I came to Pima Medical Institute right out of high school looking for a career in the medical field. After researching a few different programs, I spoke with the director of PMI's newest program, Surgical Technology, and decided to enroll. The program was both challenging and fun. I found the instructors to be very well-trained, knowledgeable, and helpful.
My role in surgery is to scrub in, prepare my cart with the specific items needed for a particular surgery, scrub in again, open everything, and organize my table. Everything on that table is mine and totally my responsibility. Once the patient is brought into the room, I may help prep and drape the patient, and once the surgery begins, I assist the surgeon. I'm like the right-hand-man to the surgeon, attempting to give him what he needs before he may even know he needs it.
I am grateful PMI placed me in a prestigious hospital for my clinical site because the experience enabled me to get a job quite quickly. I am currently working at a plastic surgery center. My goal down the road is to get back to a hospital setting where I can work with the da Vinci surgery robot, something I find fascinating. If you're looking for a fast-paced career where you can test yourself or a career with a lot of possibilities for growth and specialty paths, the Surgical Technology Program at PMI would be a great fit for you.
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Naundi Perkins is a three-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute. She earned her Phlebotomy certificate from the Renton campus and went on to earn her Veterinary Assistant certificate and Veterinary Technician associate degree from our Chula Vista campus.
Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: Back in 2017, I was working as a home care aide and wanted to get my foot in the door in the medical field. I completed the Phlebotomy program, and two years later I was relocated in California where I made the decision to get into the veterinary field.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Phlebotomy and Veterinary programs?
A: I had amazing instructors in all three programs. My biggest struggle was work/school/life balance with working full time and being a student. I opted for evening classes for all programs, which made things a lot easier. I felt like I was with a lot of like-minded individuals that were going through the same obstacles.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: I feel that having caring instructors is what kept me going during the difficult times. I still communicate with one of my instructors to this day. My Phlebotomy instructor put in a good word for me with their previous employer, and my Veterinary Assistant instructor also recommended me for my first client services coordinator position while I was in school.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: I would recommend Pima Medical Institute because getting my education changed the trajectory of my life! I am in the best position I have been financially while doing something that I love. I currently work as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Oncology specialty, and I am working toward starting my own business doing simple mobile grooming services for the community.
The best advice I could give anyone looking to get into the veterinary field would be to gain as much experience as you can, and learn how to network. Doing things out of your element of what you initially thought you would want to do will only improve your knowledge, skills and overall resume. New things can be uncomfortable but everyone has to start somewhere!
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I chose the Physical Therapist Assistant program because of my own experience as a PT patient. I had both of my hips replaced from trauma that occurred while I was working as an EMT and fire fighter in 2008.
I was in a wheelchair for 3 years and I had to learn how to walk again. I had only been out of my wheelchair for 7 months before I began the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute. My education at PMI prepared me to enter the PTA field ready to work. I am now employed at Socorro Physical Therapy, where I completed a seven-week rotation as a student. The Physical Therapist I work for now was my personal Physical Therapist after my surgery.
Since graduating, I work a very full schedule and I also have the opportunity to travel all over the United States to gain more training in my field. I would definitely recommend PMI for people who want to train in the medical field. If you work hard and study hard it will change your life, like it changed mine.
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I was in the army for 11 years and spent a good portion of that as a medic. When I left the military, I found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. I worked at an urgent care and enjoyed it, but I wanted more, so I sought out PMI again, this time for their nursing program.
The instructors were insanely knowledgeable and always willing to answer all my questions. During my first semester, I had a motorcycle accident which resulted in me being in the hospital for two weeks. Two of my instructors, who were supervising clinicals in that particular hospital, picked up my homework each day and checked in on me. It blew me away! Apart from their assistance, I know I would have had to take a leave of absence or drop out of the program.
During my 4th semester clinicals, I was assigned to Banner Baywood Hospital's 7th floor neurology unit. My very first day was crazy! My assigned nurse and I had some pretty challenging patients and situations. At the end of the shift, the charge nurse asked me if I wanted a job after graduation. Long story short, I am currently an RN working on that same 7th floor. I am appreciative not only of my job and the excellent education I received, but also of the exceptional staff that went the second mile for me while I was in the hospital. Thanks, PMI!
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When I was 18 years old my dad really wanted me to go to Pima Medical Institute; in fact, he offered to pay my tuition. But I told him I wasn't interested because I wanted to go to a four-year college. Well that never happened, and I always regretted my decision. I ended up working for TPA (Third Party Administrator) for 22 years, followed by several low paying dead end jobs. I finally decided it was time to go to PMI.
