WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was a single mom and was in and out of menial jobs living paycheck to paycheck for many years. Several years ago I attended my sister's graduation from Pima Medical Institute. I recall how inspired I felt watching her walk across that stage and it made me want a better life. But at the time, I just didn't believe I could do it. Last year I finally signed up for the Medical Assistant program. I would work all night, grab a couple hours sleep, get my kids off to school and take the bus to PMI. Sometimes I'd fall asleep waiting at the bus stop. There were days I didn't have money for the bus or for daycare so I would miss classes. Sometimes my budget felt so drained, I was too tired to even get up. It was a low point when I was dismissed from the program because of my absences. Life was so hard; there was even a time when we were homeless. When PMI offered to give me a second chance, I just knew I was not going to let anything get in the way. I wanted a better life and I wanted a career for my children's sake. My teachers were wonderful and welcomed me back. PMI totally changed my life. Before my externship was even finished I prepared my resume and began looking for jobs. When Affiliated Dermatology called me for an interview and later offered me a position on their team, I was thrilled! I got to walk across that stage and I am so happy with my new career! One thing I learned through my journey at PMI is there are going to be set backs, but you just have to keep going. I love Pima Medical Institute!

Pima Medical Institute gives you everything you need to do your job well in your new career. I find myself recommending them to everyone. Before I started at Pima Medical, I was a stay at home mom to my two kids. As they got older, I started looking for something that would work for someone who had been out of school for 10 years, and a place with a good reputation. A lot of my motivation was my kids; I needed something stable for them. I've always had an interest in the medical field, and after seeing an advertisement on a bus for Pima Medical, I decided to look into their programs. I applied online, later stopped in for a tour of the campus and signed up for the Medical Assistant Program. The program, my teachers and my classmates were a perfect fit for me. My classmates were helpful and we had a lot of fun. I had the help and support from instructors not only for my education, but personally as well. My instructors have become my friends. I was hired on at Presbyterian Medical Center as a Medical Assistant in their orthopedic department. It was a transition for my kids to have me go back to work, but I am teaching them the importance of an education. My kids are looking up to me and I'm proud of my new career.

During my teenage years I had the privilege of being present for my little brother and sister's births. When I watched the nurses and saw their level of involvement in labor and delivery, I decided that I wanted to be a nurse. Once I finished high school, my mom encouraged me to enroll in the Practical Nursing (LPN) program at Pima Medical Institute. It was intimidating and a big challenge for me coming right from high school. I struggled and ended up failing a class. Some told me I should just drop out of the program, but I used that as fuel to come back even stronger. The instructors helped and pushed me, and although I struggled, I completed the program in 2019. Unfortunately, I failed my first attempt at the licensing exam (NCLEX) and I was devastated. I had not prepared as I should have and proceeded to fail the second time as well. It was so difficult and I wanted to give up. It was my wake-up call to accept help, so when one of my instructors called and offered help, I was willing. For two months they helped me prepare and boosted my confidence and when I finally passed, I broke into tears. It was a very long wait, but I did it! For the last three years I've worked in behavioral health, long-term care, acute and skilled nursing. Recently, Lovelace Hospital decided to hire LPNs for the very first time and they have offered me a medical-surgical position. They told me I am the first ever LPN to be hired by the hospital and said that I am a pioneer in my field. I'm so thankful for Pima Medical and the instructors who believed in me. I love what I do; I just bought my first home, I hope to continue my education and I am excited about my new hospital position.

As a proud Pima Medical Institute BSRT graduate, my journey from an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT), to a bachelor's degree, to achieving my dream job as a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children's Mercy has been nothing short of remarkable. While in school for my associate's at Concorde College, they highly encouraged us to continue our education and recommended Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). I knew a bachelor's would increase my salary and would also be helpful for future supervisory or management positions. The flexibility of online classes made it manageable for me to work full-time at Salem Health, a level II trauma center with a level III NICU, while pursuing my degree. My dream of working in medical transport began at age 17, when I was a volunteer patient for the local fire department and experienced being flighted out of our neighborhood. After years of experience as an RT, I landed my dream job. As a Critical Care Transport RT, I participate in various types of transports, from helicopters and fixed wing, to jets and ground transportation, proving support to hospitals nationwide. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is one of the busiest transport teams, covering a wide range of patients including neonates, pediatrics, maternal and fetal cases. Working with limited resources challenges me to think on my feet and be creative with patient care. The transport team, comprised of brilliant minds, requires continuous education, certifications, and simulations to improve patient care. During my downtime, I enjoy visiting former patients and their families and witnessing their progress. I love to do PR at community events where I hope to inspire young girls to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I'm appreciative for the role Pima Medical played in shaping my success and making my dream job a reality.

After dropping out of community college, resulting in a $2000 tuition bill, I was at the lowest point in my life. I knew I wanted to go back to school, but had no money and no car. So, for one year I jogged three miles to begin my shift at McDonalds at 4:00 am until I could save the money I needed. Inspired by my brother who had graduated from Pima Medical Institute, I met with an amazing admissions advisor at the East Valley Campus who spoke encouragement and belief into me. I chose the 3-month Phlebotomy program because it was the shortest path into the medical field and had a wonderful experience, despite passing out watching my first blood draw. I was hired at Banner Desert in Mesa, and after a few years, I began the Nursing program at the Mesa Campus. I really struggled with self-doubt, but with guidance from my dedicated instructors, I emerged prepared for my new profession. A nurse manager, who had observed my performance as a Phlebotomist, hired me as a Trauma PCU nurse. I later transitioned to a Psychiatric Nurse in the adolescent unit at Banner Behavioral to help others who were struggling like I had. I completed a bachelor's degree and recently a doctorate program from the University of Arizona to become a Nurse Practitioner. I am so grateful to my Pima Medical instructors who gave me my start in the medical field and never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. In my journey from McDonald's, to Phlebotomist, to Trauma Nurse, to Psych Nurse and now Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am proof that with determination and support, one can achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact by never giving up.

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.

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.

In 2005, while browsing technical programs online, Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant (VA) Program caught my eye. I filled out a request for more information and, to my surprise, Niki Riggleman, a recently retired yet highly esteemed instructor, called me immediately. Despite never having had an interest in veterinary medicine before, that call changed my life. I can't imagine being in any other field today and I'm so grateful Niki called me! I completed the VA Program and returned to complete the Veterinary Technician (VT) Program in 2007. It was a privilege to be part of the very first VT class at the Seattle Campus. One aspect of Pima Medical I truly appreciated was its accessibility; the ability to attend night classes and work during the day allowed me to maintain a steady income while pursuing my education. The hands-on classroom experience, combined with working in the field, was crucial to my professional growth. My journey with VCA Animal Hospitals began with my first externship, where I was hired even before completing it. Almost 20 years later, I'm still with VCA and grateful to have found my place there. I worked as a VA, a VT and then quickly moved up to Technician Supervisor and a regional training role. In 2020, I became the Regional Technician Director for the Northwest & Hawaii Group, supporting veterinary teams across five states. Additionally, as the current President of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT) and a former District Chair for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), I am dedicated to improving the careers of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Ensuring their optimal utilization and safety is crucial to our profession, helping us continue to serve our patients effectively.

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.