WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I never considered becoming a Pharmacy Technician until I enrolled at Pima Medical Institute and now I'm glad I did. My instructor, Mrs. Aldridge, was amazing and she motivated me to do my best every day. I was nervous when it came time for my externship, but a few of the technicians were also PMI graduates so they knew what I was going through. The pharmacists at my site were great and everyone helped me out when I needed it and answered my questions. I currently work at a compounding pharmacy in Colorado Springs which is very different from other community pharmacies. I started in customer service and moved to patient records management. Right now, I work in the sterile area where we compound injectable medications and allergens. I am also part of the clean room rotation with another technician so I not only make the medicine, I get to filter and sterilize it too. I want to say thank you to my instructor. Without her help I wouldn't be where I am today, doing a job I enjoy!

I was new to San Antonio and had done some volunteer work, but was looking for something purposeful for my life. After seeing an online post about Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program, I began to wonder if I could do it. I felt way too old to go back to school, plus I struggle with panic attacks. But, I stopped by Pima Medical to get information and when I told them I wasn't sure I could do it, they encouraged me and helped me enroll. I was so afraid after that first day of class and I told my husband that everyone else was younger than me and I wanted to quit. He encouraged me to keep trying and my instructor encouraged me not to quit. The hands-on learning came easy for me, but I was deathly afraid of tests and my anxiety would overtake me. My struggle was real, but I had the support of my classmates and my patient instructor. When I went to my externship site interview, they actually started talking about hiring me. I had a great experience and found myself drawing blood with confidence and making my patients feel comfortable. Upon completion, APPS Para Medical hired me. I am a traveling phlebotomist and go to people's homes to obtain their bloodwork. I really enjoy meeting people in their own environment and I get lots of compliments that I have soft hands and am good at my job. I am so thankful for everyone at Pima Medical. I finished the program because everyone there believed in me, encouraged me and cheered me on to the finish line. I just love my job!

At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field. I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position. I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program. I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.

Before I joined Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Technician (VT) program, my life was a juggling act of working three jobs, including two at veterinary hospitals and one at a fast-food restaurant. After becoming pregnant and being a single mom, I realized I needed to secure a stable future for my child. I knew I needed to pursue an education in my area of passion, veterinary medicine, so I enrolled in Pima Medical's VT program. My experience and ongoing work in the veterinary field made my educational experience a breeze. To be able to apply the knowledge I was learning in my classes immediately was huge. I branched out to a surgery specialty hospital for my externship experience. After graduating, I worked in both general practice and emergency medicine, but the fast-paced, action-packed environment of the emergency room resonated with me. I soon found myself in a separate emergency clinic where I became supervisor of an ICU, managing a team of 20 people. I had bigger aspirations, leading me to Tennessee, where I obtained a staff manager position at a general practice until I reached my ultimate goal of a position at the top-notch University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center. I've achieved my dream job and found my true calling. I'm on a path to becoming a specialized technician in Neurology, a challenging journey that involves rigorous criteria and examinations. I recently had the honor of presenting a winning neurology case at the ACVIM conference. Pima Medical Institute provided the foundation I needed, and from there, my career has skyrocketed. My advice to aspiring veterinary students is to apply what you learn in a clinical setting, even as a kennel assistant. Go for it! I'm proof that with determination and hard work, even a single mom can achieve her dreams.

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.

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.

Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made. My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared. Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home. In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy. I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!

Starting over in a new career later in life was daunting, but my passion for healthcare pushed me forward. I initially enrolled at a local community college to complete prerequisites for a nursing program, only to face a two-year waitlist. Determined to find a quicker path into the medical field, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. This program's accelerated timeline was perfect for my busy life as a stay-at-home mother. In less than three months I gained essential skills and secured a job in the medical field. That first step ignited my passion for healthcare, and after gaining experience as a phlebotomist and clinical lab assistant, I returned to Pima Medical for the 22-month Respiratory Therapy program. My journey wasn't without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my class's clinical rotations, forcing us to transition to remote learning. Balancing studies, work, and family was overwhelming, but I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize self-care. The instructors, many of whom were industry professionals, provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences that prepared me for real-world healthcare settings. As a result of my education, I secured a position at Banner Desert Medical Center, where I have been employed for the past eight years. During the pandemic, I practiced respiratory care under an emergency license, which provided me with critical experience in a high-pressure environment. Currently, I am working in Procurement and have recently been promoted to Test Management Training Coordinator. In this role, I oversee the training processes for new hires, externships, and existing staff members. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical for their dedication and support. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training prepared me for a fulfilling career.

I started my career as a medic on an ambulance and knew I wanted to become a nurse. Everyone around me was doing it and it felt like the natural next step. At the time, I was working toward a degree in paramedicine at another college but their nursing program required a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (CNA), which I didn't have. I was ready to get started and Pima Medical Institute offered exactly what I needed: a program that didn't stretch over an entire semester. I enrolled in the CNA course, checked that box and had a great experience. Eventually, I was accepted into a nursing program elsewhere - but the waitlist was a year and a half. That's when Pima Medical reached out. They said, "You're an alum and we have a nursing program." It was accelerated and could get me in right away, so I said yes. I completed the Registered Nurse (RN) program and went straight to work as a nurse. My boss had always encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and though it was something I wanted to do, I just kept putting it off. I finally enrolled in another school's program but didn't like the structure. They said it was "fully online", but there were group projects and required meetings that didn't fit my schedule. I dropped and gave Pima Medical a shot again. The BSN program was amazing. It was clearly laid out, well-paced and truly online. I had the support I needed but I could also self-guide. Today, I'm the clinic manager for a company that operates 12 occupational health clinics across five states. Plus, I've been accepted into the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program at Pima Medical. I'm pursuing this advanced degree to grow as a leader and bring more to the table. Pima Medical has always been honest, consistent and structured. If you're a self-starter with a busy schedule, this is the school for you.