Back in 2001 I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant Program. I was actually interested in nursing, but I had a young child and I just didn't have time to be on a waiting list. I enjoyed the program and ended up working as a Medical Assistant for 10 years until I felt like I had hit that glass ceiling and I couldn't grow any more.
I called PMI to see if they had a next step for me. When I learned about their online Health Care Administration associate's degree program, I got really excited! It was challenging, but I was motivated. My kids were a little older and they understood our life would change for a time while I was working and going to school, so we made it a family affair and we all studied together each night. My classes were really beneficial. They prepared me for leadership and management; skills I need for my current position. Our instructors made the classes practical. For example, we would have class discussions on how to handle patients who were upset. When I finished the program I realized I wanted to keep going, so I continued on and completed PMI's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. I am currently employed at Westmed Family Healthcare as their Clinical Supervisor. I would encourage other MAs to continue their education. Combining my years of experience with the online degrees from PMI has opened more doors for me in the healthcare field.
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Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: I started out as a 20-year-old looking for a job that could get me out of being a waitress. I found Pima Medical Institute and was very interested in the pharmacy technician program. I started the program in 2010 and graduated in 2011. I was a pharmacy technician from 2011 to 2022. In 2019, I decided to go for my bachelor's degree in health care administration. From then I found a position in 2022 as a product manager/business analyst and continue to be a certified pharmacy technician. The bachelor's degree program helped me in my current career and it also helped me pursue my master's degree in information systems at the University of Denver.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Pharmacy Technician and Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration programs?
A: When I was a student in the pharmacy technician program at Pima Medical Institute, I was on campus and it was a great experience. Overall, I was able to socialize with those who were also interested in being a pharmacy technician. It was very nice to be in the classroom and have hands-on experience during that time. When I decided to go for my bachelor's degree, I was online full-time and it had everything that I needed to pursue my degree. It was a great experience as well because I was able to still manage my full-time job and also gain the experience I needed to pursue another position as a product manager/business analyst in 2022.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: One thing I would say that I appreciated about the education at Pima Medical Institute was how it prepared me for my pharmacy technician experience. I really liked the fact that I had an externship for it so that I could get hands-on experience and get into the field easily. I believe that Pima Medical Institute paved the way for my path to where I'm at today.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: I would recommend Pima Medical Institute to others because it started my career and it has developed me into what I am today. I was young, as a 20-year-old, not knowing what to do or where to go because I thought I was not able to be successful or be able to pay for an education, but when I found Pima Medical Institute, that is what helped me to be more successful. As I gathered more experience as a pharmacy technician, I was able to find ways to pursue my education even further. This got me to where I am today as a product manager with a master's degree in information systems with a specialty in business intelligence.
If I had not attended Pima Medical Institute, I do not believe I would be where I am today, because they gave me the tools I needed to succeed. I was able to be very successful in the pharmacy field. My 12 years of experience and dedication really helped me to earn the role I have today as a product manager in the pharmacy automation field.
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Pima Medical Institute was an unforeseen blessing. I first heard about them during an unexpected urgent care visit. I had always wanted to go into the medical field and had a strong desire to be able to care for and interact with patients. But, coming out of high school I didn't have the financial stability to start a four year degree. After meeting and talking with a graduate of PMI that day in urgent care, I began to have hope that I might be able to pursue my dreams. Once I found the courage to actually go to PMI's campus and meet with someone, I knew I'd found what I was looking for.
Attending the Medical Assistant program while continuing to work my 9-10 hour shifts was certainly a challenge, but I did it. The skills that are taught in the classroom helped me feel prepared. It takes a lot to be able to feel confident enough to work with patients in the real world, but that is one of the best parts about Pima. Going into my externship and current job, I never once felt like I wasn't prepared to work with a patient.
PMI prepared me so well; I completed my externship at CareMore Medical Group of Nevada and was immediately hired as a fulltime employee. I don't plan to stop. I hope to become an Emergency Room Registered Nurse in the future. PMI has been an excellent stepping stone and has helped me accomplish my dreams. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a career and a brighter future.
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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 got out of the military as a gunner's mate and, since there weren't really any jobs hiring for an ex-military ammunitions and weapons expert, I started looking for a school with an accelerated program to provide a new career. I found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program, and while on a waiting list, I enrolled in their Pharmacy Technician program. It really helped get me back into the swing of school after being out so long and the day I finished, I was able to start the RAD program. The accelerated pace of the program was tough and I spent many sleepless nights studying to keep up. However, no matter the struggle, it was worth it!
