Growing up, I always wanted to become a police officer, so when I turned 18, I signed up for an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course. My plan was to get experience and improve my resume so that I could get into the police department, but I fell in love with emergency medicine during that course. I realized there was nothing more I wanted to do with my life than become a paramedic firefighter.
Upon the recommendation of a friend who had gone through Pima Medical Institute's Paramedic program, I enrolled in the program. On the first day, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that would be required, but my instructors were fantastic, and they helped us all along the way. It's a challenging and stressful program, but it is also a lot of fun and worth it! My classmates and I became great friends, and our class almost felt like one big, dysfunctional, happy family.
I was nervous at the beginning but learned so much and had great experiences during my clinical and field experiences. The whole EMS community is very small and supportive, and it's a great profession to be in. PMI has a really good reputation in the community and has does a great job preparing students like me for the paramedic field.
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I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare but wasn't sure which path to take. While working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), I met a patient receiving Occupational Therapy (OT). I had never heard of OT before, but it intrigued me. After some research, I discovered the wide range of opportunities in the field, especially working with children. I was hooked! That's when I found Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
My time at Pima Medical was incredible. My cohort was fun and supportive, and the instructors were knowledgeable and kind. There were challenges along the way, like COVID delays during clinicals, but I never regretted my decision. The hands-on learning experiences truly prepared me for the field.
After graduation, I pursued my dream of working with children and was hired at Piller Child Development. Knowing I wanted to eventually attend graduate school, I enrolled in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. The program was quick, flexible, and allowed me to balance work, school, and life.
Now, I'm working as a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant with Mariposa Therapy Services, supporting children in schools, while attending Northern Arizona University to earn my Doctor of Occupational Therapy. I've developed a passion for feeding therapy, including sensory-based treatments and lactation consulting. My ultimate goal is to open my own feeding therapy practice.
I'm so excited for the future, and I'm grateful to Pima Medical for giving me the foundation to build a career I love.
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PMI helped me obtain my career in the medical field. A friend of mine was enrolled in their Medical Assistant program and always shared how much she enjoyed going to school. I started to look into the other programs they had to offer and decided on the Pharmacy Technician program. I wasn't sure, but since it was only a nine month course I wasn't losing much time if it wasn't a fit. I ended up loving the program and couldn't wait to start working in the field. My instructor was great and some of my classmates have become my lifelong friends.
My externship site gave me the hands on experience I needed and Career Services sent me job leads and helping me find a position. My goal was to work in the hospital setting, so I was very excited when I received a job at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). I started as a float until I learned all the different positions. Then I began working in the Operating Room (OR) pharmacy where I would make the medications and bring them to the anesthesiologists, nurses, and doctors while they were in surgery. After about a year of working in the OR, I transferred back to the central pharmacy and became a PYXIS technician, refilling the medications in the PYXIS machines on the units for the nurses. After three years, I was promoted to Pharmacy Compliance Officer. Now, I make sure UCH is compliant with the State Board of Pharmacy (SBOP) and USP 797. I am currently enrolled in school to pursue my bachelors in business and hope to continue moving up within the company at UCH.
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My husband and I have three children; we were both working but were barely able to pay our bills. I had spent several years working as a cook but I hated it. My dad is a nurse and my mom was a medical assistant for over 20 years, so I decided it was time to pursue a career in the medical field. I researched and chose Pima Medical Institute because they offered to help me with financial aid and I was interested in their Sterile Processing Technician program.
The SPT program was challenging, and I had some family struggles in that my daughter was in the hospital during my program. It was tough juggling school and being a mom to my three kids. Despite the challenges, I'm proud to say I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I'm currently working as a Sterile Processing Technician at Lovelace Hospital. I learn more every day! I am the fulltime provider of my family. My husband stays home with our three children because I make more money than both of us did put together before Pima Medical. We've moved from an apartment to a house and have gone from barely making it to having enough for extras.
Pima Medical's nine month SPT program gave me a career that has dramatically changed our life. I recently completed my associate degree through Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program. It feels so good to be able to provide for my family and I love my job!!
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At age 19 I was working as a server, I had taken a few community college classes, but had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. After taking a tour of Pima Medical Institute, I enrolled in their Veterinary Technician (VT) program. I chose the evening program so I could continue working full-time during the day. The VT program was very challenging, in fact, at one point I almost failed out as I just wasn't taking it seriously. My clinical director was amazing and had a huge impact on my life.
After externship, I was hired at my clinical site and I spent three years there. I gained great experience in anesthesia and prepping surgeries; I also found my passion there, working in dentistry. Later, I moved to a 7-doctor practice where I was able to hone in on my nursing skills and client communication. After hearing about a part-time instructor position at Pima Medical, I added teaching two nights a week to my full-time job. I had a great rapport with my students as I was able to connect with them, it wasn't too long that I, myself, had sat in those very same seats. My passion for teaching flourished and I jumped at the opportunity to be a full-time instructor. After some time, I saw an opportunity to move 1,600 miles to take a promotion at another Pima Medical campus.
My husband, son, and myself made the move from the Pacific Northwest to El Paso to become their Clinical Director. Although it was a tough transition due to COVID hitting shortly after arriving, I have such a love for the El Paso community and my co-workers. I never thought I would find my professional place in this world in the same place that gave me my education. When I think about my future, I see myself growing with Pima Medical as a company and hope to become a Program Director at one of their campuses after obtaining my bachelor's degree.
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While facing setbacks in my undergraduate BSPS (Bachelors in Science of Pharmaceutical Science) program due to grade issues, I decided to step away. My advisor from the University of Arizona (UA) suggested I apply to Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. From the moment I stepped into the program, I knew I was in the right place. I had wonderful instructors to help guide me on the path of reaching my goal. I enjoyed meeting new and different people, each with their own unique story. Probably the biggest obstacle I faced was the poor performance that was lingering from my time at UA and wanting to show that I wasn't the reason for not doing well there. I'm proud to say I cleared that hurdle and finished my program with a 4.0 GPA.
One of the most invaluable aspects of Pima Medical was the accessibility of instructors for one-on-one guidance and always knowing I could easily ask questions and get help. This bolstered my confidence during my externship, enabling me to be comfortable with my colleagues and have the confidence to ask questions. I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Banner University Medical Center Tucson. My time there as an extern showcased my capabilities, earning me a position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
I owe immense gratitude to my instructors Shaun, Sara and Grace for their unwavering support and dedication to my success. Pima Medical Institute is able to offer opportunities to those that believe they don't deserve it, when in reality they do!
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Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother.
After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.
Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.
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My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well.
Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN.
Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me.
While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business.
After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.
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