitation, enrolled in the VT program, and as they say, the rest is history!
I'm currently employed by the same full-service clinic where I did my externship. No two days are ever the same - I may perform a dental procedure and soon after be scrubbing for surgery. No matter what emergency situation comes through our doors, I am 100% confident with my skills. Everything I learned, I learned from the best.
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My dad had a bout of pneumonia and ended up on a ventilator and I was fascinated watching the respiratory therapist control my dad's breathing. I'd been working in the auto industry, never thought I was college material, but I my family believed in and motivated me to look into the field. I set up a tour of Pima Medical Institute with the program director and as I saw the facility and listened to her, I fell in love with her passion for respiratory therapy. Being a student at Pima Medical was certainly challenging for me, but the support I had from instructors and classmates was amazing. Our class decided that no one was going to fail, so when someone was struggling with a concept, we all rallied around them. The instructors were always available for extra help and by the time I got to clinicals, I really felt prepared. Prior to graduation I obtained a position with Banner South, a hospital that had been part of my community since I'd been a child.
While performing bedside care as a respiratory therapist, I recognized that healthcare doesn't stop at the bedside. I became interested in looking at how, for example, a patient's social economic situation impacted their outcome. Knowing I wanted to make a bigger impact and with the confidence I gained from my time at PMI I went on and continued my education earning my bachelor's in applied management and ultimately my MBA. I navigated my way throughout the healthcare system from beside care, care coordination, to quality improvement. Wanting to be more proactive than reactive, I took a position as Senior Manager of Medicare Administration. We not only looked at how we delivered advantage plan benefits, I'm proud to say we instituted a non-traditional innovative program for our patients. Recently, I accepted a position as Director of Care Delivery Operations for Banner Health Corporate. I recognize that in order for bedside staff to offer their best care, processes and supply have to be in place. I can now play a role in making that happen and that is very exciting!
Pima Medical provided the necessary educational and support a guy - who didn't think he was college material - needed in order to have the confidence to be successful. Next step - CEO!
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My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!
I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field.
My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything!
I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities.
I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!
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My mom had been a nurse in the Philippines, but after moving to the US she cared for us and began working as a phlebotomist. This influenced my decision to go into the medical field after high school. On a whim one day, I stopped by Pima Medical Institute and ended up enrolling in the three-month Phlebotomy program which started two weeks later. It was fast paced and very different from high school as students were all ages and yet we were all looking for a change or a new career. Even though our time together was short, it felt like family. My first job was with a blood donation company and after moving to eastern Washington, I worked at a hospital. This gave me a variety of experiences and built my confidence and I later transitioned into dialysis.
I knew I eventually wanted to become a Medical Assistant (MA) and even though Pima Medical was a long commute, I had confidence in them so I enrolled in the MA program. I was pregnant, worked full time and had a long commute each day, but I did it! I feel like Pima Medical helped shape me into a resilient person. After graduation I worked at a hospital and a few other sites as an MA. But it wasn't long before I began to envision myself in administration, so I chose to complete the Health Care Administration online associate degree. That program gave me so much confidence and I loved it.
After graduating, I saw an opening for a Career Services Advisor at Pima Medical, applied, and got the job. Now, I get to guide students and share my journey with them. Watching them grow reminds me of my own transformation. Pima Medical has been a constant in my life, and I'm proud to be part of a team that changes lives every day.
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had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for.
My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being.
I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.
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Before going back to school, my life wasn't on the best path. After high school, I planned to become a nurse, but deep down I knew it wasn't what I really wanted. Eventually, I moved out on my own, but I found myself surrounded by the wrong people and making choices I wasn't proud of. It wasn't until I met my fiance that I seriously considered going back to school. He encouraged me to think about my future and what would truly make me happy. After some soul-searching, I decided to look for a Dental Assistant program - and for the first time, I felt excited about my future.
I found Pima Medical Institute through an online search, and after seeing so many great reviews from alumni, I knew it was the right place for me. Enrolling was the best decision I could have made. My experience at Pima Medical was nothing short of amazing - the support from my classmates, instructors, and family kept me going. My instructor, Margarita, was especially supportive. In fact, I wouldn't have made it through without her guidance.
I was excited for my externship at Associates in Family Dentistry and grateful to be hired upon completion. As I plan to move soon, I'm holding off on furthering my education for now, but I'm eager to explore my options. I am a proud graduate of Pima Medical and my ultimate goal is to build a successful career while growing my family with my fiance.
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When my children were heading off to college, I realized it was my turn to invest in myself. I wanted a career that aligned with my passions-health, fitness and helping people-while also offering job stability and global opportunities. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) checked all the boxes, and after researching different programs, Pima Medical Institute stood out as the perfect fit for my timeline and lifestyle.
Going back to school after 15 years as a stay-at-home soccer mom was the hardest thing I've ever done. The fast-paced, condensed program challenged me academically, and the commute from Tacoma to North Seattle meant long days followed by even longer nights of studying. But Pima Medical provided endless support-faculty were always available, and I took advantage of every extra lab and hands-on practice session. They held us to high standards because patients deserve the best, not just someone getting by.
After graduation, I started at an orthopedic outpatient clinic, later transitioning to Olympic Sports and Spine, where I earned my orthopedic sports certification and became a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Eventually, I sought a setting that allowed more personalized patient care, leading me to a private practice where I now enjoy one-on-one treatment sessions. I plan to retire here.
Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism to succeed. Even after graduating, I've stayed connected with my instructors, who were always honest, supportive and dedicated. My career allows me to keep learning and growing, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
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I wasn't completely sure about going back to school until I walked through the doors at Pima Medical Institute. From the moment I took the tour and sat down for the exam, Admissions Representative Mary Mikiel made me feel welcomed and encouraged. I don't love taking tests, but her support and positive energy truly made a difference that day. A few days later, she called to tell me I had only missed one question - and that I was officially accepted into the Medical Assistant program.
Starting the program, I connected quickly with my classmates and discovered a great sense of community. My instructors were not only knowledgeable, but genuinely invested in my success. There were five of us who graduated together, and that experience gave me newfound confidence in myself. I was working full time while attending school, and although it wasn't easy, I proved to myself that I could push through the ups and downs and make it to graduation day. I started working at a fast-paced urgent care where everything I learned at Pima Medical came flooding back like second nature.
After about a year of hard work, I was encouraged to apply for a higher position. I'm proud to say I am now the Center Manager at Carbon Health Carlsbad. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement I received from the staff and instructors at Pima Medical. They believed in me when I didn't fully believe in myself and constantly pushed me to grow. For that, I will always be grateful. Pima Medical Institute didn't just prepare me for a career, they helped me believe in myself.
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