Pima Medical provides the best preparation for your profession and you don't waste time or money for unnecessary courses that don't benefit your field. Plus, they have the best clinical sites available. I felt prepared to work at any facility and in multiple modalities. I moved to Washington the week I finished my program to join my husband back from his deployment and I found a job near his station at Whidbey Health Hospital.
After two years, I enrolled and recently completed Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program. I am preparing to take my Mammography boards and then plan to begin classes and on the job training for Computed Tomography.
I regularly recommend Pima Medical to other students. I received a great education and the instructors were always helpful and available.
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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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I was looking for a change from my previous jobs in food service and explored various community colleges in Seattle. After considering culinary arts, I decided to pursue a healthcare career where I knew jobs were more in demand. I chose Pima Medical Institute because the stories from previous graduates resonated with me. They were just like me, seeking change and career advancement. Despite having no prior knowledge or experience in pharmacy, I chose the Pharmacy Technician program to challenge myself.
My experience at Pima Medical was fun and engaging. The courses, from Career Prep to the Pharmacy Technician classes, were well planned. I learned everything I needed to succeed. The biggest challenge was balancing homework and projects with a full-time job, but it was worth it. The support from the staff at Pima's Renton campus was invaluable. The admissions and financial aid advisors helped me with my FAFSA, easing my financial worries. My Career Prep instructor made learning exciting and engaging. The staff provided support and organized stress-relieving activities like the Halloween costume contest. My instructor imparted all the pharmacy knowledge I needed and now apply daily in my work.
Since graduating from Pima Medical in 2018, I worked at ReadyMeds for nearly four years and I've spent the last several years working as a Specialty Pharmacy Technician at Kaiser Permanente of Washington. I highly recommend Pima Medical Institute for the support and programs they offer to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your career. Now I'm one of those graduates sharing my story to inspire others!
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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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Starting over in a new career later in life was daunting, but my passion for healthcare pushed me forward. I initially enrolled at a local community college to complete prerequisites for a nursing program, only to face a two-year waitlist. Determined to find a quicker path into the medical field, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. This program's accelerated timeline was perfect for my busy life as a stay-at-home mother. In less than three months I gained essential skills and secured a job in the medical field. That first step ignited my passion for healthcare, and after gaining experience as a phlebotomist and clinical lab assistant, I returned to Pima Medical for the 22-month Respiratory Therapy program.
My journey wasn't without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my class's clinical rotations, forcing us to transition to remote learning. Balancing studies, work, and family was overwhelming, but I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize self-care. The instructors, many of whom were industry professionals, provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences that prepared me for real-world healthcare settings. As a result of my education, I secured a position at Banner Desert Medical Center, where I have been employed for the past eight years. During the pandemic, I practiced respiratory care under an emergency license, which provided me with critical experience in a high-pressure environment. Currently, I am working in Procurement and have recently been promoted to Test Management Training Coordinator. In this role, I oversee the training processes for new hires, externships, and existing staff members.
I am incredibly grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical for their dedication and support. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training prepared me for a fulfilling career.
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I completed my Limited Radiologic Technologist (LRT) program and wanted to continue into a full radiologic technology program. I learned from a friend that Pima Medical Institute offers a bridge program for LRT graduates, which made it the best fit for me. My experience as a student was very positive. The program is designed in an exceptional way, making it manageable for everyone, including full-time employees.
One thing I really appreciated about my education at Pima Medical Institute was the professionalism and knowledge of my professors, program director, and clinical director. Their support and guidance helped me feel confident, and I do feel well prepared for my profession. I was already working at MedStar Urgent Care as a Limited Radiologic Technologist, but after graduating and passing the ARRT board exam, I was promoted to a Radiologic Technologist position.
Since graduation, I have continued gaining clinical experience and strengthening my skills in patient care and imaging. I am also planning to return to Pima Medical Institute next week to start the Bachelor's in Health Management program as part of my future career growth.
I would definitely recommend Pima Medical Institute. The program is well structured, the instructors are very knowledgeable, and the clinical training prepares students well for real-world practice. I am very grateful for my experience; the support from faculty and staff played an important role in my success.
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Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: I got to know about Pima Medical Institute by searching phlebotomy courses in El Paso. There was an orientation scheduled for the day before, but took my chances and I went for a tour. While I was there, I tested and was able to secure a spot in the phlebotomy course.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Phlebotomy program?
A: My favorite experience was Externship and being able to see what my career would look like in real life. Throughout my program I was able to overcome my fear of needles by practicing on my classmates, and them practicing on me.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: I feel my externship really allowed me to get the feel for what my workplace would be like, while getting the ability to make connections in my work environment. I found my first job at University Medical Center's Main Campus working night shift after graduating.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: I would recommend Pima Medical Institute to others. I feel the schedule really helped out while I still needed to work while attending school.
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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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