Back in 2001 I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant Program. I was actually interested in nursing, but I had a young child and I just didn't have time to be on a waiting list. I enjoyed the program and ended up working as a Medical Assistant for 10 years until I felt like I had hit that glass ceiling and I couldn't grow any more.
I called PMI to see if they had a next step for me. When I learned about their online Health Care Administration associate's degree program, I got really excited! It was challenging, but I was motivated. My kids were a little older and they understood our life would change for a time while I was working and going to school, so we made it a family affair and we all studied together each night. My classes were really beneficial. They prepared me for leadership and management; skills I need for my current position. Our instructors made the classes practical. For example, we would have class discussions on how to handle patients who were upset. When I finished the program I realized I wanted to keep going, so I continued on and completed PMI's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. I am currently employed at Westmed Family Healthcare as their Clinical Supervisor. I would encourage other MAs to continue their education. Combining my years of experience with the online degrees from PMI has opened more doors for me in the healthcare field.
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Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me.
While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business.
After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.
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I chose PMI because of the quality of instructors and because the local community college would take three times as long and I want to reach my goals as quickly as possible. I found my instructors really cared about the progress of the students and our ability to care for patients. I felt my experience was enhanced because I was active in student groups, including two years as president of the NSNA. This helped me develop my leadership skills and exposed me to other professionals locally and nationally. PMI did an excellent job of preparing me for my profession. We had a lot of lab and clinical hours which was invaluable real world experience that translated directly to my future career.
I found my first job with ABQ Health Partners by networking with other medical professionals in the community. My comfort in speaking with health care professionals, because of my medical knowledge, experiences and training from PMI, was vital in obtaining a job. Since then I have moved from being the Lead RN at one clinic to RN supervisor overseeing three different clinics at ABQ Health Partners. I have continued my education and in just a few months I'll have my master's of nursing and will begin working as a Family Nurse Practitioner. My long term goal is to open my own clinic.
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As a new pet owner I developed an interest in animal health care. I found the PMI Veterinary Technician program online, and immediately loved its convenient location and class schedule. When I scheduled a tour date on the campus I was very pleased to find a friendly and helpful staff.
The instructors are wonderful and genuinely cared about each student's education. They made me feel like I was valued and cared for, and they sacrificed so much of their personal time to ensure that all of their students were getting the education they were there for. Although the program was accelerated, the instructors made learning fun and showed me many creative ways to remember the large quantity of information that I needed to retain.
Once I completed my courses, PMI offered a VTNE review for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Even when I was done with school, they still wanted to help me! Because of their assistance, I was prepared for the VTNE and I am now a Certified Veterinary Technician at Briargate Blvd Animal Hospital. I graduated from PMI in 2013 and I am honored to say that I am a PMI graduate.
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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.
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I joined the US Army National Guard my senior year of high school, six months after 9/11 and was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in 2006. While in Kabul, I discovered the possibility of becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). After graduating with my associate degree in Maryland in 2010, I've worked as a PTA for Medstar Health for 11 years and have been an adjunct PTA faculty member. I attempted several times to return to a four-year college to get my bachelor's degree but the passion for the content of general studies was hard to dive into.
While researching, I found Pima Medical Institute's Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (BSPTA) program, but it seemed too good to be true. A program full of what I loved and dedicated to the PTA world I so deeply cherished? I enrolled.
I found the content and curriculum to be completely relevant to my job. It was challenging working full time while a student, but it was worth it. Then COVID hit. Healthcare changed completely; the challenges were on a different level. All of the instructors were understanding, kind and caring. I felt I could openly talk to them about content, challenges, life and all the bumps that came during 2019-20. I made friends and connections that I hadn't expected as we shared experiences and learned together, from afar.
Now that I've completed my BSPTA degree, my goals are to be director of PTAs for all 54 clinics, promote the hiring of PTAs and to eventually become full time faculty in a PTA program and lead the future PTAs. Thank you to the staff and faculty of Pima Medical for the constant encouragement and a caring and safe space to fulfill my dream!
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I entered Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program back in the 80's right after I'd graduated from high school. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but a friend suggested Radiography and Pima Medical had the most recognized program in the state and didn't require prerequisites. I had some challenges while in the program as I got married and my wife became pregnant with twins. But, I found I loved radiology, I had great instructors and it was completely worth it.
I was hired at my clinical site, Presbyterian Hospital, after graduation and spent most of my career working in interventional radiology and the cardiac cath lab. I was able to raise a family on one income while living in Southern California by being on call almost every night for 25 years. I advanced all the way to Director of Imaging Services at a large hospital in Los Angeles, CA with just my associate degree, but I always knew I wanted to get my bachelor's degree. So once my kids were grown, at age 52, I decided to go back to school. I was researching programs and found Pima Medical had a BSHCA (Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration) program and, even though it had been 30 years, they accepted all of my credits and I was able to complete the program in 20 months. The BSHCA program not only opened my eyes to thoughts of pursuing an executive position (like COO) at the hospital, it's given me the confidence to apply.
I found such success at Pima Medical that both my mother and sister later attended the Medical Assistant program at the ABQ Campus and my sister, seeing my success, enrolled in a Radiography program in North Carolina. I encourage others to go into this field. It has been a wonderful journey for me over the last 30 years and I'm not finished!
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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.
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Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother.
After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.
Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.
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When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support.
The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set.
My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way.
I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.
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had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for.
My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being.
I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.
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I have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume.
Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!
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