I was a stay-at-home mom with four children under the age of five. I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute and decided to pursue my dream of a career in the medical field. From my first day I felt welcomed, my classmates were friendly, the course load was manageable and I realized this is what I was meant to do. Life was challenging as I was working full time at night to pay the bills, catching a few hours of sleep, and then going to school and caring for my kids during the day.
And then the pandemic hit. I lost my job. Our landlord sold the trailer we were living in and my family was forced out of our home. My husband and I and our little ones ages 5, 3, 2 and 1 slept in our van until we were able to move into an extended stay. It was rough! I got a job at the hotel where we were staying and began taking my classes virtually. It was difficult, but we were eventually able to move into our own apartment. Then I needed to give up my job to start my full-time externship and the bills started piling up. We barely had money for diapers. There was one day that it all felt overwhelming and I wanted to quit. I couldn't see the long term and I was worried we might be homeless again. I called my mom and she reminded me that I was almost finished and encouraged me to continue. So I didn't quit!
This has been the hardest year of my life! But recently, I was offered a job at Arizona Community Physicians and I am so excited to be doing a job I love. I set an example for my kids and my mom is so proud of me. I am grateful for Pima Medical. So many people there cared about me and helped me complete this journey. Thank you Pima Medical for jump starting my career in the medical field.
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I started my career as a medic on an ambulance and knew I wanted
to become a nurse. Everyone around me was doing it and it felt like
the natural next step. At the time, I was working toward a degree in
paramedicine at another college but their nursing program required
a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (CNA), which I didn't have.
I was ready to get started and Pima Medical Institute offered exactly
what I needed: a program that didn't stretch over an entire semester.
I enrolled in the CNA course, checked that box and had a great
experience.
Eventually, I was accepted into a nursing program elsewhere - but the
waitlist was a year and a half. That's when Pima Medical reached out.
They said, "You're an alum and we have a nursing program." It was
accelerated and could get me in right away, so I said yes. I completed
the Registered Nurse (RN) program and went straight to work as a
nurse.
My boss had always encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) and though it was something I wanted
to do, I just kept putting it off. I finally enrolled in another school's
program but didn't like the structure. They said it was "fully
online", but there were group projects and required meetings that
didn't fit my schedule. I dropped and gave Pima Medical a shot
again. The BSN program was amazing. It was clearly laid out,
well-paced and truly online. I had the support I needed but I
could also self-guide.
Today, I'm the clinic manager for a company that operates
12 occupational health clinics across five states. Plus, I've
been accepted into the Master of Science in Organizational
Leadership (MSOL) program at Pima Medical. I'm pursuing
this advanced degree to grow as a leader and bring more to
the table.
Pima Medical has always been honest, consistent and
structured. If you're a self-starter with a busy schedule, this
is the school for you.
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My initial dream was to become a massage therapist, but after meeting with my admissions advisor I decided to sign up for PMI's Medical Assistant program. My plan was to go into women's health and eventually to become a midwife. However, I was placed in a plastic surgeon's office and, although I wasn't happy about the placement, it became the best blessing of my life. At the end of my externship there, Dr. Sakura created a position for me and I ended up working there for nine years. During that time, I took a break and went back to PMI to complete the nursing program. I then returned to the same office as an RN. After Dr. Sakura retired, I was hired by Albuquerque Surgery Center where I worked for three years, before I was hired as nurse manager at my current employer, Physician Surgery Center of Albuquerque.
I love everything about my job! I feel blessed to be part of my team. Both programs I attended at PMI were excellent, and the instructors were top notch. I really enjoy having PMI student externs. My future goals include getting my master's degree and teaching. Who knows, I may even end up back at PMI.
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I was working in law enforcement in the area of communications. Feeling like I had reached my potential, I began looking at different career options. I had never heard of Respiratory Therapists until I was hospitalized with an asthma attack and experienced their care. It occurred to me then that I could help people just like me! I did some research, found Pima Medical Institute, and signed up for the RT program.
When I started, I really didn't understand the importance and true significance of an RT in the hospital. I also had no idea how many doors would be opened to me as a Respiratory Therapist. School was really challenging, but my instructors were successful and intelligent RTs. They became my motivators and mentors. The program pushed me to be a better person by forcing me to dig deep and find the grit to push through challenges. Overall, completing the RT program is one of the accomplishments of which I am most proud.
My first clinical rotation was at Children's Hospital Colorado, and within a few days, I knew it was where I wanted to work. I was hired after graduation and, 6 years later, still work there part-time. For the last number of years I have been working for Draeger, a ventilator company, where I am the Educator for the West Coast team.
This career has had such a positive impact on my life! As an RT, not only do I have the privilege to help others, but they make a lasting imprint on my life as well!
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After graduating from high school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life. However, I had always pictured myself in the medical field. I am fascinated by teeth and feel as though they expressed who you are as a person, aesthetically. So, I decided to look into a dental career. After researching, I found Pima Medial Institute to be affordable and their classes fit into my work schedule. Therefore, I enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program.
I fell in love with the program! It was challenging and my days were long, but I appreciated the structure of the classes. My instructor was just amazing! She taught us everything we needed to know to be successful in the dental field.
As I began my externship, I felt very well prepared. Our instructor provided the preparation to help us feel confident and comfortable stepping into this role. I felt anxious, but it was because I just wanted to get started working with real people instead of our practice dummies. I felt ready! The dental office appreciated the training I had at PMI and, even though they weren't really hiring, they were so impressed with my knowledge and work they offered me a position.
