WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

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.

As a working mother, I'd always had an interest in rehabilitation. So once my kids got older, I transitioned to a new job and started my education. I met an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) at work who told me I was wasting my time at the university and encouraged me to check out Pima Medical Institute's OTA 20-month program. I checked it out and was hooked. The classes were personal and the instructors were great! After graduation, I obtained a job at a skilled nursing facility. Within a few months, I noticed I was drawn to the administrative side. Another Pima Medical graduate strongly encouraged me to consider in the online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program, and I enrolled. The program offered real-world education I could use immediately. Getting my bachelor's degree led me back to Pima Medical as an OTA instructor and subsequently the Clinical Education Director at the Mesa Campus. Being a graduate of the same program allowed me to relate to the challenges and struggles of my students. I was able to help them have a sense of pride in their accomplishments. That's what my instructors had done for me. When Pima Medical launched its master's degree program (MSOL), I enrolled in the first class. Recently, I was offered the position of Director of Therapy over all three Abor Clinics in the Phoenix area. My degree totally prepared me for this job. Many master's degrees are theoretical in nature, but this degree has provided the skills I need to do exactly what I'm doing now and I love it. Choosing to continue my education was certainly a sacrifice, but in the end that sacrifice was worth it. Everything I gave up for a time has come back to me tenfold and I can't believe it's only taken me six years to get here! Pima Medical helped me view myself through the lens of success.

For the past 15 years I have been the Director of a Mohs Laboratory where we perform surgeries to treat skin cancer. At the age of 25, I found myself newly married with two children, working part-time and wanting to obtain a career in the medical field. I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program where I was able to have a flexible schedule and a really good experience. My instructors were all great and encouraging and I felt very prepared for my new profession. Pima Medical placed me at a Family Practice for my externship, where I was hired, providing me with a great first job experience. Later, I was hired and trained to be a Histotechnician while on the job at the California Skin Surgery Center where I was quickly promoted. I also assisted in many surgeries in this position and helped them build their business from five surgeries a day to 15- 17 a day. Because education and teaching others has always been a passion of mine, I've been studying science and nutrition and am currently working toward earning a health coaching certification. I am thankful for my education at Pima Medical and would recommend it to anyone looking for a rewarding healthcare career.

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.

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.

After high school, I spent four years juggling two jobs-one at Office Max and the other at a bakery-when one day, my aunt called and asked if I wanted to go back to school with her. I had no idea what she meant, but I agreed. That's how I found Pima Medical Institute. I chose the Medical Assistant (MA) program because, when my dad was ill, I saw firsthand the impact healthcare professionals can have on a person's life. I wanted to do that too, and the program was only nine months long, which made it a perfect fit for me. I loved every minute of the MA program! The hands-on training felt so different from high school, and I found myself excited to learn. In particular, I discovered I had a passion for injections and blood draws. When it was time for my externship, I was nervous, but my head MA was incredibly supportive, and I quickly found that it all came naturally to me. Toward the end of the program our homework assignment was to apply for three MA positions. Afterwards, I didn't think much about it, but to my surprise, Saguaro Dermatology called and hired me. Dermatology is fast-paced and challenging, but I love it. My favorite part is working with skin cancers and assisting in surgeries. I also enjoy my role in the lab, processing tissue samples as a histotech. Since relocating to Tucson, I easily found another dermatology position, and I couldn't be happier. Pima Medical set me on a path I'm truly passionate about, and I'd do it all over again. If you're thinking about a medical career, don't hesitate-come to Pima Medical. You won't regret it!

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.

My wife, a nurse for 12 years, always encouraged me to join the medical field, but I kept putting it off. I worked as an insurance adjuster, traveling to areas hit by natural disasters, often being gone for 21 days at a time. With young children and older kids involved in activities, I was missing too much. One day, I told my wife I was ready to resign and pursue a medical career at the end of the year. Just a week later, I was let go from my job. We actually laughed at the timing. At the same time, my grandmother began having health problems. Caring for her made me realize the urgency of getting into the medical field-not just for my career, but to better understand her needs. My best friend had gone through Pima Medical's Practical Nursing (PN) program and had encouraged me to join him, but I wasn't ready then. Now, I knew it was the right choice and the right timing. The PN program was very challenging for me, but I developed a strong small group of classmates who supported me and I had caring instructors who offered extra help. However, when my dear grandmother passed away on Christmas Eve, I was crushed. She had raised me and was my biggest cheerleader and I just wanted to quit. I arranged to meet with my director to withdraw from the program, but she encouraged me to stay. My wife reminded me why I had started the program, and decided to continue. I completed the PN program but still struggling with the loss, I failed my NCLEX exam twice. I felt so defeated, but I knew I couldn't give up. After passing on my third attempt, I drove to Pima Medical to hug my program director and we shared an emotional moment. I am excited for my new career at the Center at Lowry, a rehabilitation facility where I did clinicals. I can't thank Pima Medical Institute enough; the instructors, especially Director Risner, were amazing and I wouldn't be where I am without them!

I was a very young mom while working at Ross Dress for Less, and that experience really pushed me to think about my future. I knew I wanted to build a better life-not just for myself, but especially for my daughter. I've always been drawn to healthcare, but I had to be realistic; going to school full-time just wasn't an option. I researched programs that would allow me to balance both responsibilities, and that's when I came across Pima Medical Institute's Seattle Campus. It stood out because of its flexibility and focus on hands-on training. My experience as a student was really positive. The biggest challenges I faced weren't with the school itself, but with balancing everything in my personal life. Being a full-time mom while also working part-time and going to school wasn't easy. One thing I really appreciated was the support from the teachers. They were always willing to help, and it didn't feel like I was going through the program alone. I felt like they genuinely cared about my success, and the friends I made during the program have become lifelong supportive friends! After graduating in 2010, I stayed consistent and patient in my job search and found my first roles with a pediatrician and at HealthPoint Community Clinic. Over the years, I've gained leadership experience in pediatrics, cardiology, urgent care, primary care and internal medicine. Right now, I'm continuing my education and working toward my bachelor's degree in Healthcare Informatics. I want to combine my clinical experience with informatics to make a broader impact on the systems and technology that support healthcare. If you're thinking about Pima Medical Institute, go tour it-you won't be disappointed!