Shortly after graduating from high school I found myself attending a community college with the intent of majoring in psychology. One day my psychology teacher shared a list of "1000 Jobs Built to Last" and RAD Tech caught my attention, as I'd always had an interest in the medical field. When I mentioned this to my teacher, he told me about Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program, gave me a brochure and I ended up enrolling. I was one of the youngest students in the program, but the diversity of age groups was really helpful for me. The program is very intense and fast paced so I took advantage of every tutoring opportunity. I had three amazing instructors who prepared me, allowing me to score a 98 on my boards, and taught me invaluable life skills.
I got some great experience at my first job at a radiology clinic, but I really missed the hospital setting so after a few years I obtained a position at Banner/Good Samaritan. Within the first year I was able to work into leadership and I have benefitted from Banner's leadership development programs over the last 21 years. I also obtained both my bachelor's and master's degree in business management. I've held roles of supervisor, senior manager, director, associate administrator. Currently, I am the Chief Operating Officer at both Banner University Medical Center Tucson and South Campuses. Having been a clinician has been really helpful for me in understanding the needs of both our patients and employees.
I recommend becoming a Rad Tech. You make good money and I have found it to be stable, even in uncertain economies. Plus, the sky is the limit! Not only do you have many specialty options (CT, Mammography, Ultrasound, MRI, Interventional Radiology), you get to integrate with the whole hospital and become a core part of what makes a hospital run. This allows for an easy step into leadership. I never entered this career saying I wanted to be the COO, I just wanted to make the world a better place for people.
Choosing to attend the RAD program at Pima Medical Institute was one of the best decisions I've made.
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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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I am a Veterinary Technician in the internal medicine department at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson. We are a state-of-the-art specialty facility that offers CAT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, full surgical procedures, dental procedures, and even, physical therapy for your pets.
After a wonderful 20 year career in the Air Force, I decided upon retirement I wanted to do something I loved! So, 6 months before I retired I began planning and checking out Pima Medical Institute's VT program where I might fulfill my dream of working with animals.
Going back to school was scary. I'd completed an online bachelor's degree while in the military, but the thought of being in a classroom next to my peers and having an instructor stand in front of me, almost caused me not to follow my dreams. But, I decided to go for it and it was amazing! The instructors were so helpful and didn't treat me like the oldest student in the room. They were always available for questions or special tutoring. All of the hands on experience made me feel confident and really prepared. I had other choices for VT programs, but I certainly chose the best one coming to PMI!
I was fortunate to be placed at VSCT for my externship. I worked really hard during my time as a student and they offered me a position. This has been a dream job and I love waking up and coming to work every day! Thanks PMI!
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I always wanted to be successful, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life until my son was born. After a year of being a stay at home mom, I realized I wanted to find a position in the medical field where I could help others. I found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. I chose this career path because there are endless job opportunities and I'm able to help others who need assistance.
I was excited to put all the knowledge I'd learned in my classes to work at my externship site. As the end of my program neared, I began nervously submitting my resume to various facilities. I was so concerned I wouldn't get any responses. But, I started getting calls almost every day for job interviews and my worries went right out the window! I was blessed to get two job offers right away at a doctor's office and an urgent care. Two months later I received a call from a health insurance company and got the job I'd been longing for. I am proud to say I work for an amazing company that has given me the opportunity to be the OB Coordinator for six hospitals in the state of Arizona!
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Both of my parents have careers in the medical field and my older sister was working as an X-ray technologist's assistant at the same hospital. I had many broken bones as a kid and recall getting many X-rays, but when my sister started talking about what happens behind the scenes in her department, I started considering a career as a radiologic technologist. Both my sister and my mom encouraged me toward the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute.
It is a robust program for sure. It was super challenging for me and required a lot of study. But, the instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraging. I formed great relationships with my classmates; we became quite close and helped each other get through the program.
It was quite intimidating to walk into my clinicals. Although I was well prepared and had help from the technologists, it was quite overwhelming to be in trauma situations and be interacting with nurses and doctors in real life situations. I worked really hard in my final round of my clinicals at Sharp Memorial Hospital and a couple months after graduation, I was hired as a radiologic technologist. I spend the majority of my time in the ER and I really enjoy my current job, but may consider a position in mammography in the future.
I want to thank Pima Medical and especially my instructor, Dr. Schmidt, who was so helpful and supportive. I was in a terrible car accident during the program and without her guidance I may not have been able to finish my program. I am 23-years-old, I have a career in the medical field and I am really proud of myself.
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I was in my early 20's, ready to complete a degree in finance when I realized I really didn't want to spend my life sitting behind a desk. I had a few family members working in the radiography field and I noticed they not only had a great career, but they could choose to work in different modalities and had lots of variety in their jobs. I began researching, found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled.