I want to continue my education in this field. I am currently deciding whether to continue with my associate degree in dental hygiene or if I want to go on and obtain my doctorate. I am so grateful for my instructor and for the start PMI gave me in this field.
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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!
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My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!
I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field.
My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything!
I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities.
I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!
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After my children's father and I split, I was faced with the choice of doing nothing or pursuing my dreams. I chose the latter. Warren Village, a transitional housing for single moms, became my new home. I told my family advocate there that I was passionate about animals and wanted a career in veterinary. They helped me formulate a plan, including the Veterinary Assistant (VA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I began the VA program during the pandemic, juggling my studies with the chaos of three kids at home, but I knew it was the perfect fit for me. It felt like family and the instructors were very understanding. Upon finishing, I knew I wanted more and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician (VT) program. I absolutely loved the hands-on clinicals; assisting in surgery or drawing blood from a horse was amazing! At my VT graduation I was shocked and proud to win the prestigious Richard Luebke Award.
During our VT program a graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Health Administration program (BSHCA) spoke to us. This mom said if she hadn't completed the bachelor's degree program, she wouldn't be able to take care of her kids like she can now. A light bulb went off and I felt like she was speaking to me. Six days after graduating with my VT associate degree, I started the online BSHCA program. I am enjoying working at Montclair Animal Clinic, my former externship site. Prior to schooling, I worked in retail management, so I would love to use my education and manage in an animal setting. I am also dreaming about getting my masters and someday opening an animal sanctuary.
I followed my passion and I did this for my kids. I have a new career and I will have gotten my certificate, associate and bachelor's in four years. Pima Medical was my beacon of hope, offering flexibility, understanding and a brighter future.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology, I struggled to find a job and ended up in finance. When COVID hit, my new job offer was rescinded and I was forced to take a job at a grocery store bakery, far from my career goals. I kept hearing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute which piqued my interest in the medical field. This led me to enroll in their three-month Phlebotomy program, allowing me to work and study simultaneously with minimal school commitment. It was a way to dip-my-toe into the water of the medical field.
The Phlebotomy program was a turning point in my life. Small classes, hands-on experience, and an excellent instructor, Miss Denise, made a significant impact. I soon secured a position at Chandler Regional Hospital, where I interacted with various departments and realized my passion for patient care. Nursing stood out as the most versatile and impactful role, prompting me to pursue a nursing degree at the institute I trusted and I enrolled at Pima Medical's Mesa Campus. The Nursing program was challenging and intense, pushing me to grow and become accountable for patient care. Through diverse clinical experiences, I gravitated towards ER and ICU settings. I've recently accepted a position at OBS Banner Dessert, aiming to transfer to the ICU and eventually join the trauma team.
I am immensely grateful for my education at Pima Medical. The Phlebotomy program provided a crucial foundation, giving me the framework I needed for a career in the medical field. I invited Miss Denise to my nursing pinning ceremony and my dad told her COVID had been difficult for me and she had saved my life. He was right, Pima Medical Institute truly changed my life.
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My family always told me I would thrive in the veterinary field, but I didn't believe in myself. I was 24, working and intermittently taking general education classes at the community college or university with no clear direction. Everything changed when I visited Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant (VA) and Veterinary Technician (VT) programs. These programs ignited my passion for the veterinary field, and I was finally on a career path I loved.
The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible, providing both education and valuable connections in the veterinary field. While attending the VT program, I balanced two full-time jobs in the industry, applying my classroom learning to real-world situations. This hands-on experience was invaluable. My instructors were always available and understanding of my very demanding schedule, even making sure I had snacks when I hadn't taken time to eat.
After graduation, I spent six years at a fast-paced ER. Today, I am the Hospital Administrator at Pima Pet Clinic where I am able to utilize both my technical skills and administrative expertise. Additionally, I serve in the United States Army Reserves in a Veterinary Detachment, training medical personnel on K9 emergency assessments. Utilizing a remote-controlled robotic dog, I create scenarios (increased heart rate, insinuating pain, blood flow sensors, stomach inflation, even amputations) in order to practice real-time medical emergencies.
The mix of knowledge and experience I gained at Pima Medical has been instrumental in my career and my ability to teach. Participating in these training exercises has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. The connections and the education I received at Pima Medical have truly transformed my life.
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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.
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When my children were heading off to college, I realized it was my turn to invest in myself. I wanted a career that aligned with my passions-health, fitness and helping people-while also offering job stability and global opportunities. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) checked all the boxes, and after researching different programs, Pima Medical Institute stood out as the perfect fit for my timeline and lifestyle.
Going back to school after 15 years as a stay-at-home soccer mom was the hardest thing I've ever done. The fast-paced, condensed program challenged me academically, and the commute from Tacoma to North Seattle meant long days followed by even longer nights of studying. But Pima Medical provided endless support-faculty were always available, and I took advantage of every extra lab and hands-on practice session. They held us to high standards because patients deserve the best, not just someone getting by.
After graduation, I started at an orthopedic outpatient clinic, later transitioning to Olympic Sports and Spine, where I earned my orthopedic sports certification and became a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Eventually, I sought a setting that allowed more personalized patient care, leading me to a private practice where I now enjoy one-on-one treatment sessions. I plan to retire here.
Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism to succeed. Even after graduating, I've stayed connected with my instructors, who were always honest, supportive and dedicated. My career allows me to keep learning and growing, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
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