When I signed up for the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute, I was a full-time husband, a full-time dad, and I had full-time bills and responsibilities. I worked nights as a patient care technician while attending school during the day. During my clinical rotations, I would leave my house early Tuesday morning, work my rotation from 7:30 am until 5 pm, go straight to my job, and work from 6 pm until 4:30 am. Then, I would take a shower at the hospital, drive to my clinical rotation, sleep for a little over an hour in my truck, and do it all over again. On Saturday morning I would return home to my wife and 4 kids. I did this for the last 16 months of my program. If it weren't for my family and my Lord, I would not have been able to do it. Because of their support, I graduated from PMI with a 3.8 GPA.
My PMI instructors had a passion for what they taught and they cared for their students. In fact, they are among the best people I've ever met in my life. My classmates and I helped each other through and became like a family. I currently work for two great companies - St Joseph's Hospital and Honor Health. They are training me in interventional radiology, not typically an honor given to new graduates. I love my job and am thankful for my education at PMI. It's been worth all the hard work and sacrifice. I'm here to tell everyone that no matter what you're facing or going through, if you're willing to make the sacrifices you can do anything!
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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.
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I completed the Veterinary Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute in 2012. Prior to that I had finished high school and was working, but just didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life. I love animals and I love to learn, so when I heard about Pima's VA program on the radio, I decided to give it a try.
I was quite nervous when I started, but the teachers were really supportive. We had lots of discussion about what we were learning and tons of hands on practice. It was a really good learning environment for me.
I ended up being hired at my externship site. It was great to transition from my experience there as a student to then growing into my job. I'm actually still working there and I'm still learning. This is one of the reasons I decided to come back to PMI for their Veterinary Technician program, because I want to grow and learn more. Becoming a Veterinary Technician opens so many doors and this program really immerses you in the field. In fact, I don't know of a better program! It's not easy and it's very accelerated, but it's worth it!
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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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My dream has always been to care for animals as a veterinary nurse/technician at a zoo. As the spouse of an active duty Marine, I began looking for a fully accredited, accelerated Veterinary Technician (VT)program so I could obtain my RVT licensure in any state and keep up with the constant rotation of military moves. Pima Medical was the perfect choice for me!
My experience was extremely positive. My campus had an attached animal shelter which acted as a teaching hospital, allowing me to constantly gain hands-on experience. My biggest obstacle was the 2-3 hour commute each day from Camp Pendleton. Gratefully, my program director placed me at clinicals near my home that were best suited to build a zoo veterinary nurse/technician's resume.
Upon graduation, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, a Registered Veterinary Nurse/Technician internship between the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo's Safari Park. Shortly after completing my internship, my husband received orders to Okinawa, Japan. While there I became an American Red Cross paraveterinary volunteer to provide aid to domestic and wild animals during natural disasters. I also worked as an RVT at the US Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on Kadena Airbase while I obtained my bachelor's degree online. During this time, I began writing as a freelance veterinary medical journalist for a magazine, called "Today's Veterinary Nurse." We are moving to North Carolina soon where I will be working as an RVTg at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital as I study for my master's degree. I also hope to earn my veterinary technician/nurse specialty in zoological medicine.
One thing I appreciated about my education at Pima Medical was how attentive every staff member was to my needs. I cannot thank each of you enough for how much you taught me and how well you prepared me to excel and to flourish in my career.
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A couple months after graduating from high school I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. My sister had gone to school there to become a Medical Assistant, but I felt like DA might be a better fit for me and I have no regrets!
It was different having many of my classmates be older than me, but we adjusted and my instructors were encouraging and super helpful. I was terrified when it came time for me to go out on my externship at a clinic with real patients, but I did it. I was eager to start my new career and applied everywhere. I remember where I was when I got the call from my doctor asking me to come in for an interview resulting in a job. I have been with Dr. Joseph Lee at Burien Family Dental Care for three years now and he has taught me so much!
I love assisting the doctor and taking care of my patients and I am now one of the lead assistants. We have convenient hours for our patients, so I work four days from 8 am to 7 pm and get to enjoy three-day weekends. I feel appreciated; my hourly rate has nearly doubled and the doctor even took us to a dental conference in Las Vegas.
