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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With 20 years in imaging, I knew I needed a degree that carried weight. I chose Pima Medical Institute in 2012 because their Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program is designed for technologists who are serious about their future. It turned my years of on-the-job knowledge into a professional foundation that continues to serve me every day in CT and radiologic technology.
Returning to school after years in the field was intimidating, and my biggest obstacle was simply finding the rhythm of academic life again. But the support system at Pima Medical was incredible. I wasn't just a number; I was a professional working toward a goal. Overcoming the challenge of juggling 40-plus hour work weeks with my studies gave me a sense of pride that was just as rewarding as the degree itself.
As someone working in CT, having that deeper academic understanding of cross-sectional anatomy was a game-changer. It moved me from just following protocols to truly understanding the "why" behind the pathology I was seeing on my screen. Pima Medical Institute didn't just teach me how to operate the machinery; they prepared me to be a critical thinker in a high-stakes environment.
I was already established in my career in Hanford, California, when I decided to pursue my bachelor's degree. I maintained my full-time position while completing the online program, which allowed me to apply what I was learning in real time. That decision recently paid off in a huge way: I applied for a Clinical Coordinator position, and having my degree was the key credential that qualified me for the role.
Beyond the career advancement, I am incredibly honored to share that I was recently invited to serve on the Pima Medical Institute Advisory Board. It is a privilege to return to my alma mater in this capacity and contribute to the future of the Radiography program. Being able to offer my 20 years of experience to help shape the next generation of technologists is a highlight of my career.
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During my childhood, one of my favorite places to go was the dental office. The memories stayed with me. In 1989 I saw a classified ad for PMI, which led me to the admissions office and a career as a Dental Assistant. As a student, I had many challenges; I had to take my son to the day care, I didn't have a car, and I relied on public transportation to get to school. I was pregnant during school and when my daughter came early, I had to go on a leave of absence. When I returned to school, I was able to continue my honor roll status. My instructors motivated me, and I really enjoyed learning. After graduation, I worked for several years as a Dental Assistant and enjoyed every minute.
In 1993, I returned to PMI as an instructor and have been here ever since. It is easy for me to identify with many of my students, and I constantly get the opportunity to help others become successful. Some of my students have become dental hygienists and even dentists, and I am extremely proud of them! I'm thankful to PMI and to God for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful organization.
* Theresa was named "Instructor of the Year" in both 2000 and 2006
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I was a single mom, working two care giver jobs, and attempting to take classes at a local college, but it was difficult. I wanted to be a good role model for my kids, so I began looking online for schools and programs in the medical field that had a flexible schedule. I found the Pima Medial Institute East Valley Campus and enrolled in their 3 month long Phlebotomy Technician Program and that's when I got hooked! After finishing that program, I continued to work in home health and signed up for the Medical Assistant program at PMI's new Phoenix Campus. It was much closer to my home and more convenient for my schedule of going to school, working, and caring for my kids.
I had the best experience at both PMI campuses. I found that every instructor I had put forth so much effort, it made it easy to succeed. It's a lot of work and it is fast paced, but the instructors are wonderful and the sense you get is that everyone is in your corner. After completing the MA program I continued working for the same employer but I was promoted to administrator.
I've recently accepted a teaching position at Pima Medical Institute. I am so excited to work on a daily basis with the very instructors I have always admired. I think having been a student, sitting in those same chairs, will enable me to be understanding of my students and their situations. I know the struggles of being a single parent and living on a tight budget while trying to complete an education. I am thrilled and honored to work for Pima Medical Institute. It feels like I'm home!
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Pima Medical Institute provides a topnotch hands-on educational experience and prepares you for the real world. I believe it's an amazing and worthwhile investment.
I had always been interested in the healthcare industry, but after researching and learning about Respiratory Therapy, I fell in love with the profession. As I looked into schools, Pima Medical Institute just seemed to be the obvious choice, and I had a great experience at their Denver Campus. The instructors were great, there was a team-like atmosphere among my classmates, and I had a job before I even graduated.
I was running a respiratory program for over 30 skilled nursing facilities in the Denver area when I decided to continue my education, so I signed up for PMI's online Health Care Administration bachelor's degree program. I was a little nervous because I wasn't sure how I would be able to handle working full-time and going to school, but I quickly realized that if I was goal-oriented and committed, it really wasn't that difficult. In fact, I found myself looking forward to the next assignment or project, and it turned out to be a great experience. Interestingly, my final project involved walking through the process of developing my own company. As I was completing my assignments, I was literally putting them into practice. I was able to use my project to set up my own independent sleep test company, Elevation Respiratory Care & Diagnostics, which I still own and operate today.
