After completing a bachelor's degree, I was still left without a career. I worked the front desk at an eye doctor's office for 3 years and when the doctor decided to retire, I knew I needed to find a career. I was fascinated with x-rays so began looking into radiography programs. I heard a radio advertisement for PMI. When I learned I could begin almost immediately, unlike other programs I'd researched, I enrolled in their Radiography Program.
I found the program to be completely different than my university student experience. I had the same 30 classmates throughout the program, all with the same goal, and we became friends. The instructors made it fun to learn and the hands-on-experience was invaluable. I felt prepared and hit the ground running when I got to my clinicals. I had a great experience at Maricopa Medical Center and they called me about a job not long after graduation. It wasn't long before I became a clinical instructor and a lead. I am currently supervisor of diagnostic imaging and I look forward to coming to work every day!
I'm currently getting my master's degree in Public Health, which fits very well with this particular hospital as we service the underserved. I received a great education at PMI and I've come full circle in that now I help train new students just as I once was. Pima Medical Institute is well spoken of around here and I'm proud of that.
|
When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it.
I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
|
When a friend of mine signed up for the Medical Assistant program at PMI, he invited me to come along. I spoke with the directors and some students and the next thing I knew I was signing up for classes. I chose the Medical Assistant program because when I was growing up I'd watched my grandparents needing help and also because I love helping others. I learned so much in the program. You not only grow as a person, but you grow as a family. I met some great people who became like my second family.
Although the first day at my clinicals was scary, I also felt very prepared. It wasn't long before I was being hired for that same position. I started at the bottom at my first job, but quickly worked my way up to a lead position.
I'm currently working at Southwest Gastroenterology Associates where I am learning a specialty. They pay for all of my qualifications and I'm being trained on the job as procedure technician. I help prepare the patients for procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies. It requires me to have great bedside manner and to be prepared for anything. I also work side by side with a physician during procedures. PMI prepared me and gave me a great start and I've just kept learning.
|
After my husband and I were transferred from the East Coast to Seattle, I began researching reputable Medical Assistant programs. My search brought me to Pima Medical Institute.
I found the MA program to be fast paced, but my instructor was excellent and she was always there to help if there was something I didn't understand. It was more than book learning; our instructors had us practice techniques and geared our learning toward what we needed to know to be a professional. The whole process was quite smooth.
I am currently employed by MultiCare as a Medical Assistant for a primary care doctor. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed at my new job. The doctor is fun, easy to work for, and he takes it upon himself to help me learn. The manger is also very flexible and would like to promote me if I were to further my education.
So, I have enrolled in PMI's online Health Care Administration associate's degree and plan to continue in the bachelor's degree program. I had such a great experience at PMI's Renton Campus and felt so well cared for by my instructors and Career Services, I trusted I would have the same kind of support in the online programs. I love my job and I'm looking forward to a long career in health care.
|
I served in the US Marine Corps for 4 years and participated in the 1991 Gulf War. After my honorable discharge I worked at a casino as a dealer, pit boss and then shift manager, but smoke allergies ended any chance of continuing in that field. I began working as an auditor, but I wanted a new career. My girlfriend graduated from Pima Medical Institute and she suggested I check out the Dental Assistant program and I enrolled. Going back to school after 30 years was very intimidating, but both of my instructors were encouraging and made it easier for me. One of my biggest challenges was getting to class on time each morning since I was working as a night auditor. I met great people who helped me when I needed it. Most importantly, PMI gave me a new career.
I was able to complete my externship at the Pima Hygiene Clinic and even worked there for a time while waiting for my position with the VA. I am currently working for the Veterans Administration in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Being a former veteran myself, it was a goal of mine to help other veterans. Once I am able to gain more experience, my eventual goal would be to come back to PMI as an instructor.
I would like to say "Thank You" to everyone at PMI - from the campus director to my instructors. If it were not for them, I would not be where I am today - enjoying my new career as a Dental Assistant.
|
I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job!
It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision.
Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful.
When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!
|
I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. When my oldest child headed to college I felt like I had lost my identity and purpose, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to be behind a desk and I enjoyed being on my feet and using my hands. So when I saw the commercial for the Dental Assisting Program and Pima Medical Institute, I decided it might be a fit for me.
It was somewhat intimidating going back to school when I was the oldest student in the class and it was certainly challenging having homework again while balancing family and home life. But, my instructor was helpful and cheered me on.
I felt very prepared, although extremely nervous, for my hands on externship experience. But I learned so much and it helped me understand that I really wanted to work in a specialty area of dentistry. I was initially hired at a general practice but soon found the place I really belonged; a periodontist office. I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. I have great coworkers and wonderful doctors who continue to teach me about their specialty. I love it all and am so happy!
Pima Medical has been so good in helping me go from "what's my purpose?" to "this is where I should be!" Finding that out and being happy where I am has been everything. It has done so much for me! Plus, my kids are really proud of me.
I love the patients!
It's different every day!
It's a lot of fun.
I love it! I'm so glad I did this!
|
I received my Medical Assistant (MA) certificate from Pima Medical Institute's Renton Campus back in 2007. I was a high school dropout at age 16. A few years later, I was working at a grocery store and felt like I wasn't going anywhere. I found Pima Medical through a coworker who was attending and since my mom had been an MA and I felt I had disappointed my parents, I signed up.
I did not stay in medical assisting, but I used my education from Pima Medical to further my career in the healthcare field on the administration side of things. Over 14 years I have worked at a number of healthcare facilities, including Neurology, Ear, Nose, and Throat, and Facial Plastic Surgery.
In 2020 I received an alumni email from Pima Medical Institute which prompted me to continue my education in their online Health Care Administration program. I've just completed my associate degree and am enrolled in the bachelor's program with the goal of continuing on to the master's program.
I work full time at my dream job where I help teach providers how to use function medicine in their clinics. Recently, as a result of completing my associate degree, I received the promotion I have been waiting for as the Senior Production Specialist. I am so thankful for Pima Medical, I would not be where I am today without their help. My online classes taught me exactly what I needed to be successful in my current job. All of my instructors helped me get through this year; they were always available when I had questions and made the process extremely smooth and comfortable.
Pima Medical gave me an amazing career in the medical field and I can't wait to see what my future holds!
|
Dentistry was always in my plan, but life took a turn when I became a young mom while attending NMSU (New Mexico State University). Returning home, I started working for a family friend's dental practice, fell in love with the field, and decided to officially pursue a career in Dental Assisting (DA). I was looking for a fast-paced program and Pima Medical Institute was the perfect fit. My experience there was fantastic-I applied what I learned on the job and made lifelong friends.
After working as a dental assistant for a year, I decided to further my career and enrolled in the Dental Hygiene (DH) program at Pima Medical. The program was challenging, but the instructors were incredible. I was taught by some of the icons of dental hygiene and I thrived in the rigorous environment. Upon graduation, I quickly secured a job as a dental hygienist, working five days a week to maximize my education. Over time, I got married, had another son, and excelled in my career, and began working in a corporate dental setting. In 2021, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor in the hygiene clinic, a full-circle moment. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Not only did I find my passion for teaching, I got to continue learning alongside my students.
Currently, I'm preparing to open New Mexico's first dental hygiene studio to meet the needs of preventative care. I hope to employ several dental hygienists and we plan to collaborate with local dentists. I'm also starting a dental hygiene consulting business. I am excited about this business venture and genuinely credit my success to the education I received at Pima Medical. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors for shaping me into the professional I am today.
|
I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients.
I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job.
Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.
|
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.
|
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.
|
