WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

In 2012 I was in a bad accident and spent time in the hospital. This experience enabled me to observe the nurses and see how they cared for people. I had been working as a team lead at Target for a number of years but I decided that I wanted to do more than help people spend money, so I began pursuing the medical field. I started as a CNA and after 4 years decided I wanted to attend school to become an LPN. I heard about Pima Medical Institute on the radio and got excited about attending their Practical Nursing program. I have to admit my first sequence of classes was really challenging! The whole program was a huge learning experience for me, but my hard work paid off. I appreciated how the whole program was laid out ahead of time, including our course work and the schedule. This really helped us be successful. I was offered a job at my clinical site. The administrator took notice of me and offered me a position as a unit manager, not your typical first job as an LPN. I believe Pima Medical helped me develop a level of confidence that made a difference in obtaining this position. Recently, I was contacted by another facility and offered a job as another unit manager. I am honored and proud that in such a short time my education and hard work has provided opportunities for growth in my career. Pima Medical prepared me to be successful. The encouragement and support I got from my instructors was just overwhelming, and it's an experience I am always going to cherish.

I am proud to say I am a radiologic technologist at Sharps Memorial Hospital, a level two trauma center, in San Diego, CA. Because of my new career, my wife and children are well cared for and we are finally financially secure. I had to make huge sacrifices and I almost failed, but I don't regret my decision to take this journey. After being rejected by two programs, I was accepted at Pima Medical Institute's Albuquerque Campus Radiography program. The only problem was, we were living in San Diego. I quit my job, drove to Albuquerque (a place I'd never even visited) on a Saturday, got an apartment and started my classes on Monday. I am a hands-on-learner, not a book scholar, so the first couple semesters were very difficult and I was close to failing the program. My instructors were always there for me when I needed them. My classmates and instructors became my ABQ family. For over two years, I lived separate from my family, only making trips back and forth when we could. It was SO hard! I am currently working the graveyard shift. I am called upon to perform lots of COVID X-rays in the ICU, and within the entire hospital while performing different types of X-rays at the trauma room, ER, NICU, PACU and OR. I feel prepared and qualified, but no one could have prepared me for the number of code blues and deaths I am seeing right now due to COVID. I'm grateful to Pima Medical Institute and I know all the difficulties I had to overcome were worth the end result. I've improved my life and my family's life. My advice to prospective students is don't be afraid or doubt yourself and never give up!

I was a single mom with two children living in a really small town and working at a hardware store. I knew I needed an education and my drive was my kids. One day I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute and I said, "Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - I want to do that!" I worked in the mornings, attended afternoon classes, and spent the evenings being a mom and studying. It was really difficult! But, the support I had from my instructors kept me going and it was completely worth it. I never felt like I was good at anything in my life until I became a PTA. A year later I started Pima Medical's online Physical Therapist Assistant Bachelor of Science (BSPTA) program. Not only was it helpful for my professional development, as a result of continuing my education, I was able to get a promotion. I met my current husband in the PTA program. I literally opened the door to the lab for him one day and opened the door to a new life. In 2015, my husband and I started an outpatient rehabilitation facility, of which I am the director. It was a lot of hard work and I had to learn all the processes and make sure things were done the right way. But, we continue to grow and we love hiring Pima Medical graduates! I recently enrolled in Pima Medical's Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program. I feel like I've already learned so much about the kind of leader I am and the kind of leader I want to be. The possibilities are endless with this degree, especially being in a rural community and wanting to advocate for public health. This degree will give me credibility. Pima Medical has been essential in my growth as a person and as a professional and I am so grateful!

After working for a time as a Metropolitan Transit System bus operator, I realized I couldn't do it my whole life. After my daughter was born, I decided to pursue a career. My mom had completed the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute years earlier and I have always had an interest in the medical field. So, I went to Pima Medical, heard about their program offerings and the Pharmacy Technician program piqued my interest and I enrolled. I loved the program. Everyone talked about pharmacy math being hard, but it just stuck with me and I didn't find it difficult. My classmates were wonderful and I made great friends. Pima Medical's externship program gave me experience in multiple settings. I enjoyed both, but learned that I definitely preferred the fast-paced setting of the hospital over the retail site. After graduation I ended up with two job offers. I chose a position at Scripps Mercy Hospital since it offered both full time and benefits, which I needed to provide for my little girl. I've since been promoted to a Technician II position and I just love my job and my new career! I love the environment, my co-workers and the busyness; there's never a dull moment and always work to be done. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical Institute. I had a great experience and the best instructor. The opportunities for my future are endless; I've considered becoming a buyer, a narcotics specialist, a system analyst or even becoming a pharmacist.

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.

At age 19, I started at Pima Medical Institute after realizing that my initial path at UNM wasn't the right fit for me at that time. A friend suggested looking into CT technology, and after some research, I found that Pima Medical's Radiography (RAD) program offered a quicker and more fitting path to my career goals. The structured environment in the RAD program was exactly what I needed, although it wasn't always easy. My father passed away during my second semester, which made it tough to stay on track, but with the support of the school, I persevered. The clinical experiences were mostly positive, giving me valuable hands-on learning. Even in challenging situations, I gained skills by working independently, which proved to be great learning experiences. Graduating in 2004, I entered the workforce during a tech shortage and quickly landed a job. I started in x-ray and, over the years, expanded my expertise by becoming registered in mammography, bone density, and MRI. However, I chose to focus on mammography, as it offered a better work-life balance compared to MRI. After a decade at a hospital, I transitioned to a quieter clinic setting where I could work more independently, which suits me well. I've been at a small clinic for nearly a year now, enjoying the stability and better hours. Alongside my career, I'm also completing my bachelor's degree in university studies, thanks to a state program offering free classes to those close to finishing their degree. Looking ahead, I'm content with where I am but open to new opportunities, possibly in management. Pima Medical set me up for success, giving me the tools I needed to start and grow my career in radiology. Now 20 years later, I'm grateful for the education and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.

When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support. The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set. My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way. I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.

After running a travel agency for fifteen years, I began searching for a new career in the medical field. I'd always been interested in photography, so radiology seemed like a natural fit. At 43, I returned to school to earn my associate degree in Radiologic Science. I gained experience working at a regional hospital in Minnesota, learning X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Then in 2014, my husband and I, looking to fulfill our dream, moved to Alaska where I became a multi-modality technologist with Providence in Seward. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, leading a $1.8 million department remodel to improve patient care. Upgrading our equipment to include a new CT scanner and digital X-ray systems has enabled us to offer year-round mammography, allowing for earlier breast cancer detection and better outcomes. In 2023, my love for learning led me to Pima Medical Institute, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS) online. Graduating with honors was a major accomplishment. I was especially impressed with the instructors and the quality of education at Pima Medical, and I'm proud to be a graduate. We are a critical care access hospital that sees patients from around the world. Tourists visit our community for various reasons, such as sport fishing, sightseeing, mountain hiking, mountain biking and cruise ships. This year we had ninety-six cruise ships bringing thousands of passengers on and off the ship. In my role, I often meet patients on one of the toughest days of their lives. My goal is to make a difference for them. I'm grateful for the skills and support from Pima Medical that has allowed me to provide the best care possible.

I grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level. Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family. I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.