I graduated from ASU with a degree in nutrition and applied to physical therapy school too late and didn't get in. My husband and I sat down and researched the physical therapy field and decided PMI's PTA program might be the best fit for me. When I called, the lady on the phone said, "We're going to make all your dreams come true!" and I looked at the phone and thought - she's crazy! But, I met with an advisor and started 2 weeks later. They tell you it is an accelerated program and it certainly is. The instructors were amazing and they inspired me to do more. I became very involved with my profession; PTA Co-Chair for the PTA Special Interest Group within our Arizona Chapter and helping start what is now our annual "TRYke It" event for adults with disabilities.
I remember being nervous walking into my first clinical. But, in this neurology setting I was able to witness a stroke patient or a traumatic brain injury patient make progress on things that we often take for granted and that was just simply MAGICAL! My passion for neurology PT grew from just two weeks in that setting and I accepted a position there after graduation. I also gained valuable experience working in pediatric aquatic therapy and hippo therapy with adults and children with disabilities. After some years in the field, I was offered an opportunity to come back to PMI as an instructor. I believe it gives me an advantage having recently sat in those same student chairs and my ability to relate to my students on that same level. I am happy to have come full-circle at PMI and my dreams far exceeded my expectations and continue to come true! My instructors did an incredible job preparing me for my profession and I hope to have the same influence on my students!
|
I grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level.
Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family.
I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.
|
Pima gave me my life back. I had been recently divorced and found I couldn't afford to live on my own. I was scared. I had worked in retail in the past but didn't have a profession. I'd always been interested in Radiography., and after asking a tech who happened to be a PMI graduate, I learned there was a school offering it in my area. My stepmom likes to say, "I'm a duck who found her pond." When I got to PMI, I found that I "fit." Not only was I good at what I was doing, I loved it! Plus, I had instructors who also loved it, and that made it so much easier to learn, to experience, and to grow into my profession. My instructors were amazing!
My instructor, Jacqueline Kralik, came into class one day and encouraged us to get involved in our professional organizations. She also mentioned a scholarship opportunity. The winner would travel to Washington, DC to lobby for the Care Bill. A free trip to DC sounded good, so I wrote the essay, wrote to congressmen, completed the application, and I won! While in DC, I met the leaders from the ASRT (American Society of Radiologic Technologists), and they started fueling the fire for me to get involved with the professional side of our national organization. They invited me to go to an international conference in Denver. I went, and I was hooked. I spent much of my student life traveling and being involved at the state and national level.
The early encouragement from my instructors, not only sparked my interest, but as a result, I am currently the ASRT Speaker of the House. I haven't stopped learning. After graduation I decided to get my bachelors. Since PMI hadn't yet stared their own online program, I attended Chadron State University, one of PMI's partners. I still wanted more, so I am currently finishing up my master's of Health Care Administration at Colorado State University.
I am a huge cheerleader for PMI. I love what I do. My experience at PMI was priceless!
|
Many different paths have led students to Pima Medical Institute but rarely, if ever, has one involved a thousand mile trek through the jungles of an African nation, decimated by civil war, at the age of seven. One of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Chris was a refugee in various camps throughout Africa, after being orphaned at the age of 7. His saga began the night his village in Southern Sudan was attacked and destroyed, with the men, women and girls murdered or enslaved. He fled into the jungle, eventually joining forces with other displaced Sudanese boys (estimates up to 26,000) to begin a three month walk barefoot to a refugee camp in Ethiopia. He was forced out just a year later when civil war erupted in that country as well, fleeing by foot once again. His childhood realities included watching fellow boys lose eyes to vultures and necks getting snapped by lion attacks, or witnessing daily deaths from poisonous snake bites, dehydration, starvation or tropical disease. Less than half of the boys survived.
Chris was one of 4000 refugees picked by the United Nations to resettle in the US in 2001 and one of 15 in Tucson. He attended PMI, graduating with honors from the Pharmacy Technician program, and has subsequently furthered his education with the addition of a Licensed Practical Nursing degree. His long term goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, a degree which he hopes to use in fulfillment of his life vision of returning to his country to improve the quality of health care. He, along with two of his comrades, has started the non profit organization of "Jumpstart Sudan." This foundation's goal is to establish a health clinic which will provide basic medical care in Southern Sudan, the area from which Chris was forced to flee over 16 years earlier.
Chris Garang is the epitome of a PMI success story. However, it is not just in his achievement of overcoming obstacles as a child, obstacles that could have easily overwhelmed even the strongest man, nor his perseverance in tackling and mastering academics in a foreign language, which define his success. The true testament of his character is that, instead of anger and bitterness, he has the grace to pass on what he considers the "blessing" of his new life and knowledge to his native country. This sense of gratitude and his commitment to spread his good fortune is a triumph of spirit. We are so proud of you, Chris!
|
My name is Kari Allen and I recently graduated with my Doctorate in Pharmacy and am currently in my residency at John Hopkins Hospital. I plan to pursue a second year of specialty residency in either pediatric or emergency medicine, and ultimately work as a clinical pharmacist in an academic teaching hospital and it all started at Pima Medical Institute.
