WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

Since I was a little girl I knew wanted to either be a veterinarian or a licensed veterinarian technician. In 2006 I began researching schools online and found Pima Medical Institute's VT program to be enticing. My instructor made a huge impression on me and I decided I wanted to be like her. She was bold and truthful and cared about us. While a student, I obtained a position in emergency veterinary medicine. I ended up being able to work with the president of the veterinary board and he helped me venture into exotic animals at the MGM and Springs Preserve. From there, I continued to broaden my perspectives by working with large animals like cattle and horses. I later ran a 65 staff member hospital for 5 years. But, I became frustrated because part of managing involves being able to nurture and didn't feel like I had the time to build into people. I thought to myself - where can I go where I can make a difference in people's lives? I answered that question by coming to PMI to teach with the very instructors who taught me! Now I get to nurture students. My former instructor silently knew each of our stories. She trained us in proper techniques, but she also cared for us as individuals. I want to do the same thing for my students. I've been in the field for 12 years and I take pride in each and every student. I love my job!

I began attending the University of Arizona right after high school. I didn't have a major, my classes were huge, and I felt like I was drowning. I began thinking about other options. I knew Pima Medical Institute offered associate degrees in the medical field and as a 19 year old, that sounded more manageable. I was interested in their Physical Therapist Assistant program and decided to give it a try. My parents weren't very happy, they had dreamed of me getting my bachelors at a university, but, they supported my decision. PMI was a great fit for me. Classes had clear expectations and the labs provided hands on practical work. I thrived on the structure the program provided. At the university my first class had over 400 students, and I didn't know who to ask for help. At PMI there were 18 of us, and my instructors were always available to help when needed. After graduation I pursued a job where I'd been for my clinicals. For the next four years I worked full-time and completed my bachelors' online. After that, I headed to NAU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I returned to the same clinic, this time as a Physical Therapist. It sounds cliché, but it's true - PMI really did change my life. I am grateful PMI offers a place for people who need a career and just aren't ready for the university setting. I was recently talking to my dad and he told me, "PMI was the best decision you ever made!"

My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up! I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field. My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything! I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities. I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!

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!

I had just gotten out of the Navy and knew I needed to go back to school to obtain a career, not just a job. Teeth have always fascinated me, so I decided to honor my late father, a dentist, by choosing a career in the dental field. I had seen commercials on TV for Pima Medical Institute, so I went to their website to get more information and enrolled in its nine-month Dental Assistant (DA) program. My experience as a student was great. I became very close to my classmates and appreciated how well my instructors prepared me for my new career. I had never excelled in academics before, but I set a goal to graduate with honors and I gave it my all. To my surprise, I was presented the Richard L. Luebke Sr. Memorial Award for academic achievement through outstanding persistence at graduation. I found a DA position right after graduation at Lakewood Modern Dentistry, the same company where I'd done my externship, and worked there for six months. For the last year I've been working at Omaha & Council Bluffs Oral Surgery as a Surgical Assistant. I am considering dental hygiene school in the future, but I am enjoying my place in oral surgery as well as focusing on gaining more experience for now. I'd like to thank my Pima Medical instructors who believed in me even when I couldn't believe in myself. The things I learned and the confidence I've gained from them are still with me every single time I assist my surgeon. I know it sounds cliche, but attending Pima Medical really did change my life!

After 12 years working primarily as a public health nurse at a Federally Qualified Health Center (BQHC) serving medically underserved populations, I became a supervisor at the Florida Department of Health. It was then that I realized that I needed to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to remain competitive in the job market. When I changed jobs, my new employer offered a deal I couldn't pass up; a FREE RN to BSN program, with the only contingency being that I remain with them 12 months after my degree attainment. I was initially accepted at a much larger and well-known university for an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, but the communication between myself and their recruiters left a lot to be desired, and as an older student who had never taken online classes, it spooked me. I searched and found Pima Medical Institute's online BSN program. I applied and was immediately welcomed by a veritable squad of people helping ease my fears and walk me through a new-to-me online educational experience. The director even called me personally to ensure the program fit my needs for maximum success. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA this past May, and I couldn't praise my professors or fellow students more! I had access to kind and helpful staff even at odd hours, and it has helped me become so much more confident in my current practice. My positive educational experience at Pima Medical has me seriously considering the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) online program. This is something that was never on my radar before and I know I would only want to tackle this goal with Pima Medical Institute.

After graduating from high school in Rio Rico, I moved to Tucson to attend a community college, but it just wasn't the right place for me. One of my friends had gone to Pima Medical Institute, and after checking out their Medical Assistant (MA) program, I thought-this is perfect! The program was fast, flexible, and had no wasted classes. Since there were options for morning, afternoon or evening classes, I was able to continue working while attending school. At just 19 years of age, I graduated with my certificate and started working in a "grown up job" while most of my friends were still in college. I knew I had made the right choice. I landed a job at Catalina Pediatrics where I worked as an MA for 13 years, eventually becoming the back-office manager. Wanting more, I considered nursing, but a co-worker suggested I look into Respiratory Therapy (RT). When I found out Pima Medical had an RT program, I knew it was for me. The classes were challenging, but my instructors were supportive, and my classmates and I helped each other through the program. The biggest challenge I faced was during my ICU rotation, when COVID hit and we were sent home. After graduating, I saw a job opening at Banner Main as Program Manager for their Sleep Research Lab. I applied, and got the job! It was a tough first year learning the ins and outs of research, but now I love the responsibility and even the pressure. If I hadn't gone back to school for RT, I wouldn't be where I am today, with a job I love. My advice? Whether you're 19 or 39, go to school. Pima Medical gave me opportunities I never imagined, and it can do the same for you!

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.

I had been working at a grocery store for 12 years when I decided it was time for a change. I hadn't been in school in a very long time and wasn't quite ready to commit to a four-year university. When I found Pima Medical Institute, it felt like the right fit for me in my stage of life. I chose the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program because I viewed it as a great stepping stone into a career in the medical field. I really enjoyed my time at Pima Medical. It was exciting to be in a learning environment surrounded by students who were all motivated to succeed. My biggest challenge was balancing full-time work with evening classes while still finding time to study. It wasn't easy, but I did it! The thing I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the genuine commitment to student success. There was always help available whenever I had questions or needed support. Because of that, I walked out of the program feeling prepared and confident in my new profession. Upon graduation, I quickly found a job and began working as a Medical Assistant with Providence in family practice, where I stayed for six years. Currently, I work for Optum Primary Care, continuing my career in family medicine. While at Providence, I had the opportunity to be a preceptor in the apprentice program, and I hope to take on that role again at Optum in the future. Educating and mentoring others is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the field of healthcare.