I'm a single mother of two boys and had been a preschool teacher for many years. I always felt like I wanted more, so I began researching the medical field. One day I walked out of the grocery store, saw PMI's campus and decided to check it out. It wasn't long before I'd signed up for their medical assistant program. I was so anxious on my first day of class, but the instructors embraced me and made me feel comfortable. I enjoyed school and got involved with student government and looked for opportunities to help other students who were struggling.
I was assigned to the Physicians Surgery Center of ABQ for my externship. I was nervous and really didn't know what to expect. But, I knew my instructors had given me great instruction so I decided just to do my best. Within the first week they indicated they would be interested in hiring me upon completion of my externship. I was so proud and couldn't wait to go back and tell my instructors! I'm currently working there as a medical assistant and I not only help with the administrative side, but have even assisted in some surgeries.
Since the day I walked in the door, PMI has literally changed my life. Age is just a number and I plan to keep going and keep learning. Thank you PMI!
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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 never thought I'd ever be in the medical field, but I found myself, at age 41, needing a career to support my four children. While visiting Tucson, AZ, my sister took me to the Pima Medical Institute Campus and encouraged me to move and attend their Phlebotomy program. I signed up before I left and was planning to move, but ran into some family issues that kept me from being able to leave. Imagine my excitement when I found PMI had a campus near me in El Paso. When I visited and found they didn't have Phlebotomy, I decided to try the Medical Assistant program and signed up.
I loved my classes and enjoyed learning medical terminology and anatomy. Unfortunately, my family problems continued, my grades were suffering, and at one point I decided I might need to quit school. The people at PMI supported, helped, and encouraged me and wouldn't let me think of quitting. The time went by fast and, when it was time for my externship experience, I was assigned to an orthopedic office. It felt overwhelming at first, but it wasn't long before I was taking vitals and following the doctor and assisting him with casts, splints and stitches. The day after I finished my externship, they hired me!
Thanks to PMI, I have an exciting career, I absolutely love my job and, most of all, I know I have been a good example to my children.
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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.
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I've always wanted to be a nurse; I come from a family of 12 and I am a caregiver at heart. I researched many different schools, but so many had a two-year waiting list just to begin. I was able to start Pima Medical Institute's Nursing program the fall after graduating from high school. I was not a straight A student so I knew it would be difficult and I'd have to be willing to put in the work. My teachers were kind, patient and accommodated my learning style. They even offered one-on-one tutoring, which made a big difference for me. My classmates and I had study groups, shared notes, and many are still my friends to this day.
The instructors at Pima Medical genuinely want you to succeed. They are always available to help and often shared their personal nursing experiences with us. After completing my clinicals at Banner Baywood Hospital, I was offered a job. I continued my education with Pima Medical, completing the online RN to BSN program and I found it quite easy to manage work and school life balance, even in the midst of a pandemic.
I've worked in many different departments; neurology, progressive care unit (PCU), resource nurse working with all different departments, and currently I'm working in the ICU. There are endless opportunities for nurses and I am considering both research and travel nursing in my future.
I am thankful for each of my instructors - they were incredible! I was only 17 years old when I started the nursing program, now I am 22 and have my bachelor's degree. I would recommend Pima Medical to anyone wanting to become a nurse.
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At a young age I had the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Parks, and my passion was ignited! Each spring break I continued to visit her clinic and during that time I made the decision to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). I had no interest in attending a four-year college as I was career driven and was anxious to get out and work in the field.
I loved the VT program at Pima Medical Institute! It was encouraging and exciting to be surrounded by fellow students who all shared my passion. I appreciated the atmosphere created by our instructors and the hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was in a rollover accident, was bedridden and had to miss a whole sequence of classes. It was difficult being away from Pima Medical and all my classmates, but my instructors were so supportive when I was able to return. However soon after, COVID hit and we were forced to go remote. I was so discouraged, but I was able to begin shadowing at my future externship site while taking online classes and upon graduation they offered me a position.
I passed my VTNE exam in October of 2020 to become a certified VT. I am currently the second lead tech and am in charge of employee training and inventory; having assisted in establishing new protocols and the purchase of updated equipment. I attend every continuing education event I can get my hands on and I love learning. Veterinary medicine can take me anywhere and I am up for the challenge. Down the road I can even see myself as an instructor in a VT program.
I am grateful for Pima Medical and my instructors who provided me with an education that has led to my continued success and allowed my dreams to become reality.
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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 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 journey into healthcare wasn't planned. During my senior year of high school, I was preparing to study engineering when my dad passed away. It was a tough time, and I decided to take a break. My mom, a nurse, suggested I become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), so I completed an accelerated program and started working at Silver Hills Healthcare Center in Las Vegas. I never imagined a career in long-term care, but I excelled as a CNA and was promoted to rehab aide. One day my regional director, who saw potential in me, signed me up for an informational seminar at Pima Medical Institute for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. I attended, was intrigued, and decided to enroll.
Balancing school and work wasn't easy, but Pima Medical made it possible. I worked flexible hours, attended classes and studied late into the evenings. The instructors were experienced, and the small class sizes made learning enjoyable. When I took the national licensing exam, I achieved one of the highest scores my instructor had ever seen. After working in the field, I wanted to grow my career even more, so I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Today, I'm an Assistant Administrator at Alta Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, finishing my Administrator in Training program. Soon, I'll sit for the licensing exam to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and my ultimate goal is to own a skilled nursing facility.
Pima Medical gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. Their programs may cost a bit more, but they are efficient and effective with no prerequisites. I received a quality education at Pima Medical and I'm proud to be a graduate!
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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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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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