I'm a single mother of two boys and had been a preschool teacher for many years. I always felt like I wanted more, so I began researching the medical field. One day I walked out of the grocery store, saw PMI's campus and decided to check it out. It wasn't long before I'd signed up for their medical assistant program. I was so anxious on my first day of class, but the instructors embraced me and made me feel comfortable. I enjoyed school and got involved with student government and looked for opportunities to help other students who were struggling.
I was assigned to the Physicians Surgery Center of ABQ for my externship. I was nervous and really didn't know what to expect. But, I knew my instructors had given me great instruction so I decided just to do my best. Within the first week they indicated they would be interested in hiring me upon completion of my externship. I was so proud and couldn't wait to go back and tell my instructors! I'm currently working there as a medical assistant and I not only help with the administrative side, but have even assisted in some surgeries.
Since the day I walked in the door, PMI has literally changed my life. Age is just a number and I plan to keep going and keep learning. Thank you PMI!
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I have always admired health care professionals and knew from an early age that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to patient care. As a young adult preparing for college, a routine physical led to the discovery of a benign brain tumor. I spent much of that summer in and out of the hospital. The compassion, skill and reassurance shown by my nurses and doctors left a lasting impact on me during a time filled with fear and uncertainty.
I began working as a dental assistant for a family friend, which gave me a glimpse into the profession and led to a transformative mission trip to Nicaragua, where I assisted in providing dental care to underserved communities.
Soon after, I applied to the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute's Seattle campus. The program was rigorous, but the unwavering support from instructors made all the difference. They were dedicated to our success academically, clinically and personally. When it came time to take my clinical boards and graduate, I felt fully prepared and confident.
Now, with eight years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I often hear from employers how much they value Pima Medical graduates. This reputation for excellence inspired me to continue my education and enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. That journey equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to start my own myofunctional therapy practice. Through my Capstone project, I developed a comprehensive business plan and learned what it takes to build and sustain a health care practice.
I am proud to now serve as a Hybrid and Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Seattle campus. It's an honor to be a Pima Medical graduate, a dental professional, a business owner, an educator and, above all, a mother to three amazing children. I feel truly blessed to support my family while thriving in a career I am passionate about.
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After graduating from high school I had planned to join the Navy where I was to be trained as a dental assistant. I was in the process of completing the final paperwork when I found out I was pregnant. Shocked and confused, I didn't realize that this would suddenly shut the door on my dreams of getting into the dental field. But, soon after I refocused and enrolled in PMI's Dental Assistant program.
A week into my new program and 10 weeks pregnant, I got the news that the father of my child had committed suicide. Words cannot describe the pain of that loss and the inner conflict to stay in bed and grieve my hurts and the need to encourage myself to continue going to school. After taking a week off, I rejoined the class with a determination not to give up on myself, my baby and my dreams. The instructors were amazing, as were my classmates. They encouraged me and helped me to focus and graduate with honors.
I was hired immediately at the office where I'd done my externship. While there, I worked alongside their dental hygienist. As a result, I fell in love with the dental hygiene field and decided I wanted more. I've spent the last 2 years researching schools and completing my requirements and I've recently been accepted into a Dental Hygiene school. I went from having no direction, to succeeding both personally and professionally. The people at Pima Medical Institute were amazing and showed me a career I never could have imagined would be taking me to new heights. I can't wait to be a Dental Hygienist! Thanks PMI!
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Unless you're independently wealthy, you work because you have bills to pay. With six daughters, I have lots of bills. One way to make life enjoyable is to work in a field we enjoy. I enjoy healthcare as evidenced by my career track record and Pima Medical Institute allowed me to find a career path that I love.
I started in Phlebotomy at PMI in 1993. That allowed me to obtain a full time job with above average wages. Over the next few years I was able to go back to PMI to complete the radiography program. Concurrently, I received on-the-job training in CT and MRI. Somewhere in the mix, I also obtained my Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University and am now pursuing my Masters of Science in Radiologic Sciences.