After completing my bachelor degree, I was looking for a place to get training and experience in the medical field. I had a friend who was doing well as a pharmacy technician and, after researching Pima Medical Institute, I felt like their program would meet my needs. The Pharmacy Technician program was not easy. It was a challenge balancing my full-time daily work schedule and my classes each evening from 5 - 9 pm. However, I made some great friends and we helped each other learn the new terms, medications and mechanics of working in a pharmacy. Not only did PMI give me my knowledge of pharmacy, it sparked a genuine interest in my field, thanks to the encouragement of my instructors. The foundation of hands-on skills has helped me progress through my career and continues to be one of the biggest assets I bring into any job.
My externship site offered me my first job upon completion. I held several pharmacy positions and after a year and a half I was promoted to pharmacy technician supervisor, where I worked until I began pharmacy school. I would absolutely recommend PMI to anyone new to the medical profession, and would especially recommend the pharmacy instructors! Thank you PMI, for my start in the healthcare field!
|
In 2012 I was in a bad accident and spent time in the hospital. This experience enabled me to observe the nurses and see how they cared for people. I had been working as a team lead at Target for a number of years but I decided that I wanted to do more than help people spend money, so I began pursuing the medical field. I started as a CNA and after 4 years decided I wanted to attend school to become an LPN.
I heard about Pima Medical Institute on the radio and got excited about attending their Practical Nursing program. I have to admit my first sequence of classes was really challenging! The whole program was a huge learning experience for me, but my hard work paid off. I appreciated how the whole program was laid out ahead of time, including our course work and the schedule. This really helped us be successful.
I was offered a job at my clinical site. The administrator took notice of me and offered me a position as a unit manager, not your typical first job as an LPN. I believe Pima Medical helped me develop a level of confidence that made a difference in obtaining this position. Recently, I was contacted by another facility and offered a job as another unit manager. I am honored and proud that in such a short time my education and hard work has provided opportunities for growth in my career. Pima Medical prepared me to be successful. The encouragement and support I got from my instructors was just overwhelming, and it's an experience I am always going to cherish.
|
My husband and I have six children and I have been a stay at home mom for the past 10 years. When the pandemic hit, we were concerned it might negatively impact my husband's businesses. Since I had been thinking about going back to school, we decided it was time to train for a career that we could fall back on. Little did I know when I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant program, that I would be completing my whole program during the pandemic. Since I hadn't been in school in a while it was challenging, but failure wasn't an option. My instructor was so good! We learned so much from her explanations and when we were finally able to participate in campus labs, our hands-on work came quite naturally.
We live on the Tulalip reservation and I wanted to complete my externship at our health clinic where I could help my people. There are very few Native American healthcare providers and this causes a mistrust and disruption in care because of cultural and language differences. I had a wonderful experience, my patients appreciated me and I ended up with a job.
The day after my externship everyone was invited to come for COVID vaccinations because a storm had caused power outages and there were concerns the vaccines would go bad. I drove past the clinic, saw the long line of cars, grabbed scrubs and my PPE and spent the day helping check in patients. We vaccinated over 750 people in one day, including my over 80-year-old grandmother. That was a pretty special moment for our community.
I'm so appreciative to my instructors at Pima Medical. Everyone was so kind and helpful and cared about each student. I love my new career and my new job.
|
I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician!
I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me.
I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program.
I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!
|
My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well.
Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN.
Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
|
In 2005, while browsing technical programs online, Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant (VA) Program caught my eye. I filled out a request for more information and, to my surprise, Niki Riggleman, a recently retired yet highly esteemed instructor, called me immediately. Despite never having had an interest in veterinary medicine before, that call changed my life. I can't imagine being in any other field today and I'm so grateful Niki called me!
I completed the VA Program and returned to complete the Veterinary Technician (VT) Program in 2007. It was a privilege to be part of the very first VT class at the Seattle Campus. One aspect of Pima Medical I truly appreciated was its accessibility; the ability to attend night classes and work during the day allowed me to maintain a steady income while pursuing my education. The hands-on classroom experience, combined with working in the field, was crucial to my professional growth.
My journey with VCA Animal Hospitals began with my first externship, where I was hired even before completing it. Almost 20 years later, I'm still with VCA and grateful to have found my place there. I worked as a VA, a VT and then quickly moved up to Technician Supervisor and a regional training role. In 2020, I became the Regional Technician Director for the Northwest & Hawaii Group, supporting veterinary teams across five states. Additionally, as the current President of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT) and a former District Chair for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), I am dedicated to improving the careers of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Ensuring their optimal utilization and safety is crucial to our profession, helping us continue to serve our patients effectively.
|
I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients.
I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job.
Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.
|
I had an amazing experience in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I had the best instructors and, as we spent time studying together, my classmates became amazing friends. I had always known I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people and I wanted to work with children. My older sister had completed the Veterinary Technician (VT) program at Pima Medical, so I knew it was a school I could trust and enrolled in the MA program.
I appreciated all the knowledge and information they gave us about working in the real world. The hands-on experience helped us feel prepared for our new career. Since graduating in 2018 I have worked for three clinics or organizations as an MA and have gained experience in family practice, OB/GYN and specialty clinics and have learned so much!
I love my job! Every day is different and I am constantly learning new things. I am so very grateful for my instructors at Pima Medical for helping me to be able to achieve my dream job. I love what I do and I am so grateful I took the leap to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
|
