WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was getting ready to retire from the department of corrections and I knew I wanted a second career in the medical field. My sister was enrolled in PMI's Occupational Therapy Assistant program and she encouraged me to join her, but I just didn't quite understand it. Then my mother-in-law had a stroke and as I visited her in the rehabilitation facility and asked questions of her therapist, I realized this was the field my sister was talking about. The light went on for me and I knew it was the career field I wanted. A week after I retired, I started the OTA program at Pima Medical Institute. One of my first thoughts was, I am the oldest person here and I have nothing in common with my classmates. But, it wasn't that way at all! Everyone is on the same level, learning the same things, and you need each other. My instructors offered us life experience that you just don't find in a book and they were so encouraging. No matter how good your education is in the classroom, you're never totally prepared for clinicals. But once I was there, everything seemed to click and I knew just what to do. I loved the clinic atmosphere and I fell in love with pediatrics. I wish I would have started 20 years ago, but I've learned you're never too old to learn! My son was my at home study partner while I was in school. Now, he and his girlfriend have enrolled in the OTA program at PMI starting later this year. It's becoming a family affair!

After high school I found myself unsure of what I wanted to do. After jumping around from job to job, I always found myself gravitating toward jobs with animals, so I began researching schools with veterinary programs. I had visited several other schools before coming to Pima Medical Institute, but when I walked through the doors at PMI, it had a different feel. Once I learned more about PMI's Veterinary Assistant program, I realized it was going to be a perfect fit. The teachers made it very easy for me to want to learn and attend classes every day. They were always available to help me understand the concepts I needed to learn in order to succeed. My favorite part was the surgical aspect and the behind the scenes care needed to solve problems. Jumping into the clinic was a little intimidating at first, but PMI taught me to reach for and grasp onto all I could during my externship experience. In the end, my externship site wanted to hire me as soon as I finished! I accepted the job offer and I am now working as a Veterinary Assistant at the very fast-paced Vet Med Emergency Clinic in Phoenix! I often walk through the door and immediately step into situations where I am hands-on both with the doctors and the animals and don't stop until my shift has ended! I plan to continue my education in PMI's Veterinary Technician program and further my career and I'd like to specialize in Arizona wildlife and work with endangered species. PMI has offered me a great starting point in the animal field and has provided me an excellent path for success.

Which program did you complete and what made you decide to continue your education online? I completed the online Health Care Administration associate degree program. What made you choose PMI's program? I chose Pima Medical's Medical Assistant program first in 1997. I had recently retired from my first career after 23 years as a restaurant manager. I quickly realized that staying at home with my hobbies wasn't enough for me. After I saw the TV advertisement, I knew that the Medical Assistant program was for me. I walked into my next career with renewed excitement and dedication to helping people in a different way from my previous career. In 2015, I chose Pima Medical's HCA program to advance my education and attain my associate degree for two very different reasons. First, I wanted to enhance my classroom teaching skills and presentations to my students. Second, with the death of my husband of 39 years, I needed direction to build on who I am without him. Both my students and myself have benefitted from that decision. What was it like to manage a full-time position and your course load? For me, managing both the full-time position and the course load was not difficult the second time. It was definitely because my children were grown and my husband was gone. I had plenty of time to dedicate to the endeavor. I realize that if my children had been small, it would have been just as hard as it was when I took the MA certification program, and it was terribly hard then. I worked at Arvada Pediatrics at the time from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. I had to be at Pima Medical from 5:50 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. With four children from 6 to 17 years old, I barely had time to breathe much less study. I used my breaks at work and a couple of hours after class to do all that was required to pass the classes. During that same time, my husband had his first heart attack and I had to take some time off to take care of him. I didn't know if I would be able to continue, but things work out for the best and I graduated in October of 1998. It wasn't easy, but it was worth every bit of the effort and anxiety. Did you feel like the coursework was practical for your profession? The course work for both the certificate and the associate degree were perfectly appropriate for the profession. I would have continued with the bachelor's program if I would have been able to earn a scholarship as I did with the associate degree. Would you encourage others to continue their education and would you recommend this program? The course work for both the certificate and the associate degree were perfectly appropriate for the profession. I would have continued with the bachelor's program if I would have been able to earn a scholarship as I did with the associate degree.

At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field. I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position. I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program. I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.

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.

After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary. Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!

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.

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.

Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made. My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared. Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home. In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy. I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!