I was a stay-at-home mom with four children under the age of five. I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute and decided to pursue my dream of a career in the medical field. From my first day I felt welcomed, my classmates were friendly, the course load was manageable and I realized this is what I was meant to do. Life was challenging as I was working full time at night to pay the bills, catching a few hours of sleep, and then going to school and caring for my kids during the day.
And then the pandemic hit. I lost my job. Our landlord sold the trailer we were living in and my family was forced out of our home. My husband and I and our little ones ages 5, 3, 2 and 1 slept in our van until we were able to move into an extended stay. It was rough! I got a job at the hotel where we were staying and began taking my classes virtually. It was difficult, but we were eventually able to move into our own apartment. Then I needed to give up my job to start my full-time externship and the bills started piling up. We barely had money for diapers. There was one day that it all felt overwhelming and I wanted to quit. I couldn't see the long term and I was worried we might be homeless again. I called my mom and she reminded me that I was almost finished and encouraged me to continue. So I didn't quit!
This has been the hardest year of my life! But recently, I was offered a job at Arizona Community Physicians and I am so excited to be doing a job I love. I set an example for my kids and my mom is so proud of me. I am grateful for Pima Medical. So many people there cared about me and helped me complete this journey. Thank you Pima Medical for jump starting my career in the medical field.
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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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I never thought I'd ever be in the medical field, but I found myself, at age 41, needing a career to support my four children. While visiting Tucson, AZ, my sister took me to the Pima Medical Institute Campus and encouraged me to move and attend their Phlebotomy program. I signed up before I left and was planning to move, but ran into some family issues that kept me from being able to leave. Imagine my excitement when I found PMI had a campus near me in El Paso. When I visited and found they didn't have Phlebotomy, I decided to try the Medical Assistant program and signed up.
I loved my classes and enjoyed learning medical terminology and anatomy. Unfortunately, my family problems continued, my grades were suffering, and at one point I decided I might need to quit school. The people at PMI supported, helped, and encouraged me and wouldn't let me think of quitting. The time went by fast and, when it was time for my externship experience, I was assigned to an orthopedic office. It felt overwhelming at first, but it wasn't long before I was taking vitals and following the doctor and assisting him with casts, splints and stitches. The day after I finished my externship, they hired me!
Thanks to PMI, I have an exciting career, I absolutely love my job and, most of all, I know I have been a good example to my children.
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I had braces when I was younger and my dream was always to go into dentistry. But life took its turns; I started college and then put it on hold and worked. A couple years ago my father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer so I quit my job and cared for him for the last 7 months of his life. He single handedly raised my brother and I. Losing him was the most difficult thing I've ever faced! My dad left a little money, and I decided it was time to follow my dream. I researched, found PMI, and signed up for their Dental Assistant program. I was one of the oldest students in my class. I knew I would have to give it my all. I felt like my dad was watching me, and I wanted to make him proud.
My instructor was the most wonderful person! She was understanding and fair. She went out of her way to help me, including coming to work early to tutor me. She encouraged me to get my NELDA certification. That was really tough, but I did it! I knew I needed a job so after researching clinics; I personally dropped off my resume at 18 different locations. I had 8 call backs and several places offered me a position. When my externship site found out I'd been offered jobs, they wanted me to stay and offered me a higher starting pay to accept their position.
I just love my job! It's a wonderful place to work and our team is like family. I'm so thankful for PMI. My instructor was not only smart and caring, she was my stronghold. My success is due to her. Thanks PMI! I love my new career!
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I attended ASU and got my prerequisite degree in kinesiology preparing for a career in physical therapy. After graduation, I worked on a cruise ship as a massage therapist and while there, I spoke with a student studying OT and I realized this was actually the profession I wanted to pursue.
I found PMI and enrolled in their Occupational Therapy Assistant program. I enjoyed the small classes and one on one relationship with my instructors and found it quite different from my university setting where I was one out of 250 people in a class. My PMI instructors shared content, but they also shared their real life field experience and that made all the difference.
I felt prepared going in, but I learned so much more when I got into my field work rotations. When it came time for a job, I worked for two years and was able to get great experience in many different settings. Later, I obtained a position at Banner Thunderbird. When the opportunity presented itself for me to become a field work coordinator for PMI, I didn't hesitate. I love being back working in the OTA program. Having once sat in their chairs, I feel like I'm able to understand and help meet the needs of our students. I am hoping to get my master's in Public Health and have an active role within AOTA/ACOTE. The healthcare industry is ever changing and I want to be an advocate within our OT profession.
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I was a practicing massage therapist for several years before deciding to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I've always loved helping people manage their pain, but was frustrated I couldn't do more. After some diligent research, I took a tour of Pima Medical Institute of Las Vegas and I knew without a doubt I wanted to be part of their community.
The instructors were amazing! They addressed the needs of every single individual and were able to utilize different teaching styles in order to keep our class engaged. I appreciated the real life expectations our instructors gave us of the profession and know it helped prepare us for our first job. The camaraderie of my classmates also really enhanced my experience. We were truly a family and helped each other through the program. I currently work at Advanced Healthcare of Las Vegas, a skilled nursing facility, where I was sent to for my final clinical internship while at PMI. I remember being hesitant about the setting but after the first couple of days of my internship, I adored it.