After meeting with an advisor I chose the Medical Administrative Assistant program. At age 42, I was a little scared to go back to school, but my classmates became my friends, despite my age. I completed the program with a 4.0 GPA! My instructors were excellent and had experience in the field, which helped with realistic expectations. As a result, I felt prepared for my externship. I was offered a job during the first week, which I accepted.
I recently graduated from Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program and my plan is to continue on to get my bachelor's degree. My long-term goal is to work in hospital human resources. I want to keep learning and be an example for my kids. If you want to work in the medical field, come to PMI. You get the education and the experience you need in a short amount of time, you walk out with a career, and they help you find a job. That's more than a four-year university offers!
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My cousin attended Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant program and one day she asked me to come by and be her "practice patient", so I did. I really liked what I observed and experienced at Pima Medical, so I started looking into their programs. I really enjoyed being a home health aide while in high school and as I learned about the Medical Assistant program, I decided it would be a good fit for me. I chose the Albuquerque West Campus because there are not as many students or programs and I knew I would enjoy the smaller atmosphere.
My instructors were really helpful and they taught me everything I needed to know in order to be successful as a Medical Assistant. I also made some really good friends. I was hired at the University of New Mexico Hospital shortly after completing my program. I enjoy being a Medical Assistant and I love talking with my patients and getting to know them while caring for them.
Eventually, I'd like to go back to school for nursing and UNM has offered to help me with tuition. My sister and my boyfriend see me coming from work and talking about my profession and both of them are considering coming to Pima Medical. I tell people all the time about Pima Medical and the start it has given me in the medical field.
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I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician!
I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me.
I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program.
I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!
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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 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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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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I was a very young mom while working at Ross Dress for Less, and that experience really pushed me to think about my future. I knew I wanted to build a better life-not just for myself, but especially for my daughter. I've always been drawn to healthcare, but I had to be realistic; going to school full-time just wasn't an option. I researched programs that would allow me to balance both responsibilities, and that's when I came across Pima Medical Institute's Seattle Campus. It stood out because of its flexibility and focus on hands-on training.
My experience as a student was really positive. The biggest challenges I faced weren't with the school itself, but with balancing everything in my personal life. Being a full-time mom while also working part-time and going to school wasn't easy. One thing I really appreciated was the support from the teachers. They were always willing to help, and it didn't feel like I was going through the program alone. I felt like they genuinely cared about my success, and the friends I made during the program have become lifelong supportive friends!
After graduating in 2010, I stayed consistent and patient in my job search and found my first roles with a pediatrician and at HealthPoint Community Clinic. Over the years, I've gained leadership experience in pediatrics, cardiology, urgent care, primary care and internal medicine.
Right now, I'm continuing my education and working toward my bachelor's degree in Healthcare Informatics. I want to combine my clinical experience with informatics to make a broader impact on the systems and technology that support healthcare. If you're thinking about Pima Medical Institute, go tour it-you won't be disappointed!
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Nathaniel Fisher is a 2018 graduate of the Denver Campus Respiratory Therapy associate degree program and a 2020 graduate of the online Respiratory Therapy Bachelor's Degree program (BSRT)
Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: I was transitioning out of the army, and had reclassed to 68W for the Colorado national guard. I was working as am EMT-B. Great experiences but struggling to make ends meet. One of my fellow Sergeants in my unit had just graduated from the Denver campus respiratory therapy associate degree program. She basically twisted my arm, and forced me to go sign up for classes. It was one of the best things I ever did in my life. It was challenging but I took to it like a fish to water.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Respiratory Therapy program?
A: I had a positive experience in the program and I don't feel like I faced any extraordinary obstacles, but studying and making ends meet were definitely challenging. I worked nights at a gas station and would study while I was working the register. Later, I got a job with a DME company, where I took overnight call. Balancing work, school and studying wasn't always easy, but I was determined to keep moving forward and complete the program.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: The instructors. They set the standard, showed us the perfect examples, and were an incredible knowledge resource. They really invested into who I was as a student. They turned me from a combat medic to a respiratory therapist. They really helped me find myself in the professional workforce.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: Absolutely. I would recommend Pima Medical Institute to others because it is an incredible institution and truly set me up for success. During my time as a student, I participated in the 2018 CSRC and AARC Sputum Bowls and went on to win both the state and national championships that year. I give Pima Medical Institute a lot of credit for helping prepare me for that success.
Since graduating, I've had the opportunity to build a diverse career in respiratory therapy. I worked in Sterling, Colorado, before taking a flight respiratory therapist position on Saipan in the Mariana Islands. When COVID hit, I returned to the United States and worked in the FEMA ICUs throughout the first year of the pandemic. I later worked in rehabilitation and am now teaching clinicals at local Career College.
Looking back, I feel Pima Medical Institute gave me the education, hands-on experience and confidence I needed to succeed in the profession and opened the door to many different opportunities throughout my career.
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