Shortly after graduating from high school I found myself attending a community college with the intent of majoring in psychology. One day my psychology teacher shared a list of "1000 Jobs Built to Last" and RAD Tech caught my attention, as I'd always had an interest in the medical field. When I mentioned this to my teacher, he told me about Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program, gave me a brochure and I ended up enrolling. I was one of the youngest students in the program, but the diversity of age groups was really helpful for me. The program is very intense and fast paced so I took advantage of every tutoring opportunity. I had three amazing instructors who prepared me, allowing me to score a 98 on my boards, and taught me invaluable life skills.
I got some great experience at my first job at a radiology clinic, but I really missed the hospital setting so after a few years I obtained a position at Banner/Good Samaritan. Within the first year I was able to work into leadership and I have benefitted from Banner's leadership development programs over the last 21 years. I also obtained both my bachelor's and master's degree in business management. I've held roles of supervisor, senior manager, director, associate administrator. Currently, I am the Chief Operating Officer at both Banner University Medical Center Tucson and South Campuses. Having been a clinician has been really helpful for me in understanding the needs of both our patients and employees.
I recommend becoming a Rad Tech. You make good money and I have found it to be stable, even in uncertain economies. Plus, the sky is the limit! Not only do you have many specialty options (CT, Mammography, Ultrasound, MRI, Interventional Radiology), you get to integrate with the whole hospital and become a core part of what makes a hospital run. This allows for an easy step into leadership. I never entered this career saying I wanted to be the COO, I just wanted to make the world a better place for people.
Choosing to attend the RAD program at Pima Medical Institute was one of the best decisions I've made.
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Maria Christina Baxley is a two-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute. Baxley earned an Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree in 2017 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration in 2026. Baxley is now sharing that knowledge and love for OTA as an instructor at our El Paso campus.
How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
My journey to Pima Medical Institute began when the school stepped up in El Paso to help students from a closing institution complete their education; a group that included my brother-in-law. Hearing their experiences revealed how my background in construction and ADA compliance naturally aligned with the field, particularly in home modifications. As I looked deeper into the program, I realized this was my next path. I wanted to serve my community on a deeper level, moving beyond structural changes to actively participate in client care, track their progress, and be a meaningful part of their rehabilitation.
What was your experience like as a student in your program(s)?
Stepping back into academia after a 20-year gap was one of the toughest challenges I've faced. Entering the medical field without prior experience meant starting from scratch, but I leveraged the unique skill set I developed in construction and bartending. I used practical mnemonic strategies to master complex concepts. Fueled by a determination to redefine my future, I dedicated myself entirely to the program. Earning this degree proved that those sacrifices were completely worth it.
What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
One of the things I appreciate most about Pima Medical Institute is the strong alignment between the administration and the instructors. Their shared priority isn't just student turnover or enrollment numbers, it's a genuine commitment to student well-being and education. This supportive environment ultimately empowers us to provide the highest quality care to the patients in our communities.
After completing my Level II fieldwork, I earned my COTA certification and state license, beginning my career in pediatric practice. Over the next three and a half years, I gained invaluable clinical experience working with children. When the opportunity arose to join Pima Medical Institute as a Lab Assistant, I jumped at the chance. Teaching as an OTA instructor had long been a goal of mine, and this role marked an exciting first step toward fulfilling that dream.
Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
Yes- I would recommend Pima Medical Institute! Over the past six years, I have transitioned into an Instructor role while earning my Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration through the institution. Looking ahead, I am actively pursuing HSE and OSHA 500 certifications. My next professional milestone is to combine my clinical, educational, and trade experience to become a Safety Coordinator Instructor.
Looking back, I am deeply grateful for every opportunity I embraced and for the perseverance that kept me moving forward. My journey taught me that with determination and the right support, no challenge is out of reach. I set a goal, built a plan, and executed it, and today, I am living the result. Thank you, Pima Medical Institute for being such a vital part of my success!
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I was working at a veterinary clinic for 7 years where I'd started as a receptionist and worked my way up to the senior veterinary assistant. I was even the trainer for interns and new employees. When I applied for the position of practice manager I was turned down. I knew the missing piece in my career was education, so I headed to Pima Medical Institute. I had experienced and trained students from many different colleges over the years and it was clear PMI students were more willing to learn and came with more hands on experience. I didn't need to do any research to know I wanted to attend PMI.
The veterinary assistant part of the program came easy for me since I'd already been working in the field. During this time I really enjoyed mentoring and helping my fellow classmates. I even jokingly told the instructor she should hire me to teach. Shortly after I graduated from the veterinary technician program and passed my boards, the program director invited me back to PMI to assist her with a lab. At the end of the lab she informed me I'd just finished a job interview and offer me a position as an instructor.
I love my job teaching at PMI! It is really rewarding to be able to pass my knowledge on to someone else. I'm still doing some relief work and keeping my skills up to par. In the future I'd like to continue my education.
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After working at a grocery store for 15 years, I decided I'd had enough and it was time to find a new career. I was driving past Pima Medical Institute one day and I decided to stop and talk with their admissions department. I signed up for the Respiratory Therapy program before I left that day and started the program a couple months later. It was tough learning to study and become a student all over again. But once I got back into it, I decided to just keep going. So, currently I'm finishing up my bachelor degree.
While a student, I really enjoyed my clinical experiences and they made me really excited to become a respiratory therapist. I also had the privilege of representing PMI on a Student Sputum Bowl Team, which is a Jeopardy type game answering respiratory questions. Our team won the state level and went on to compete at the national competition. While there I was able to make connections with other therapists and graduates from PMI, one of which would later offer me my current position. I actually had 3 job offers after graduation and chose to accept one at my current employer, Green Valley Hospital. It was quite an experience to open a brand new hospital; to build the shelves and set everything up and now I'm doing what I love. I had such a great experience at PMI and always felt supported by my instructors. Now, I recognize how they have created a community for their graduates.