Our PMI instructors provided us with a strong foundation and a thirst for knowledge to keep moving forward. I have recommended this program, and in fact, my husband, my brother, and my best friend are now also graduates of the PTA program at Pima Medical Institute. Thanks PMI!
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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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While facing setbacks in my undergraduate BSPS (Bachelors in Science of Pharmaceutical Science) program due to grade issues, I decided to step away. My advisor from the University of Arizona (UA) suggested I apply to Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician program. From the moment I stepped into the program, I knew I was in the right place. I had wonderful instructors to help guide me on the path of reaching my goal. I enjoyed meeting new and different people, each with their own unique story. Probably the biggest obstacle I faced was the poor performance that was lingering from my time at UA and wanting to show that I wasn't the reason for not doing well there. I'm proud to say I cleared that hurdle and finished my program with a 4.0 GPA.
One of the most invaluable aspects of Pima Medical was the accessibility of instructors for one-on-one guidance and always knowing I could easily ask questions and get help. This bolstered my confidence during my externship, enabling me to be comfortable with my colleagues and have the confidence to ask questions. I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Banner University Medical Center Tucson. My time there as an extern showcased my capabilities, earning me a position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
I owe immense gratitude to my instructors Shaun, Sara and Grace for their unwavering support and dedication to my success. Pima Medical Institute is able to offer opportunities to those that believe they don't deserve it, when in reality they do!
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At age 18 I got a job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. After gaining more experience at several hospitals as both a receptionist and an assistant, I knew I wanted to become a Veterinary Technician (VT). It seemed everyone I had worked with in the Seattle area had attended Pima Medical Institute, so that made their VT program an easy choice. I had struggled in classes at a traditional college, but loved my classes at Pima Medical. The instructors were excellent and very understanding. Everything I was learning seemed to apply to my experience at my job, giving me a conceptual understanding of the material. I felt very prepared for my clinicals and was offered a position at one of my sites. I worked at a number of clinics and an ER in the Seattle area, volunteered at a wildlife hospital and worked at a high- volume spay neuter clinic.
When we moved to rural Alaska, I spent a short time at a bear sanctuary before landing at Sitka Animal Hospital. I am the hospital supervisor and lead LVT and we see everything at the facility. Last week we cared for a ferret, a gecko, dogs, cats, bunnies, rodents, as well as performing surgery on a duck that had been attacked by a bald eagle. I am also on the board of a nonprofit animal shelter and a municipal animal hearing board where we hear appeals for animal control.
I am currently in pursuit of a master's degree. I hope to be part of the first group of technicians emerging into a mid-level practitioner position, much like a veterinary nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. Almost every day I think about my Pima Medical instructors and how grateful I am to have learned from them. I am proud of my successful career and I know I have them to thank.
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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.
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After moving from Texas to Colorado for a fresh start, I was determined to build a stable career in the medical field. Research led me to Pima Medical Institute, and from the moment I began speaking with admissions, I knew it was the right choice. Despite facing many challenges, I embarked on the Medical Assistant (MA) program with unwavering determination.
I started living in my car three weeks after starting the MA program. I was juggling homelessness, school and a full-time job. I struggled finding safe places to park, hot and cold nights, and finding time between work and school to do homework, sleep and get to the gym to take showers. I found incredible support from caring and understanding instructors who became like family to me. They provided resources and encouragement, helping me navigate the toughest moments. As difficult as my situation was, school was my biggest motivation and the people at Pima Medical were my support and prepared me for my future. Thanks to great instructors and comprehensive training, I excelled at my externship at Advanced Urgent Care, impressing my supervisors enough to secure a job offer before even graduating.
To my instructors at Pima Medical, I owe a debt of gratitude. I am the person I am today because of you. Your unwavering support and belief in me kept me going when times were toughest. Thank you for never giving up on me. You've shaped me into the professional I am today and I will forever be grateful.
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In 2005, while browsing technical programs online, Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant (VA) Program caught my eye. I filled out a request for more information and, to my surprise, Niki Riggleman, a recently retired yet highly esteemed instructor, called me immediately. Despite never having had an interest in veterinary medicine before, that call changed my life. I can't imagine being in any other field today and I'm so grateful Niki called me!
I completed the VA Program and returned to complete the Veterinary Technician (VT) Program in 2007. It was a privilege to be part of the very first VT class at the Seattle Campus. One aspect of Pima Medical I truly appreciated was its accessibility; the ability to attend night classes and work during the day allowed me to maintain a steady income while pursuing my education. The hands-on classroom experience, combined with working in the field, was crucial to my professional growth.
My journey with VCA Animal Hospitals began with my first externship, where I was hired even before completing it. Almost 20 years later, I'm still with VCA and grateful to have found my place there. I worked as a VA, a VT and then quickly moved up to Technician Supervisor and a regional training role. In 2020, I became the Regional Technician Director for the Northwest & Hawaii Group, supporting veterinary teams across five states. Additionally, as the current President of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT) and a former District Chair for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), I am dedicated to improving the careers of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Ensuring their optimal utilization and safety is crucial to our profession, helping us continue to serve our patients effectively.
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