I came to Pima Medical Institute right out of high school looking for a career in the medical field. After researching a few different programs, I spoke with the director of PMI's newest program, Surgical Technology, and decided to enroll. The program was both challenging and fun. I found the instructors to be very well-trained, knowledgeable, and helpful.
My role in surgery is to scrub in, prepare my cart with the specific items needed for a particular surgery, scrub in again, open everything, and organize my table. Everything on that table is mine and totally my responsibility. Once the patient is brought into the room, I may help prep and drape the patient, and once the surgery begins, I assist the surgeon. I'm like the right-hand-man to the surgeon, attempting to give him what he needs before he may even know he needs it.
I am grateful PMI placed me in a prestigious hospital for my clinical site because the experience enabled me to get a job quite quickly. I am currently working at a plastic surgery center. My goal down the road is to get back to a hospital setting where I can work with the da Vinci surgery robot, something I find fascinating. If you're looking for a fast-paced career where you can test yourself or a career with a lot of possibilities for growth and specialty paths, the Surgical Technology Program at PMI would be a great fit for you.
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I completed my bachelor's degree in child development and worked at child care centers for a number of years, but something inside me always longed to be in the medical field. My dad was a physical therapist assistant and later became an RN, so I had lots of exposure to the medical field. But, it's very difficult to switch careers. After a coworker told me about Pima Medical Institute, I began taking steps to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. I was still working full-time so the hybrid MA program, which offered online learning and the opportunity to attend classes two nights a week, was exactly what I needed. I loved my experience as a student and appreciated my instructors. It was tough attending classes and working full-time, but I was diligent with my studies and disciplined myself to study on weekends. When it came time for my clinicals, I quit my child care job and began applying all I had learned in my classes at a family medicine clinic. The people I worked with really helped me and I was able to apply the skills I had learned, gain experience and also increase my confidence. It was probably my favorite part of my education.
Finding a job ended up being a lot easier than I had anticipated. I am currently working as an MA at Parker Pediatrics and Adolescence. I love my job! I am able to marry all my experience working with children and my new career in the medical field. I really enjoy the people I work with and it's providing me a ton of opportunities for further growth and learning. I'm not finished with education, so I am in the process of getting my bachelor of science in nursing. Pima Medical gave me my start in the medical field. Being able to work full time while obtaining my MA certificate was so worth it and provided a jumping off point for me into the medical field.
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After having a successful career as a hairstylist and salon owner, I was looking for a career that afforded me the flexibility of moving to different areas of the country while still maintaining a steady income. I enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy program at PMI's Denver campus and three days later and was on my way to becoming an RT.
Ten months into my program, my husband accepted an employment position in Santa Fe, NM. I learned that PMI had a campus in Albuquerque and I was fortunate enough to be able to walk out of my RT program at the Denver campus on a Friday and begin my Albuquerque RT program on Monday; it was a very rare and seamless transition.
Upon hearing the news of my first job as a student intern at UNM Hospital I felt both elated and blessed. Since then I have secured a full time position at UNMH and I am now a clinical Instructor there for PMI. I am also in the process of obtaining my bachelor's degree in Professional Development and Advanced Patient Care.
I'm so thankful for my Denver instructors who set the high standards and provided guidance and the ABQ staff who continue to mentor and encourage me to pursue bigger goals. PMI instructors gave me the support, tools and advice that I need to succeed. PMI is a great place to learn!
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My initial dream was to become a massage therapist, but after meeting with my admissions advisor I decided to sign up for PMI's Medical Assistant program. My plan was to go into women's health and eventually to become a midwife. However, I was placed in a plastic surgeon's office and, although I wasn't happy about the placement, it became the best blessing of my life. At the end of my externship there, Dr. Sakura created a position for me and I ended up working there for nine years. During that time, I took a break and went back to PMI to complete the nursing program. I then returned to the same office as an RN. After Dr. Sakura retired, I was hired by Albuquerque Surgery Center where I worked for three years, before I was hired as nurse manager at my current employer, Physician Surgery Center of Albuquerque.
I love everything about my job! I feel blessed to be part of my team. Both programs I attended at PMI were excellent, and the instructors were top notch. I really enjoy having PMI student externs. My future goals include getting my master's degree and teaching. Who knows, I may even end up back at PMI.