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Pima Medical Institute was a great place for me. I was going through chaos in my personal life, but I wanted something more and I didn't want to be a statistic. The instructors there see your struggles and your desires and they push you and care for you in a way that enables you to be successful.
I always had the dream of becoming a veterinarian but life got in the way. I started the Veterinary Assistant program at Pima Medical as a single mom with 7-month-old twins. The evening program worked perfectly for me and I liked that the instructors set clear expectations and then helped us meet them. I started the Veterinary Technician (VT) program in 2015 but due to personal struggles, I had to drop out. I would often call and try and re-enroll, but each time something stood in the way. Finally, in 2018 my program director, Ms. V., agreed to give me another chance. I entered the program pregnant but determined to give it my all. My instructors were great and Ms. V. even visited me in the hospital when I had my baby and helped me through my many struggles. I had never even ridden a horse before, but I found a passion I didn't know I had during our equine class. I was placed at an equine specialty clinic for my externship and I loved my time there!
I've also been offered a position at another clinic, but am waiting and hoping to get an official job offer from the equine clinic. I cried the last day of my externship because I did it!! It felt so good to complete something. I have an associate's degree even though many thought I'd never finish high school, and I have a career that will enable me to provide for my children.
I don't have the words to adequately thank Pima Medical and my instructors, especially Ms. V. She pushed me, encouraged me, never judged me and never gave me special treatment. She believed in me and I did it!
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1. Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online?
I completed both the online Health Care Administration associate and bachelor's degree programs. I became a Medical Assistant in 1990 and always regretted not continuing on to get my degree right then. At times I felt inferior to those around me who had their degree and I watched them being promoted while I could only advance to a certain level.
2. What made you choose PMI's program?
Working for Pima Medical shed a light on a program that I could do and still keep my 'day job' as an instructor. The online Health Care Administration program was a fit because I needed to work full-time to support my family.
3. What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load?
I found that the hours of study time were pretty easy compared to what I thought it would be. The program was laid out so straightforward. I had always associated online learning as being a little more challenging than learning in the classroom setting. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. So, I immediately enrolled in the bachelor's program while I still had the momentum of being in school. The education I received took a step-by-step approach that was easy for me to understand, achieve and maintain my 4.0 GPA and graduate with honors. Being an instructor, I could not accept anything less of myself, and I DID IT! I had some challenging days during my program. My father had been diagnosed with cancer and passed away during my last 3-4 months of classes. It was his dream for me to obtain my degree because he knew how I would feel if I earned it. It was one of the most challenging times I can remember and the Pima Medical instructors and program directors were there for me. They truly helped make my life a little easier at school, knowing I was suffering so much in my personal life. I can't thank them enough for helping me through it. It made all the difference when it came to me finishing and getting my degree.
4. Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program?
I recommend both of these programs to any medical professional or to anyone who would like to become one. It is an education that can go in any direction you want to take it, from medical assisting to management or hospital administration. The sky's the limit on where you can take your education once you have achieved it!!
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I was in my early 20's, ready to complete a degree in finance when I realized I really didn't want to spend my life sitting behind a desk. I had a few family members working in the radiography field and I noticed they not only had a great career, but they could choose to work in different modalities and had lots of variety in their jobs. I began researching, found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled.
I had wonderful instructors! It's an intense and tough program, but the way the program is structured really makes you feel prepared for your profession. I enjoyed the shorter rotations for clinicals which exposed me to many different areas and modalities. Once I knew what I was looking for, I was able to complete multiple rotations in my area of interest which prepared me for a job at that very location. I was hired at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and after a year I was promoted to a charge technologist and almost 2 years ago I moved into the role of General Radiology Supervisor. I love the fast-paced environment at UNMH. We're the only trauma one hospital in the state and we see something new every day. I'm not the only Pima Medical graduate in my department, we currently have five employees that were my classmates and each year I hire multiple new Pima Medical new graduates.
Pima Medical provided a great education and really prepared me for the field.
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My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and trached throughout her life, so I was familiar with respiratory. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's RT program.
I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings, and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master's Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as their Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO.
I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it whether you're at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.
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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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I was looking for a change from my previous jobs in food service and explored various community colleges in Seattle. After considering culinary arts, I decided to pursue a healthcare career where I knew jobs were more in demand. I chose Pima Medical Institute because the stories from previous graduates resonated with me. They were just like me, seeking change and career advancement. Despite having no prior knowledge or experience in pharmacy, I chose the Pharmacy Technician program to challenge myself.
My experience at Pima Medical was fun and engaging. The courses, from Career Prep to the Pharmacy Technician classes, were well planned. I learned everything I needed to succeed. The biggest challenge was balancing homework and projects with a full-time job, but it was worth it. The support from the staff at Pima's Renton campus was invaluable. The admissions and financial aid advisors helped me with my FAFSA, easing my financial worries. My Career Prep instructor made learning exciting and engaging. The staff provided support and organized stress-relieving activities like the Halloween costume contest. My instructor imparted all the pharmacy knowledge I needed and now apply daily in my work.
Since graduating from Pima Medical in 2018, I worked at ReadyMeds for nearly four years and I've spent the last several years working as a Specialty Pharmacy Technician at Kaiser Permanente of Washington. I highly recommend Pima Medical Institute for the support and programs they offer to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your career. Now I'm one of those graduates sharing my story to inspire others!
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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.
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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.
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