WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I grew up in Vietnam and moved to California when I was 16 years old. After high school I tried college but then decided to serve my country and joined the military. By the time I got out of the military, I wanted to find a career in the medical field as quickly as possible. I heard an advertisement on the radio for Pima Medical Institute and when I met with an admission's advisor they recommended the Respiratory Therapy program and I enrolled. I really appreciated that it was a fast 21-month program, the classes were all set up, the books and other things we needed were provided. My instructors were awesome and learning came easy to me. Before I even graduated, I had a job offer at Memorial Hermann Southwest where I had completed my clinicals. I always dreamed of having a job where I could help people and that's what I get to do every day. Sometimes a situation is very stressful and traumatic, but it makes me so happy when I am able to make a patient smile. For example, I might take a tube out of a patient and the first thing they say is, "Oh, thank you so much!". I love my job! I just completed Pima Medical's 15-month online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program. I worked full time and even overtime and I was still able to complete my online assignments. I can't believe it only took me 3 years from start to finish to have a bachelor's degree! I'm grateful for Pima Medical. They provide a quality education and have a great reputation in the community.

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!

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.

While working as a journeyman meat cutter, I began looking for a new career. My brother-in-law, an ER charge nurse, recommended I look into Surgical Technology. After some research, I chose Pima Medical Institute's Surgical Technology program based on their stellar reputation as an education institution. Going back to school as a 42-year-old was very challenging; I hadn't even owned a smart phone until I started my classes. Plus, going to school while continuing to work was difficult, but I had a great experience as a student and enjoyed the relationships I was able to cultivate. What I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the real world experience the instructors brought to our classes. They were always able to give real life examples to help solidify and anchor lessons in my mind. To be able to ask questions about actual cases was invaluable in preparing me for the operating room. I felt prepared to enter the field for clinicals, scared out of my mind, but prepared. I obtained a position at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center immediately, in fact I had to ask for the day off to attend my graduation. I have become an Orthopedic Scrub Tech specializing in Total Joint Replacement. I have also become a Preceptor helping to teach and train scrub tech students and orienting newly hired scrubs. I really appreciated my instructors and have stayed in touch and continue to use them as resources. I recommended Pima Medical Institute without hesitation.

As a working mother, I'd always had an interest in rehabilitation. So once my kids got older, I transitioned to a new job and started my education. I met an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) at work who told me I was wasting my time at the university and encouraged me to check out Pima Medical Institute's OTA 20-month program. I checked it out and was hooked. The classes were personal and the instructors were great! After graduation, I obtained a job at a skilled nursing facility. Within a few months, I noticed I was drawn to the administrative side. Another Pima Medical graduate strongly encouraged me to consider in the online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program, and I enrolled. The program offered real-world education I could use immediately. Getting my bachelor's degree led me back to Pima Medical as an OTA instructor and subsequently the Clinical Education Director at the Mesa Campus. Being a graduate of the same program allowed me to relate to the challenges and struggles of my students. I was able to help them have a sense of pride in their accomplishments. That's what my instructors had done for me. When Pima Medical launched its master's degree program (MSOL), I enrolled in the first class. Recently, I was offered the position of Director of Therapy over all three Abor Clinics in the Phoenix area. My degree totally prepared me for this job. Many master's degrees are theoretical in nature, but this degree has provided the skills I need to do exactly what I'm doing now and I love it. Choosing to continue my education was certainly a sacrifice, but in the end that sacrifice was worth it. Everything I gave up for a time has come back to me tenfold and I can't believe it's only taken me six years to get here! Pima Medical helped me view myself through the lens of success.

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.

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.

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.

Before going back to school, my life wasn't on the best path. After high school, I planned to become a nurse, but deep down I knew it wasn't what I really wanted. Eventually, I moved out on my own, but I found myself surrounded by the wrong people and making choices I wasn't proud of. It wasn't until I met my fiance that I seriously considered going back to school. He encouraged me to think about my future and what would truly make me happy. After some soul-searching, I decided to look for a Dental Assistant program - and for the first time, I felt excited about my future. I found Pima Medical Institute through an online search, and after seeing so many great reviews from alumni, I knew it was the right place for me. Enrolling was the best decision I could have made. My experience at Pima Medical was nothing short of amazing - the support from my classmates, instructors, and family kept me going. My instructor, Margarita, was especially supportive. In fact, I wouldn't have made it through without her guidance. I was excited for my externship at Associates in Family Dentistry and grateful to be hired upon completion. As I plan to move soon, I'm holding off on furthering my education for now, but I'm eager to explore my options. I am a proud graduate of Pima Medical and my ultimate goal is to build a successful career while growing my family with my fiance.