WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I never ever thought I would be in the medical field. I was a personal trainer, had opened up a gym and was an entrepreneur, but I decided I wanted to make a difference and chose to make a change. After doing some research I found Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant program to be the perfect fit for me. Their program schedule allowed me to attend classes in the afternoon and continue my other jobs during the morning and evening. I loved the faculty, graduated with a 4.0 GPA and I fell in love with the medical field! After only a week at my orthopedic oncologist externship, I was offered a position. While working 40-50 hours a week, I chose to continue my education with Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration (HCA) Program. Fortunately, the program provides lots of flexibility and I was able to complete much of my coursework on the weekends. It was certainly a challenging 11 months, but I learned so much about leadership and management styles. It was so worth it! I am currently the Clinical Practice Director for Scottsdale Physician's Group Virtual Care. In just over a year we have gone from 4 to 45 technicians and I credit Pima Medical Institute and their HCA program for providing me the foundation and the training needed to lead this fast growing company. I am currently encouraging my managers to attend Pima Medical's HCA program to help prepare them for their leadership roles and set them up for success.

I grew up a troubled child in a single parent home. My mother worked three jobs to support my sisters and I, and by the time I got to high school I had attended 14 different schools. I tried community college but dropped out and for the next 10 years I built up quite the resume, but I always had a nagging feeling I was supposed to be so much more. Since the age of 12 I've had the dream of working in the medical field. I identified as a transman and I knew I wanted to eventually become a surgeon and give back to the transgender community. In 2018, I found myself living near a Pima Medical Institute campus and I decided it was time to stop peaking over the fence and start living my dream of a career in the medical field so I enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. Although it was nerve wracking starting school, I quickly adjusted and got excited about learning. I had wonderful instructors and I learned I had a knack for medicine. I was worried about being transgender but both the classmates and instructors that I told were kind and accepting. I faced many obstacles during my program including having to move several times. For a while I was getting up at 3 am to ride my bike and get to class on time. It was extremely hard, but I would show up each day with positivity and an eagerness to learn. I was placed at the Center for Neurosciences for my externship. I wasn't afraid to ask questions and I wanted to learn all I could. I found out that after only a week they had already decided to offer me a position when I graduated. During the last part of my program I was homeless, working at my externship site during the day and working a 12 hour shift at Target overnights. With the help of Pima Medical's student services department, I was able to find resources for food, toiletries and even a place to shower. Life was certainly a struggle, but I wanted to be successful more than I wanted to sleep. Pima Medical was the best decision I have ever made. I had amazing instructors and they gave me a great start in my medical career. Recently, I enrolled in their online Health Care Administration associate and bachelor's degree programs. I love my job as a Medical Assistant, but I want more. Just remember ... you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to. Just ignite your hunger for knowledge.

After my divorce in 2013, I was going from job to job, tired of being laid off and unable to provide stability for myself and my children I decided it was time to find a career. I had attended 4 different community colleges prior to getting married, but never finished a degree. After researching, I found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled. I didn't realize at the time that it would change my life. It wasn't easy. When I started the program I was working a 12 hour night shift at the post office, getting my kids off to school, sleeping for a few hours and then attending class and before heading back to work. But I had a goal, something I didn't have at the community colleges I'd attended. I was able to be successful because of the structure of the Radiography program at Pima Medical. I knew my classes, my schedule and the expectations. The instructors were amazingly supportive and encouraging. In fact, this experience completely changed me as a person because my instructors fed my confidence. I am so proud that as a 37 year old single mother, I became a Radiologic Technologist. The day I completed and passed my state boards, I came out to my car and found a message from Northwest Hospital asking me to come in for an interview. I love my work and my patients. Pima Medical was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I did it for me, but I've set a great example for my children. You always hear "if I can do it, so can you" and this statement is absolutely true!

I was injured while playing soccer in high school and my physical therapist said to me, "I think you'd be a really good physical therapist!" I tucked that away until I was at Texas State University heading toward becoming a nurse when I realized it just wasn't for me. I switched to Exercise Sports Science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After graduation, the doctorate physical therapy programs were extremely competitive and I just didn't have the confidence to apply - still a regret. Instead, I reviewed my options and began searching for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and found Pima Medical Institute. It was a challenging, accelerated 18-month program, but my instructors were super motivating. Although they were hard on us, they gave us all the tools needed to be the best professional clinicians we could be. I was awarded the most "outstanding student" at graduation and offered a job at each of my clinical rotations. I began my therapist journey as a pediatric PTA until I found the place I really loved; working in sports medicine and rehabilitation. During my five plus years in orthopedics, I worked with multiple students as a clinical instructor. This drew my passion for education and I began my journey as a clinical director and instructor back at the same PTA program I'd attended. I tell my students I've been down their same path and I am going to give them everything they need to be a success in their clinical experience. I remind them that I am invested in their success because not only is Pima Medical's reputation on the line, so is mine as a graduate of this program. Pima Medical provided what I needed to become a great therapist and for that I am thankful. I believe I've found my place in education and I am hoping to further my education through the master's degree program in the future.

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.

My family always told me I would thrive in the veterinary field, but I didn't believe in myself. I was 24, working and intermittently taking general education classes at the community college or university with no clear direction. Everything changed when I visited Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant (VA) and Veterinary Technician (VT) programs. These programs ignited my passion for the veterinary field, and I was finally on a career path I loved. The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible, providing both education and valuable connections in the veterinary field. While attending the VT program, I balanced two full-time jobs in the industry, applying my classroom learning to real-world situations. This hands-on experience was invaluable. My instructors were always available and understanding of my very demanding schedule, even making sure I had snacks when I hadn't taken time to eat. After graduation, I spent six years at a fast-paced ER. Today, I am the Hospital Administrator at Pima Pet Clinic where I am able to utilize both my technical skills and administrative expertise. Additionally, I serve in the United States Army Reserves in a Veterinary Detachment, training medical personnel on K9 emergency assessments. Utilizing a remote-controlled robotic dog, I create scenarios (increased heart rate, insinuating pain, blood flow sensors, stomach inflation, even amputations) in order to practice real-time medical emergencies. The mix of knowledge and experience I gained at Pima Medical has been instrumental in my career and my ability to teach. Participating in these training exercises has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. The connections and the education I received at Pima Medical have truly transformed my life.

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.

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!

Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me. While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business. After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.