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!
|
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!
|
I'd been out of the workforce for many years as an at home mom. I knew the job market was tough and I would need a skill to return. I wasn't sure what direction to head, but I knew all those times I'd sat in doctor's offices with my daughter, I would watch their employees and think -- I'd really like to do that.
I did my research and found Pima had an excellent reputation. As soon as I met with the admission's counselor, I knew I was at the right school. I originally signed up for the Medical Administrative Assistant program. But when I was in my career prep class, I kept seeing this parade of really happy students and a really kind instructor who always greeted me in the hall. My curiosity got the best of me and during one of my breaks I talked to that instructor and found out she taught the Dental Assistant Program. She invited me to observe a class and as soon as I watched her hands on class, I knew I wanted to be a Dental Assistant. I switched to the DA program immediately and loved it!
Pima is a wonderful school and has great instructors. I can't say one bad thing about my instructor, Ms Lewis. She was just amazing! After my externship, I heard Pima was opening a Dental Hygiene Clinic and needed a Dental Assistant. I was able to transition from a PMI student to a PMI employee! I'm currently working with equipment and supplies, but am hoping we'll able to add restoratives and I'll be able to work with the dentist in the future. I love working with PMI students and hope to work here for a long time.
|
Working in the healthcare field is my passion! I want to be able to help others and make a difference in the world. I had a number of reasons for deciding to get my Bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration from PMI. My goals were to be an example to my children, gain knowledge in the field of healthcare management, and develop my leadership skills. My hope was to become a successful healthcare administrator in my own home health facility. It wasn't easy, working a full-time job and going to school full-time can be a huge challenge.
I want to thank all of my PMI instructors who aided in my success. I appreciate the hard work, time, perseverance, and commitment that you contributed to both my academic and personal growth. Thank you all for always inspiring me and encouraging me to give nothing less than my best, and for teaching and providing me with the knowledge and skills that I need to become a successful healthcare administrator and owner.
The BSHCA program and my instructors have instilled in me the confidence to face my fears and pursue my dream. As a result of this program, I am in the process of starting my own home health facility and I hope to have it up and running within the next year. Thanks PMI!
|
I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I began working as a CNA, and through my experiences in the hospital, I became excited about a possible career in the medical field. I heard a commercial about Pima Medical Institute and decided the quickest way into a career was enrolling in their 9 month Medical Assistant program. That opened the door for me, but I loved learning and knew I wanted more.
My dad passed away in 2015 from a drowning incident and that experience pushed me toward the respiratory therapy field. Through that incident I was able to observe the amazing work that respiratory therapists do and I said to myself, "I want to be one of them". One year after completing the MA program, I started Pima Medical's Respiratory Therapy program and I loved every moment of it! The program was challenging, but our classes were small and I connected with my classmates. We developed an almost family-type relationship. I loved my instructors; they really wanted us to succeed.
After completing my clinical experience, I was hired at St Anthony North Medical Health Center in Westminster, CO. I love my job! Recently, I have been working in the COVID ICU. I help intubate, manage ventilators and endotracheal tubes and give breathing treatments to those struggling to breath. I feel like I have found my calling.
I love Pima Medical. They did so much for me. Down the road I hope to continue my education by getting my bachelor's degree and possibly even obtaining my master's degree in the respiratory field.
|
I grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program.
I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff.
While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics.
My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.
|
I started the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute just weeks after graduating from high school. To be honest, I really didn't have a plan and was just hoping to have some down time and find a job. My brother told me about Pima Medical and pushed me to go with him to check it out. We toured the campus, took the entrance test, met with financial aid and both enrolled in the program. It was literally life changing!
I knew it was going to be a challenge since I knew very little about the medical field or human anatomy, but I learned how to study and retain knowledge. It is an accelerated program, but I kept my pace and really thrived with all the physical hands-on instruction. My externship was fantastic! I was able to apply what I had been learning at Pima Medical and each day became more confident. As a brand new graduate, I was pretty concerned about finding a job. But in my very first job interview, I answered their questions, listened and made sure to complement their organization and two hours later they called and offered me a position. I am currently a medical assistant and endoscopy technician in a gastroenterology office and I love my patients. I enjoy talking with them and making them laugh and really enjoy seeing them improve.
