On my 35th birthday I woke up to go to work and told myself: "I won't be doing this next year."
After researching several schools, I chose Pima Medical Institute because of the variety of programs offered. After taking the tour I chose the Radiography program and I started in the very next class. The program was tough and demanding of my time. However, with the personal sacrifices of my family and an employer who was flexible, I was able to complete the program. The biggest challenge was making time for my family and trying to make the most of the time we had.
The clinical rotations gave us experience with all the various types of facilities and exposure to many different employers and technologists. My first job was as a PRN Rad Tech at Lovelace Westside Hospital. I was hired about 2months after graduating. On September 4, 2014 I opened JCAT Imaging Services with my fellow classmate and business partner, Anita Torrez. I currently half own and operate the only independent X-ray clinic in Los Lunas, New Mexico.
In January, 2015, I started Pima's Bachelor program to get my BSRS and look forward to putting that to use later. I recommend Pima to anyone interested in a medical career not just Radiography. I would like to thank my instructors for guiding me through my program. My dreams have come true, in part, because of them.
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I have always admired health care professionals and knew from an early age that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to patient care. As a young adult preparing for college, a routine physical led to the discovery of a benign brain tumor. I spent much of that summer in and out of the hospital. The compassion, skill and reassurance shown by my nurses and doctors left a lasting impact on me during a time filled with fear and uncertainty.
I began working as a dental assistant for a family friend, which gave me a glimpse into the profession and led to a transformative mission trip to Nicaragua, where I assisted in providing dental care to underserved communities.
Soon after, I applied to the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute's Seattle campus. The program was rigorous, but the unwavering support from instructors made all the difference. They were dedicated to our success academically, clinically and personally. When it came time to take my clinical boards and graduate, I felt fully prepared and confident.
Now, with eight years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I often hear from employers how much they value Pima Medical graduates. This reputation for excellence inspired me to continue my education and enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. That journey equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to start my own myofunctional therapy practice. Through my Capstone project, I developed a comprehensive business plan and learned what it takes to build and sustain a health care practice.
I am proud to now serve as a Hybrid and Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Seattle campus. It's an honor to be a Pima Medical graduate, a dental professional, a business owner, an educator and, above all, a mother to three amazing children. I feel truly blessed to support my family while thriving in a career I am passionate about.
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I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. Since my brother had attended PMI's Radiography program and experienced success, I decided to check it out. A week later, I found myself starting the Respiratory Therapy Program. My experience at Pima was great; I loved my instructors and, upon graduation, I felt well prepared to start my career.
One of my clinical rotations was at Banner Good Samaritan. Because of its size, there were many opportunities to learn, and I loved it. When I graduated, they hired me! In the last seven years, I've had the opportunity to gather experience in trauma, ED and ICU.
A number of years ago, I began working part-time with students. Because I'm a hands-on learner myself, I thoroughly enjoyed demonstrations with students one-on-one, particularly in a hospital setting. Several years ago, I opted to complete the circle by coming back to teach full-time at PMI. It has been a great joy and an incredible experience to share what I've learned - topped off by the huge reward of witnessing my students' professional success.
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Before PMI, I worked for years as an office manager and then as a foster mom. I fostered 16 different infants over a 6 year period and ended up adopting three of them. When I decided it was time for a career, I began with the health profession. I was going through a divorce and needed something quick, so I signed up for the phlebotomy program at PMI. After working as a phlebotomist for 9 months, I decided I wanted more. I had breathing issues when I was young and knew what it felt like to not be able to breath. So, the Respiratory Therapy program was intriguing to me and I signed up.
It was a challenging program but my instructors were great. I walked in deathly afraid of math but my instructor, Louise, knew just how to break it down and make it understandable for me. I actually learned to love those calculations, thanks to her. After graduation I received some great experience working at two different hospitals in the area. Currently, I am the Supervisor of Respiratory Therapy at Northwest Medical Center and I oversee a staff of 40. Our therapists really enjoy having PMI students. We find them to be respectful and well prepared.
Recently, I started PMI's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. I have found it to be a good curriculum and applicable to my work as a supervisor. I enjoy serving on PMI's advisory board and I'll always be grateful for the education and great instructors I had at PMI.
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Both of my parents have careers in the medical field and my older sister was working as an X-ray technologist's assistant at the same hospital. I had many broken bones as a kid and recall getting many X-rays, but when my sister started talking about what happens behind the scenes in her department, I started considering a career as a radiologic technologist. Both my sister and my mom encouraged me toward the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute.
It is a robust program for sure. It was super challenging for me and required a lot of study. But, the instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraging. I formed great relationships with my classmates; we became quite close and helped each other get through the program.
It was quite intimidating to walk into my clinicals. Although I was well prepared and had help from the technologists, it was quite overwhelming to be in trauma situations and be interacting with nurses and doctors in real life situations. I worked really hard in my final round of my clinicals at Sharp Memorial Hospital and a couple months after graduation, I was hired as a radiologic technologist. I spend the majority of my time in the ER and I really enjoy my current job, but may consider a position in mammography in the future.
