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 grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level.
Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family.
I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.
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My driving route often took me past PMI's campus. I've always been interested in the medical field and wondered if it was too late for me to get started. One day I just decided to stop by and ask some questions and the next thing I knew I was starting their Medical Assistant program. I am married with two kids and I'd been out of school for 13 years. So it was tough to get back into homework and studying, but my instructors were so helpful! I wanted to give up many times and they believed in me and told me they weren't going to let me fail.
When PMI arranged for my externship at Guadalupe Psychiatric I was a little skeptical. But the doctor was really excellent and I worked hard. On the last day of my externship they offered me a job! I want to continue my education by enrolling in PMI's online Health Care Administration program so I can reach my goal of becoming an office manager. Mostly, I want my kids to see their mom succeed and know I'm doing this for them. I had such a great experience at PMI and would recommend it to anyone!
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The road to becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant started with my desire to have a marketable career where I could help others every day. After doing my research, I found PMI offered a relatively quick and hassle-free path towards my new career. Having previously gone through some basic education courses in college, I appreciated the format of the program and the ease of not having to manage little things like scheduling classes, finding books, and trying to navigate a large campus.
Progressing through my PTA program was probably the most challenging endeavor I have taken on in my life. It seemed like every day brought something new that was outside my comfort zone and challenged me to work harder to achieve my goals. The camaraderie and support of my classmates helped a lot. It was great to see the changes and growth that we all went through during our time at PMI.
After graduation, I took a job at an outpatient clinic in New Mexico where I grew professionally. I became involved in the local chapter of the APTA and later served as the NMAPTA PTA Caucus representative. I recently completed my Bachelor's in Health Care Administration through PMI's online program and hope to start working on my Master's soon. My experience at PMI gave me the solid foundation I needed to pursue even loftier career goals. I am a good example of just how much an education can change the course of one's life.
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I learned so much at Pima Medical and felt like they prepared me for this career. I am working at Lovelace Hospital as a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT). Basically, I take the instruments used in the operating room for a specific surgery, reprocess them from dirty to sterile instruments and then reorganize them in preparation for the next surgery.
Prior to Pima Medical, I was working at Walmart. I knew I wanted something better so I decided to go back to school for a career in the medical field. I had a friend who attended Pima Medical's SPT program and when she talked about it, I thought it sounded interesting to work with surgical instruments. I also liked the idea that I wouldn't have to interact face-to-face with patients.
Going back to school was a little rough in the beginning, but I had Miss V, and she was the best teacher I've ever had. I never learned math in high school, but she knew how to make math make sense for me and I felt comfortable asking questions. I was super nervous to start my externship, even though I felt prepared, because I had never been to Lovelace Hospital and everything felt so new.
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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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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.
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I was a first-time mom of a four-month-old daughter when I enrolled at Pima Medical Institute's Denver Campus. I knew the retail or restaurant industry wouldn't be able to provide me with a stable income long term. I had not heard of the Medical Assistant (MA) program until talking with an advisor at Pima Medical, but I chose it because it offered an opportunity for me to meet the needs of people. I had no idea at the time how significant a role an MA plays in the front line at any hospital or clinic!
My experience as a student was BEYOND phenomenal! I nervously enrolled in the night course and faced the challenges of relearning how to manage the stress of being a student. One of the things I appreciated about all my instructors was their consistency. I felt BEYOND prepared to go out and be a successful MA. Since graduating, I have worked the majority of my MA career in women's health clinics (OB/GYN, reproductive medicine, sexual health clinics.) In 2018, while working in the Adolescent Family Planning Clinic at Children's Hospital, I earned my certification to become a Family Planning Health Worker. This allowed me to go to high schools, health fairs and clinics, to teach patients about birth control options and sexual health. Educating patients in this aspect, led me to my passion for teaching and I returned to my roots and began teaching at Pima Medical's Aurora Campus. After taking a break for my own health issues, as well as my continuing role as a mom (now to four children), I've recently returned there to teach.
My MA instructor, Trisha Brides, changed my life. Her extreme patience, encouragement and heartfelt sincerity helped me to be where I am today and I emulate her teaching style with my students. There are plenty of other schools out there that teach what we teach. But there is no other school that does it like we do it at Pima Medical Institute!
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After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary.
Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!
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After completing high school, I was looking for a temporary source of income that would pay enough to allow me to put myself through college. I had several family members who had attended various programs at Pima Medical Institute, so decided to enroll in their nine-month Pharmacy Technician program, figuring it might be a quick way to make more than the average college student.
The class schedules were ideal, allowing me to work while going to school. It was a strenuous curriculum but my instructor, a Doctor of Pharmacy with many years of experience, ensured his students became successful Pharmacy Technicians. He knew exactly what made a great technician and he prepared us well to become nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technicians.
I have spent the past 17 years as a Pharmacy Technician working in inpatient pharmacy performing sterile and chemotherapy compounding. I moved away from Arizona about seven years ago and I was hired at the VA Medical Center, where I was quickly promoted to Lead IV Trainer.
Recently, the Mayo Clinic in Mankato reached out to me and offered me a job as their Technician Supervisor with a focus in Sterile Compounding. The temporary job I thought would support further education became my career. I am very proud of my work as a Pharmacy Technician and I'm thankful for my Pima Medical instructor. As a result of being trained by him, I feel like my career has been really distinguished and for that I will always be grateful.
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My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well.
Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN.
Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
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I had an amazing experience in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I had the best instructors and, as we spent time studying together, my classmates became amazing friends. I had always known I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people and I wanted to work with children. My older sister had completed the Veterinary Technician (VT) program at Pima Medical, so I knew it was a school I could trust and enrolled in the MA program.
I appreciated all the knowledge and information they gave us about working in the real world. The hands-on experience helped us feel prepared for our new career. Since graduating in 2018 I have worked for three clinics or organizations as an MA and have gained experience in family practice, OB/GYN and specialty clinics and have learned so much!
I love my job! Every day is different and I am constantly learning new things. I am so very grateful for my instructors at Pima Medical for helping me to be able to achieve my dream job. I love what I do and I am so grateful I took the leap to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
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