My most recent achievement has been acquiring the Clinical Manager of Imaging position at Flagstaff Medical Center. We are a Level One Trauma center about three hours away from the nearest metropolitan city. I manage 56 full-time employees across six modalities which includes our 273 bed hospital and one outpatient imaging center.
As a radiology technologist, I felt I could affect patient care in a positive manner, one patient at a time. Now, I can affect patient care on a much larger scale and it is immensely rewarding...and it all started with my career from Pima Medical Institute.
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I stumbled upon PMI while searching for alternative careers. I had gone to school for so long, taking so many different subjects, but nothing was working out for me. I read the description for the Medical Administrative Assistant program, and it sounded like something I could do well, so I enrolled.
I really enjoyed my experience in the MAA program, and I feel like I really benefitted from the hands-on teaching style. From medical terminology to electronic records, everything I was taught in my classes I use today in my job. I feel so well-prepared. My classmates were amazing, supportive, and felt like a family. It's interesting because there are quite a few PMI alumni working at my teaching hospital. We may work in different departments, but we all seem to find each other and hang out together. It's great!
I truly love my job! I get to become a part of my patients' lives as I care for them, and since I see a lot of them almost every day, the rapport we have is great! They feel like friends whenever they walk through my clinics' doors.
Recently, I started the Radiography program at the Seattle Campus. It was important to me to continue with PMI because I know that I will be getting the best, top-notch education in my field of study. I am so excited to be working towards my associate's degree, and I know that my time in the MAA program really kick-started my determination in being accepted. Thank you so much, PMI!
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I am from a very large family, one of my parents was undocumented and we often struggled financially, but I feel like the way they raised me has gotten me where I am today. I have a successful career, I am financially stable and I love my job!
After graduating from high school, I didn't really have a plan. One day my cousin invited me to come along to check out Pima Medical Institute. After touring the school and realizing they had a Dental Assistant program, I applied that same day and enrolled. I appreciated that our instructor was an actual dentist and gave us his expertise and tips on how to become a better assistant and I enjoyed all the hands-on practice. One of my biggest obstacles was that I didn't have transportation to school, so I'd have to ask for rides or even use Uber at times. But Pima Medical helped me with resources and they even provided bus passes, which was really helpful. I also want to thank my husband for his support and encouragement.
I was offered a job at the clinic where I completed my externship and recently, I was given a raise and promoted to a new position. My mom is so happy and proud of me and my new career. My dad, sadly, passed away but I know he would be proud as he wanted me to get an education. I have already started taking classes to get my prerequisites to become a Dental Hygienist and my eventual goal is to become a Dentist. I am striving to become more.
Pima Medical provides hands-on training, flexible hours and all the resources you need to be successful.
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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!
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Pima Medical Institute has been a cornerstone in my career, providing a foundation that has endured through different stages of my life. Now, I'm excited to return to school and build on that strong base.
No one in my family is in the dental field, but I've always had a passion for becoming a dental hygienist. After high school, I spent five years working in Alaska's fishing industry. Upon returning to Seattle, I inquired about the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and ultimately enrolled in the Dental Assistant program. Balancing full-time work during the day with evening classes at Pima Medical was challenging but rewarding. My teacher was great, and I formed lasting friendships-I'm still close with one of my classmates more than 20 years later.
My first job was with a doctor in West Seattle, where I worked for two years before needing to go on bed rest due to pregnancy. I took a 15-year break to focus on being a mom. Remarkably, I was able to jump right back into my career as a Dental Assistant when I was ready. After moving to Phoenix, I started working as a temp and then secured my current position at Anthem Sonoran Valley Implants and Dental Center. It felt like riding a bike-everything came back to me. I love educating patients and helping them take care of their teeth. Currently, I'm in the process of applying to a Dental Hygiene program in my area. I want to further my education in the dental field and one day I hope to be able to clean teeth for free to help people who can't afford dental care.
Pima Medical Institute has been supportive throughout my journey, from enrolling and securing financing to ongoing assistance whenever I need it. I'm incredibly grateful for the education and opportunities Pima Medical has provided me.
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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.
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When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute.
My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.
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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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When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it.
I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
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