I want to thank Pima Medical and especially my instructor, Dr. Schmidt, who was so helpful and supportive. I was in a terrible car accident during the program and without her guidance I may not have been able to finish my program. I am 23-years-old, I have a career in the medical field and I am really proud of myself.
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As a kid I was always bringing animals home and preferred watching nature shows to cartoons. I grew up in a small town and settled for a job working in retail. I began volunteering at Gulf Coast Wildlife Rescue and loved it! One day while listening to Pandora I heard about a Veterinary Technician program at Pima Medical Institute and I knew that's what I wanted to do.
During the first part of the VT program I was driving 90 minutes each way to school. It was tough, but it was what I wanted. I loved the program and the knowledge came naturally for me. I was a loner coming into the program and had to learn to work with others. One of the things Pima Medical taught me was a sense of teamwork.
After graduation I took a position at a clinic in Galveston where the veterinary medical director worked at Moody Gardens, a resort and educational nature facility with an aquarium and rainforest. I have been able to work part time at the resort and I've just been offered a fulltime position working at Moody Gardens as a zoo and marine technician.
I believe it is important to get out and do the work to achieve your dreams whenever possible. I'm so grateful for Pima Medical. Our instructors cared about us as people and made sure we were successful. Within 3 years I've gone from a student at Pima Medical, to a small animal clinic, to a zoo technician. I could not be more excited!
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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 chose imaging because I wanted to help others. In addition, I had family in the field so I was aware of the opportunities Radiology has to offer. I chose Pima Medical Institute both as an academic institution and later as an employer for the mission and values the organization stands for.
After graduating from the Radiography program in 2008, I worked in x-ray and also spent 12 years as a Radiologic/Lithotripsy Technologist for a nationwide surgical provider performing ESWL procedures with Urologists in surgery across the state of Arizona. After coming to Pima Medical as an instructor, I chose to enroll in their Masters in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program. Working full time as a Program Director and meeting the demands of a rigorous program has been challenging, but with proper time management and support of others, I've been able to overcome the workload. In both of my academic experiences at Pima Medical I had the greatest time getting to know my instructors and fellow students. I appreciate the level of preparation for real world scenarios that Pima Medical offers.
I want to thank the faculty I have collaborated with through all my academic experience. I am grateful for the hard work and effort they put into preparing me for a future in healthcare and leadership. I am lucky enough to collaborate with a former instructor who is the Radiography Program Director at the Mesa Campus. It is funny how life works and how things can come full circle.
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After years of bouncing between retail and fast food jobs, I found myself questioning the direction of my life. Dissatisfied and yearning for something more meaningful, I explored careers in the medical field but many required prerequisites. That's when I discovered the Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) program at Pima Medical Institute during a meeting with an advisor. It sounded really interesting to me and I decided just to go for it.
Being part of the very first SPT program at the Denver Campus meant small class sizes and lots of personal attention. Sterile Processing fascinated me with its intricate details, providing constant mental stimulation. When I began my clinical work in the hospital, nerves got the best of me, leading to anxious mornings. Yet, as I embraced the experience, the fear subsided and I found purpose in the crucial role Sterile Processing plays and I was hired by the hospital where I completed my clinicals. Two years later, I moved to my current employer, Valley Regional Medical Center in Arkansas Valley, where I am the SPD Supervisor. I oversee the setup, sterilization and ordering processes, including implants and replacement parts. The responsibility is immense, but the challenge fuels my passion. I've recently returned to school online to pursue Practical Nursing (LPN), aspiring to advance to a Scrub Technician role here at the hospital and perhaps become a traveler in the future.
I had such a great experience at Pima Medical Institute and if I had the chance for a redo - I would do it all over again. I finally feel like I am doing something meaningful with my life.
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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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When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute.
My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.
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After 25 years in restaurant management, I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but life kept getting in the way. In 2017, everything changed when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. One nurse, an older, highly skilled woman, was so inspiring that I thought, "If she can do this, so can I." Though I didn't want to be a nurse, I knew my management background could help me run a medical office. However, when I tried applying for receptionist jobs, I kept hearing the same thing-I needed medical experience.
That's when I decided to take a leap and enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. The nine-month program gave me the education I needed to get my foot in the door. It wasn't easy-after being out of school for 20 years, I had to relearn how to study and manage my time. But thanks to Pima Medical's support system and my fellow students, I got through it.
I landed my first job as an MA through my externship at Pima Heart. I soon enrolled in the online Health Care Administration (HCA) program, while moving up in my job and then continued into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Upon completion, I applied to administrative positions and was humbled to have 15 interviews scheduled. After considering numerous job opportunities, I chose to join Banner Health as a Practice Manager, overseeing a staff of 20 (with eight providers and 40 residents).
Pima Medical provided the education I needed to excel in the medical field. My instructors were there for me every step of the way. If you're considering going back to school, just do it! Choose Pima Medical and you will get the support you need.
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