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I actually heard about PMI through an advertisement on the radio. I was excited to learn about the Medical Assistant program because it was a shorter program that would be perfect to help me get my foot in the door of the medical field. I decided it would be a good place to start instead of going straight into nursing.
I had been out of school for a few years and PIMA helped with the transition. Their class sizes were small and the staff was always willing to help. I really appreciated the hands on experience. It certainly helped prepare me for patient interaction when I was placed at my healthcare facility for my externship.
Upon graduation, I was fortunate enough to be hired by my externship site. I'm still working at Albuquerque Women's Health and recently, was promoted to front office supervisor. I love my job and am grateful for the education I received at PMI.
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I was a stay at home mother of three looking for a career in the medical field. We had been living paycheck to paycheck and I knew if I wanted more than a minimum wage job I would need an education. I had tried college before and flunked out, so I was so afraid of failing and kept making excuses. After seeing a Pima Medical Institute TV ad, my husband set up a campus tour without telling me and took me as a surprise. My admissions advisor, Robert, answered all my questions and helped me enroll in the Medical Administrative Assistant program. He turned out to be my biggest cheerleader throughout my journey there.
Pima Medical is a family. They care about every single student in that facility. This girl who barely made it through high school and flunked out of college classes three times, graduated with a 4.0 and then went on to complete the Health Care Administration associate degree. I was offered a full-time position at a primary care office where I had done my externship. While being a mom, going to school, working fulltime and dealing with COVID, I completed my associate degree with a 3.4 GPA. I recently took a new job at a chiropractic office where I am applying much of what I learned in my HCA program. I have a career I love and within the next year I hope to begin the HCA bachelor's program.
I am teaching my girls that you have to work hard for what you want. My daughter had to write a letter for school about her hero. She chose me because even though I was scared to go back to school, I did it! I kept that letter in the front of my binder throughout my entire school process.
I am so grateful for Pima Medical Institute!
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As a proud Pima Medical Institute BSRT graduate, my journey from an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT), to a bachelor's degree, to achieving my dream job as a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children's Mercy has been nothing short of remarkable. While in school for my associate's at Concorde College, they highly encouraged us to continue our education and recommended Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). I knew a bachelor's would increase my salary and would also be helpful for future supervisory or management positions. The flexibility of online classes made it manageable for me to work full-time at Salem Health, a level II trauma center with a level III NICU, while pursuing my degree.
My dream of working in medical transport began at age 17, when I was a volunteer patient for the local fire department and experienced being flighted out of our neighborhood. After years of experience as an RT, I landed my dream job. As a Critical Care Transport RT, I participate in various types of transports, from helicopters and fixed wing, to jets and ground transportation, proving support to hospitals nationwide. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is one of the busiest transport teams, covering a wide range of patients including neonates, pediatrics, maternal and fetal cases. Working with limited resources challenges me to think on my feet and be creative with patient care. The transport team, comprised of brilliant minds, requires continuous education, certifications, and simulations to improve patient care. During my downtime, I enjoy visiting former patients and their families and witnessing their progress.
I love to do PR at community events where I hope to inspire young girls to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I'm appreciative for the role Pima Medical played in shaping my success and making my dream job a reality.
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Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother.
After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.
Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.
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When I got braces in high school, I was fascinated by how something so simple could transform a person's smile-and their confidence. That experience sparked my interest in the dental field, and after researching options, I found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. I enrolled right after high school and jumped into the program.
My instructors were incredible! I never considered myself a standout student, but the hands-on learning style was perfect for me. I learned so much, and when it came time for my externship, it felt like a breeze because I was so prepared. They even offered me a job as soon as I finished, and I worked there happily until I moved out of state.
Since graduating in 2011, I've worked in every part of a dental office-from assisting to managing the front desk to being an office manager. Today, I'm a mom of two fast-growing kids, and I want more flexibility to be with them, so I'm going back to school for billing and coding. This will allow me to continue working in the dental field from home.
I love the dental field because I get to make a difference-helping patients find relief from pain or transforming their smiles - and I'm excited about the next chapter in my dental career. Pima Medical is an amazing place with caring instructors and I would choose it all over again. It's changed my life.
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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 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 have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume.
Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!
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