The whole staff at Pima Medical was so wonderful. I was not a great student, but my instructor, Ms. Shalon, pushed me and believed in me and she's the reason I am where I am. I'm so grateful to Pima Medical Institute for providing me with a career that I love.
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I was injured while playing soccer in high school and my physical therapist said to me, "I think you'd be a really good physical therapist!" I tucked that away until I was at Texas State University heading toward becoming a nurse when I realized it just wasn't for me. I switched to Exercise Sports Science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After graduation, the doctorate physical therapy programs were extremely competitive and I just didn't have the confidence to apply - still a regret. Instead, I reviewed my options and began searching for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and found Pima Medical Institute.
It was a challenging, accelerated 18-month program, but my instructors were super motivating. Although they were hard on us, they gave us all the tools needed to be the best professional clinicians we could be. I was awarded the most "outstanding student" at graduation and offered a job at each of my clinical rotations. I began my therapist journey as a pediatric PTA until I found the place I really loved; working in sports medicine and rehabilitation. During my five plus years in orthopedics, I worked with multiple students as a clinical instructor. This drew my passion for education and I began my journey as a clinical director and instructor back at the same PTA program I'd attended. I tell my students I've been down their same path and I am going to give them everything they need to be a success in their clinical experience. I remind them that I am invested in their success because not only is Pima Medical's reputation on the line, so is mine as a graduate of this program.
Pima Medical provided what I needed to become a great therapist and for that I am thankful. I believe I've found my place in education and I am hoping to further my education through the master's degree program in the future.
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After moving from Texas to Colorado for a fresh start, I was determined to build a stable career in the medical field. Research led me to Pima Medical Institute, and from the moment I began speaking with admissions, I knew it was the right choice. Despite facing many challenges, I embarked on the Medical Assistant (MA) program with unwavering determination.
I started living in my car three weeks after starting the MA program. I was juggling homelessness, school and a full-time job. I struggled finding safe places to park, hot and cold nights, and finding time between work and school to do homework, sleep and get to the gym to take showers. I found incredible support from caring and understanding instructors who became like family to me. They provided resources and encouragement, helping me navigate the toughest moments. As difficult as my situation was, school was my biggest motivation and the people at Pima Medical were my support and prepared me for my future. Thanks to great instructors and comprehensive training, I excelled at my externship at Advanced Urgent Care, impressing my supervisors enough to secure a job offer before even graduating.
To my instructors at Pima Medical, I owe a debt of gratitude. I am the person I am today because of you. Your unwavering support and belief in me kept me going when times were toughest. Thank you for never giving up on me. You've shaped me into the professional I am today and I will forever be grateful.
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After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary.
Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!
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After twelve-plus years as a personal trainer, I found myself needing a job with benefits like a 401K and insurance, so I transitioned to a desk job. However, I was miserable and knew I needed a career that left me feeling fulfilled. I reevaluated my passions and realized I still loved working with bodies and physical health. A co-worker who had attended Pima Medical Institute for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program encouraged me to consider it. After researching and learning about the program, I decided to go back to school. Despite my experience, I wasn't initially accepted into the PTA program. Crushed but determined, I quit my desk job and worked as a rehab tech at an assisted living facility for a year. When I reapplied, I was accepted and I set a goal to graduate with honors.
At 39, I was older than most of my classmates, but I felt more prepared for the professional aspects. My instructors were great clinicians and I was able to learn and draw on their experiences. My clinicals were challenging, especially when COVID hit, causing disruptions. Despite the added stress, our instructors ensured we gained the necessary practical experience. After graduation, I worked at a skilled nursing facility, which I enjoyed, but quickly experienced burnout. I accepted a Physical Therapist Assistant position at Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy, where I have been thriving. In fact, a year ago I was promoted to Clinic Director. I love my job, my patients and the challenges of managing the clinic.
As a clinical instructor, I work with Pima Medical students, drawing on my experiences to engage them in hands-on learning. I'm proud to have graduated with honors and have even inspired a former client of mine to enroll in Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program. Now, both of us are medical professionals making a difference in people's lives. It's incredibly fulfilling!
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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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