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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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While in high school it was always my goal to attend East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). The minute I walked into their Medical Assistant (MA) room and saw the students giving each other injections, I knew this was the program for me. I attended the 9-month MA program during my senior year, and a month before graduation, they offered me the opportunity to begin Pima Medical Institute's (PMI) Health Care Administration (HCA) program. I loved the idea that the classes were all online and it would provide a fast track for me to get my associates degree.
EVIT was actually the most fun I had in high school! After completing my externship at a primary care office, I started as an MA the day after graduating from high school. I worked full-time while attending the HCA program online. I found the PMI instructors to be really helpful, understanding and great at communication. This associate degree program totally prepared me by giving me the knowledge and skills for my current job working in HR. Our company has doubled in size since I started, they've told me there is room for me to grow and I know this is my forever job.
I just turned 21, I'm making good money at a great job with potential for growth and I just finished paying off my school tuition. Believe it or not, every Sunday night I get excited to go to work. I would definitely recommend EVIT and PMI to anyone looking for a career path into the medical field.
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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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Pima Medical Institute has been a cornerstone in my career, providing a foundation that has endured through different stages of my life. Now, I'm excited to return to school and build on that strong base.
No one in my family is in the dental field, but I've always had a passion for becoming a dental hygienist. After high school, I spent five years working in Alaska's fishing industry. Upon returning to Seattle, I inquired about the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and ultimately enrolled in the Dental Assistant program. Balancing full-time work during the day with evening classes at Pima Medical was challenging but rewarding. My teacher was great, and I formed lasting friendships-I'm still close with one of my classmates more than 20 years later.
My first job was with a doctor in West Seattle, where I worked for two years before needing to go on bed rest due to pregnancy. I took a 15-year break to focus on being a mom. Remarkably, I was able to jump right back into my career as a Dental Assistant when I was ready. After moving to Phoenix, I started working as a temp and then secured my current position at Anthem Sonoran Valley Implants and Dental Center. It felt like riding a bike-everything came back to me. I love educating patients and helping them take care of their teeth. Currently, I'm in the process of applying to a Dental Hygiene program in my area. I want to further my education in the dental field and one day I hope to be able to clean teeth for free to help people who can't afford dental care.
Pima Medical Institute has been supportive throughout my journey, from enrolling and securing financing to ongoing assistance whenever I need it. I'm incredibly grateful for the education and opportunities Pima Medical has provided me.
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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.
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After 12 years working primarily as a public health nurse at a Federally Qualified Health Center (BQHC) serving medically underserved populations, I became a supervisor at the Florida Department of Health. It was then that I realized that I needed to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to remain competitive in the job market. When I changed jobs, my new employer offered a deal I couldn't pass up; a FREE RN to BSN program, with the only contingency being that I remain with them 12 months after my degree attainment.
I was initially accepted at a much larger and well-known university for an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, but the communication between myself and their recruiters left a lot to be desired, and as an older student who had never taken online classes, it spooked me. I searched and found Pima Medical Institute's online BSN program. I applied and was immediately welcomed by a veritable squad of people helping ease my fears and walk me through a new-to-me online educational experience. The director even called me personally to ensure the program fit my needs for maximum success. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA this past May, and I couldn't praise my professors or fellow students more! I had access to kind and
helpful staff even at odd hours, and it has helped me become so much more confident in my current practice.
My positive educational experience at Pima Medical has me seriously considering the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) online program. This is something that was never on my radar before and I know I would only want to tackle this goal with Pima Medical Institute.
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My journey into health care began with an interest in nursing, but I soon realized it didn't align with my personality. A shadowing opportunity in a Radiology department, arranged by my mother, confirmed my passion for radiography. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Radiography associate degree program and had exceptional experience as a student.
The program's blend of didactic and clinical training thoroughly prepared me for my career. I viewed each clinical rotation as a job interview, especially my fourth-semester placement. I worked hard to impress the staff by demonstrating the skills I had learned and I earned a job offer at the same hospital, where I continue to work.
Currently, I serve as the Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Canyon Vista Medical Center. Since graduating from Pima Medical's Radiography program 13 years ago, I have had the privilege of precepting students from various programs across Arizona and California. Among them, Pima Medical students consistently stand out. They arrive at their first clinical rotation with strong positioning skills and the confidence to image patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics.
Pima Medical not only equipped me with essential skills but also instilled confidence and set me on a path to success.
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