WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

As a small child I was obsessed with watching medical shows. I told my dad I wanted to be a nurse and I never changed my mind! I knew Pima Medical Institute had a great reputation so I enrolled in the Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) at their Mesa Campus. I had a great experience and loved my instructors and, even though it's very uncommon to admit, I actually miss nursing school! It was a challenging time for me as I logged over 45 flights back and forth to San Diego during my program to help care for my husband's grandfather who was on hospice. But, my instructors were great and helped me succeed. I've always loved children, so I combined my two passions and landed a job working in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Shortly after landing my dream job and enrolling in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Nursing's (BSN) online program, we received the wonderful news that we were expecting a baby boy. I found myself writing discussion boards while in labor in my hospital bed. Although it was challenging working full-time, raising a newborn and going to school, the online classes maintained enough organization and a steady pace to encourage me to keep going and graduate on time. I get questions daily from people interested in a nursing program. I've always told them the truth - if you want a solid education that prepares you for the world of nursing, Pima Medical is the best option. The clinical sites are unmatched, the staff will do anything to help you succeed and there is nothing that isn't covered in the 20 month program that you will need to start your nursing career.

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.

My daughter is a neonatal nurse and an associate director at Banner Hospital. I've always said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up! I was just 16 years old when I had my daughter and spent the next 32 years working in the grocery industry while raising my kids. It wasn't until last year when my sister passed away that I experienced firsthand just how short life can be. I decided to take that tragedy and do something positive with it. My sister had always told me I could do anything and was smarter than I thought, so I decided to be like my daughter and obtain a career in the medical field. My daughter had originally attended Pima Medical Institute for her CNA, so I boldly made the call and set up an appointment. Coming in as a 56-year-old mother who hadn't had any education since getting my GED in 1989, was intimidating. But from the person who welcomed me in the lobby, to the admissions advisor and then my instructors - everyone was kind and encouraging. I loved my instructors and I learned so much from them. It was a wonderful experience and it empowered me. I feel like I can do anything! I thought it would be fun to work with babies and young parents, so I pursued and obtained a position working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Health. My plan is to absorb as much information as I can and then continue my education. This is such an open field with so many opportunities. I'm so thankful for my new career and everyone at Pima Medical. You can do anything you set your mind to and you're never too old to take the risk to start over!

I was studying to be a chef when I realized it just wasn't what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I researched the medical field and enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. My instructors saw I was eager to learn and pushed me to do my best. My externship at William Beaumont Army Medical Hospital ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. I obtained a wealth of experiences working in the ER and trauma bay. During my last week, the master sergeant and staff surprised me by awarding me a Challenge Coin (the first one given to a student) for all my hard work and dedication. It was such an honor! Since graduating from my 9-month MA program, I have had a ton of great experiences. My first job was with a podiatrist where I assisted with minor surgeries and general foot care. I later worked for a rheumatologist where I became the head MA. I spent time working in dermatology, as a traveling MA and later for a pediatric GI doctor. Throughout this whole time, I'd had my application in with the federal government and recently obtained a position as a Clinical Certified Medical Assistant working with the Customs Border Patrol Medical Unit at the Port of Entry. We treat immigrants, detainees and our own officers. We make sure they get medications and assist in everything from wound care to labor and delivery. I love the medical field and I love to learn. I am considering continuing my education to become an RN, nurse practitioner or flight paramedic. I'm so grateful I chose Pima Medical and found my place in the medical field!

While working as a journeyman meat cutter, I began looking for a new career. My brother-in-law, an ER charge nurse, recommended I look into Surgical Technology. After some research, I chose Pima Medical Institute's Surgical Technology program based on their stellar reputation as an education institution. Going back to school as a 42-year-old was very challenging; I hadn't even owned a smart phone until I started my classes. Plus, going to school while continuing to work was difficult, but I had a great experience as a student and enjoyed the relationships I was able to cultivate. What I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the real world experience the instructors brought to our classes. They were always able to give real life examples to help solidify and anchor lessons in my mind. To be able to ask questions about actual cases was invaluable in preparing me for the operating room. I felt prepared to enter the field for clinicals, scared out of my mind, but prepared. I obtained a position at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center immediately, in fact I had to ask for the day off to attend my graduation. I have become an Orthopedic Scrub Tech specializing in Total Joint Replacement. I have also become a Preceptor helping to teach and train scrub tech students and orienting newly hired scrubs. I really appreciated my instructors and have stayed in touch and continue to use them as resources. I recommended Pima Medical Institute without hesitation.

My family always told me I would thrive in the veterinary field, but I didn't believe in myself. I was 24, working and intermittently taking general education classes at the community college or university with no clear direction. Everything changed when I visited Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant (VA) and Veterinary Technician (VT) programs. These programs ignited my passion for the veterinary field, and I was finally on a career path I loved. The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible, providing both education and valuable connections in the veterinary field. While attending the VT program, I balanced two full-time jobs in the industry, applying my classroom learning to real-world situations. This hands-on experience was invaluable. My instructors were always available and understanding of my very demanding schedule, even making sure I had snacks when I hadn't taken time to eat. After graduation, I spent six years at a fast-paced ER. Today, I am the Hospital Administrator at Pima Pet Clinic where I am able to utilize both my technical skills and administrative expertise. Additionally, I serve in the United States Army Reserves in a Veterinary Detachment, training medical personnel on K9 emergency assessments. Utilizing a remote-controlled robotic dog, I create scenarios (increased heart rate, insinuating pain, blood flow sensors, stomach inflation, even amputations) in order to practice real-time medical emergencies. The mix of knowledge and experience I gained at Pima Medical has been instrumental in my career and my ability to teach. Participating in these training exercises has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. The connections and the education I received at Pima Medical have truly transformed my life.

I have always had an interest in the medical field, but had no idea where to begin. My brother went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Technician program, which led me to look into the school. After my first tour, I knew it was the place for me and I enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. My student experience was amazing! I had fantastic instructors and got so much hands-on experience in such a short amount of time. At first, it was difficult to balance full-time school while working, but I loved what I was learning so much that putting in the work was something I was more than willing to do. I loved getting to practice my hands-on skills with my classmates. Doing things like injections and blood draws on real people truly prepares you for real patients. I graduated from Pima Medical with a 4.0 GPA, and as soon as I started to apply for jobs, the offers were rolling in! I ultimately chose to work at University of Washington Medical Center because it seemed like the best opportunity for me, and it definitely has been. Since graduating, I have been working at UW for the last year. I have learned so much and have never been more confident in a job. Getting my education at Pima Medical Institute was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It prepared me so much for my future and made stepping into a new role a piece of cake. I would highly recommend Pima Medical to others seeking to change their lives.

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.

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.