I had wonderful instructors! It's an intense and tough program, but the way the program is structured really makes you feel prepared for your profession. I enjoyed the shorter rotations for clinicals which exposed me to many different areas and modalities. Once I knew what I was looking for, I was able to complete multiple rotations in my area of interest which prepared me for a job at that very location. I was hired at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and after a year I was promoted to a charge technologist and almost 2 years ago I moved into the role of General Radiology Supervisor. I love the fast-paced environment at UNMH. We're the only trauma one hospital in the state and we see something new every day. I'm not the only Pima Medical graduate in my department, we currently have five employees that were my classmates and each year I hire multiple new Pima Medical new graduates.
Pima Medical provided a great education and really prepared me for the field.
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Pima Medical Institute has been a cornerstone in my career, providing a foundation that has endured through different stages of my life. Now, I'm excited to return to school and build on that strong base.
No one in my family is in the dental field, but I've always had a passion for becoming a dental hygienist. After high school, I spent five years working in Alaska's fishing industry. Upon returning to Seattle, I inquired about the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and ultimately enrolled in the Dental Assistant program. Balancing full-time work during the day with evening classes at Pima Medical was challenging but rewarding. My teacher was great, and I formed lasting friendships-I'm still close with one of my classmates more than 20 years later.
My first job was with a doctor in West Seattle, where I worked for two years before needing to go on bed rest due to pregnancy. I took a 15-year break to focus on being a mom. Remarkably, I was able to jump right back into my career as a Dental Assistant when I was ready. After moving to Phoenix, I started working as a temp and then secured my current position at Anthem Sonoran Valley Implants and Dental Center. It felt like riding a bike-everything came back to me. I love educating patients and helping them take care of their teeth. Currently, I'm in the process of applying to a Dental Hygiene program in my area. I want to further my education in the dental field and one day I hope to be able to clean teeth for free to help people who can't afford dental care.
Pima Medical Institute has been supportive throughout my journey, from enrolling and securing financing to ongoing assistance whenever I need it. I'm incredibly grateful for the education and opportunities Pima Medical has provided me.
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I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients.
I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job.
Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.
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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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My mom had been a nurse in the Philippines, but after moving to the US she cared for us and began working as a phlebotomist. This influenced my decision to go into the medical field after high school. On a whim one day, I stopped by Pima Medical Institute and ended up enrolling in the three-month Phlebotomy program which started two weeks later. It was fast paced and very different from high school as students were all ages and yet we were all looking for a change or a new career. Even though our time together was short, it felt like family. My first job was with a blood donation company and after moving to eastern Washington, I worked at a hospital. This gave me a variety of experiences and built my confidence and I later transitioned into dialysis.
I knew I eventually wanted to become a Medical Assistant (MA) and even though Pima Medical was a long commute, I had confidence in them so I enrolled in the MA program. I was pregnant, worked full time and had a long commute each day, but I did it! I feel like Pima Medical helped shape me into a resilient person. After graduation I worked at a hospital and a few other sites as an MA. But it wasn't long before I began to envision myself in administration, so I chose to complete the Health Care Administration online associate degree. That program gave me so much confidence and I loved it.
After graduating, I saw an opening for a Career Services Advisor at Pima Medical, applied, and got the job. Now, I get to guide students and share my journey with them. Watching them grow reminds me of my own transformation. Pima Medical has been a constant in my life, and I'm proud to be part of a team that changes lives every day.
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After graduating from high school in Rio Rico, I moved to Tucson to attend a community college, but it just wasn't the right place for me. One of my friends had gone to Pima Medical Institute, and after checking out their Medical Assistant (MA) program, I thought-this is perfect! The program was fast, flexible, and had no wasted classes. Since there were options for morning, afternoon or evening classes, I was able to continue working while attending school. At just 19 years of age, I graduated with my certificate and started working in a "grown up job" while most of my friends were still in college. I knew I had made the right choice. I landed a job at Catalina Pediatrics where I worked as an MA for 13 years, eventually becoming the back-office manager.
Wanting more, I considered nursing, but a co-worker suggested I look into Respiratory Therapy (RT). When I found out Pima Medical had an RT program, I knew it was for me. The classes were challenging, but my instructors were supportive, and my classmates and I helped each other through the program. The biggest challenge I faced was during my ICU rotation, when COVID hit and we were sent home. After graduating, I saw a job opening at Banner Main as Program Manager for their Sleep Research Lab. I applied, and got the job! It was a tough first year learning the ins and outs of research, but now I love the responsibility and even the pressure.
If I hadn't gone back to school for RT, I wouldn't be where I am today, with a job I love. My advice? Whether you're 19 or 39, go to school. Pima Medical gave me opportunities I never imagined, and it can do the same for you!
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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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