I am a Medical Assistant at Children's Hospital of Colorado where I work in the pulmonary department, and I love my job! Believe it or not, I wake up every day excited to come to work. I can't wait to see the families and kids.
Way before PMI, I was trained in the animal science field, and later my husband and I ran an HOA management company for a number of years. Unexpectedly, two family members became very ill, and walking through this very difficult experience led me to desire a career in the medical field.
After finding Pima Medical Institute, I never hesitated. I thought of it one day, signed up the next, and started the Medical Assistant program a month later. It was not only the right timing, it was the right place, and it has been an amazing journey!
I had a great student experience at Pima, and the instructors were amazing. They cared about us and were available anytime any of us needed anything. To be honest, they actually became more like friends than teachers. My current job is a perfect fit for me, and I'm so grateful for my training at PMI!
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Angela Lee is a two-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute. After earning her associate degree in respiratory therapy from our Mesa campus, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy through our 100% online program.
Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: My youngest daughter attended Pima Medical Institute a couple of years before I did. When life circumstances required a second career path I knew Pima Medical Institute was the place to go.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Phlebotomy and Veterinary programs?
A: My son and I enrolled in the respiratory program together! Being healthcare students during COVID was difficult, as everyone was learning to navigate new systems and protocols.I also experienced a divorce and moved my family during the program. It was definitely overwhelming at times!
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: The instructors relayed years of experience and skill that translated to the real world. The program director especially. When I thought I wanted to give up or quit, she constantly assured me it would be worth it, and she was right!
After finishing my associate degree, I earned my Bachelor's through Pima Medical Institute. Because it was online, I could keep working while going to school. After Pima Medical, I earned a Master's degree in Healthcare Law in May 2025 at another institution. I still work as a travel therapist and have been privileged to work at some of the most prestigious children's hospitals in the country! And I get to visit great places while I'm working!
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: I always recommend Pima Medical Institute; in fact, I convinced my new fiances two grown sons to enroll in the respiratory program at Pima Medical. It has changed my life for the better; how could I keep that kind of success a secret?
Pima Medical provides an incredible opportunity for anyone, at any stage in their journey, to get the education they need.
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My cousin had been in the Dental Assistant program at Pima Medical and that's why I decided to come here. My experience as a student was new and was very different from high school. I had to learn to be responsible and work independently. The instructors were helpful and were willing to stay after class as long as it took for me to understand or practice the material, but they didn't hold my hand. They taught me how to be a professional. I didn't realize until I began working in a dental office that I had been taught everything I needed to know to work in a professional environment.
PMI helped me find a job. After graduation they would continue to contact me to get permission to send out my resume, to follow up on possibilities, and to encourage me to stay in touch if I needed help. It was clear their goal was to help me find a job and help me pursue my career. I am so happy with the job they helped me find, but I'm not finished with school. After I gain a little on-the-job experience, my goal is to become a Dental Hygienist!
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I started my career in education working as a kindergarten teacher for 25 years. About 8 years ago, I went to Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant program in Denver and for a while I worked as both a teacher and a Medical Assistant. But I've always had an infatuation with smiles and I felt like I was ready for a change, so a few years ago, after moving to Arizona, I came back to Pima Medical Institute and attended the Dental Assistant program at the Mesa Campus. PMI is one of the best schools out there and I learned so much in both of my programs!
How did I get my job? I went in to get my teeth cleaned and ended up being offered a job by the dentist. It's a great fit for me. My dentist is always encouraging me to learn and offers opportunities for me to get more training. It's so good to have a mentor who is willing to teach or train while they're working with patients. I have been promoted to the Lead Dental Assistant. I enjoy the extra responsibility and it makes me want to strive for more.
I appreciate the start PMI gave me in the medical field. I am always learning and am considering going back for the Dental Hygiene program in the future.
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I had been interested in x-ray for years before finding and enrolling in Pima Medical Institute's accelerated Radiography program. I loved every minute of being a student at Pima Medical, despite the challenge of balancing three employment commitments while remaining dedicated to my coursework. I really appreciated the clinical experiences. I feel like all of the clinical hours really helped prepare me for what it would be like when I started working in the field. I obtained my first job at the location where I had completed the most clinical hours. They had been able to observe my skills and work ethic and consequently, had no hesitations in hiring me. Shortly following my graduation, I began studying for and successfully obtaining my CT (computerized tomography) registry. I then decided to further my career by going back to school for Radiation Therapy. I chose it because I wanted to help others beyond the short time I was seeing people as a tech.
As a Radiation Therapist at University of New Mexico Cancer Center I get to spend 3-5 weeks with patients getting to know them and their family members as I deliver their radiation treatments. It truly takes a compassionate person to be able to do this job. And even though some days do take an emotional toll and not all the patients have a good outcome, it is absolutely rewarding to be here because these patients value their life more than anyone I have helped in my career. I will always strive to be a little light in what they are going through.
I want to say a special thank you to Pima Medical for giving me my start in the medical profession and for my instructors who never stopped believing in me.
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I was a directional driller for Schlumberger Oil Company for many years. When they had a downturn in the industry, I was let go and forced to consider a career change. Both of my daughters attended Pima Medical Institute after high school, graduated from the Medical Assistant program and have successful careers. So, I decided it might be a good career for me as well!
The Medical Assistant program required a bit of an adjustment since I was as old as most of my classmate's parents, but my instructors were great and they made the program feel easy. Everything I learned at Pima Medical was what I needed to be successful in my career. After completing my externship at Kelsey Seybold Family Medicine, I began my career as a medical assistant in pediatrics and then later transferred back to where I'd completed my externship in family medicine.
I really enjoy my job! It's stressful to go through a career change, but it is so worth it! In my previous job I traveled and was only home one week a month. Now I'm home every day by 5:30 pm and am able to spend time with my wife and grandkids. My relationship with my family is so much better. I made a great decision choosing the medical field and Pima Medical Institute ... and my daughters love that I followed in their footsteps.
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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 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.
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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.
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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!
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I have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume.
Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!
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My journey into health care began with the encouragement of my aunt, Marie Defede, who worked in admissions at Pima Medical Institute's Chula Vista campus. Inspired by her support, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program in 2002 and graduated in 2003, a decision that forever changed my life.
Shortly after, I started working at Scripps Anderson's Clinic in La Jolla as a medical assistant in the Sports Orthopedic Department. I had the unique opportunity to support the San Diego Padres Baseball Team. That fast-paced environment taught me the importance of clinical accuracy, teamwork and compassionate patient care.
Wanting to give back, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor, teaching Medical Assistant front and back office skills, Medical Administrative courses and Career Preparation. Helping students grow was deeply fulfilling, and in 2010, I was honored as Pima Medical's Peak Performer for my dedication to education and mentorship.
My career expanded beyond clinical work when I transitioned into the biopharmaceutical sector. I worked with Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, focusing on clinical operations, system optimization and compliance in regulated environments. Alongside my career, I advanced my education. I earned an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration in 2010, a B.S. in Health Care Administration in 2013 and then a M.S. in Health Administration. I am currently completing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, with a focus on inclusive leadership and healthcare transformation.
Today, I serve as a Clinical Business Systems Analyst, leading projects in organizational development, system implementation and process improvement. Beyond my career, I am a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, patient rights and underserved populations.
Pima Medical was where it all began. It provided the foundation, support and mentorship I needed to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare and leadership. I will always be proud to say my journey started at PMI.
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