I'm considering going back to Pima Medical to complete one of their associate/bachelor degree programs. I'm grateful to my instructors like Gene Rathburn, who made learning fun. Everything I do is because of what he taught me. Here I am 22 years old with a career in the medical field and it feels great!
|
I had been through a year of community college and a year of university, but had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. When my mom, a nurse, encouraged me to pursue nursing, I knew it would provide a stable job with decent pay and I began researching programs. I settled on Pima Medical Institute because they had a great program with passionate faculty.
My initial time in the program was difficult on a personal level as I was very shy and struggled with some mental health issues. I ended up being required to take a mandatory break for a year, but I resumed my studies with renewed fervor and enthusiasm. It was a huge learning experience for me and it wasn't until the program was over that I realized the positive effects it had on my behavior, my personality and my professionalism. Our instructors did a wonderful job not only teaching us the correct conditions, signs, symptoms and skills, but also providing us with realistic situations and tips. They had an open-door policy and were always friendly and keen to answer questions.
I obtained my first position at Banner University Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center, in the neurology PCU where I gained great experience and became a charge nurse. Since graduating, I have grown into an entirely different person and nurse. Although I used to be quiet and reserved, now I am open, direct and approachable. Recently, I moved to the Phoenix Banner Thunderbird Medical Center where I plan to practice leadership and grow in my role as an ICU nurse. I was recently elected to be on the board of the Phoenix Chapter of the AACN, which is amazing for someone with as little experience as I have.
Pima Medical may be a little more expensive than others, but the quality of education you get is unfounded. Not only was I taught to be a Licensed Registered Nurse, I was inspired to be more ambitious with my life as well. I'm so grateful for my former instructors and the difference they made in my life.
|
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.
|
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.
|
I wasn't completely sure about going back to school until I walked through the doors at Pima Medical Institute. From the moment I took the tour and sat down for the exam, Admissions Representative Mary Mikiel made me feel welcomed and encouraged. I don't love taking tests, but her support and positive energy truly made a difference that day. A few days later, she called to tell me I had only missed one question - and that I was officially accepted into the Medical Assistant program.
Starting the program, I connected quickly with my classmates and discovered a great sense of community. My instructors were not only knowledgeable, but genuinely invested in my success. There were five of us who graduated together, and that experience gave me newfound confidence in myself. I was working full time while attending school, and although it wasn't easy, I proved to myself that I could push through the ups and downs and make it to graduation day. I started working at a fast-paced urgent care where everything I learned at Pima Medical came flooding back like second nature.
After about a year of hard work, I was encouraged to apply for a higher position. I'm proud to say I am now the Center Manager at Carbon Health Carlsbad. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement I received from the staff and instructors at Pima Medical. They believed in me when I didn't fully believe in myself and constantly pushed me to grow. For that, I will always be grateful. Pima Medical Institute didn't just prepare me for a career, they helped me believe in myself.
|
After retiring from the military in 2007 and working ten years as a corrections officer in a supermax prison, I decided it was time for something new. In 2019, I used my military education benefits to enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program (PHL). That led to Medical Assistant (MA), then Health Care Administration (HCA) and finally Veterinary Assistant (VTA). I also enrolled in Respiratory Therapy (RT) for a short time, but I realized it was not the right fit. In total, I completed four programs at Pima Medical.
The reason I kept coming back was simple: the people. There's a real sense of community here. When I finished my last program, I felt like something was missing. I applied for a position on campus, not expecting much, but the team saw potential in me and offered me a role in financial aid. At first, I thought I wasn't qualified. They told me they could teach the technical side, but what they really needed was someone who could connect with students. That gave me the confidence to accept the job.
I came here to learn, and I ended up staying to serve. Now I get to work with students every day, and I always try to check in with the ones who stand out. I let them know they're not alone, that someone here is rooting for them. It's not just about numbers or forms. It is about connection.
Math used to be something I wasn't crazy about, but now I use it every day and even enjoy it. Back when I started the Phlebotomy program, I would have laughed if you told me I would be in business attire, in an office, helping students plan their futures. This job changed my perspective. I come in each day not just to work, but to make a difference.
I tell my boss all the time: if it is not here, it is not anywhere. Pima Medical isn't just where I studied - It's where I belong.
|
