I'm so thankful to PMI for giving me a career I enjoy! I love getting up and coming to work every day. I feel like I have purpose and I am confident I make a difference in children's lives.
My history in the medical field began a long time ago when I was a medic in the military. After being a stay at home mom for quite some time, I realized my kids were growing up and I really wanted a career. I had a desire to get back to taking care of patients. After lots of research online, Pima Medical Institute became my first choice for their Medical Assistant program
I was nervous being a little older than most of my classmates, but it actually worked to my advantage. I was really grateful to be able to further my education and I had a maturity level that helped me to focus. My instructors were great and I felt prepared starting my externship and, actually, quite comfortable performing blood draws and dealing with the patients.
I am currently working at Children's Hospital as a fulltime Medical Assistant float and I have an opportunity to work in the allergy, neurology, rheumatology, cardiology and diabetic clinics. I have learned so much in such a short time and I love my job! I'm currently taking evening classes and hope to someday go to school to become a nurse. I am so thankful to PMI for my new career.
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My mom spent more than 25 years as an instructor at the Tucson campus and encouraged me to explore what Pima Medical Institute had to offer. I was initially drawn to Physical Therapy, but as I learned more, I discovered Occupational Therapy. During my entrance interview for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, everything about the profession resonated with me. Ten years later, I have no doubt that this is my calling.
The OTA program demanded a high level of self-accountability. I had to learn when to use the resources available, how to ask for help and how to grow through discomfort. The growing pains were worth it. My cohort became my biggest support system and those relationships have turned into lifelong friendships.
I truly appreciated being held to a higher standard throughout the program. The structure and expectations prepared me to deliver quality healthcare right out of school. The professionalism required of every student helps ensure graduates are not only ready to pass certification exams and succeed as clinicians, but also stand out when applying for jobs.
Thanks to that preparation, I was offered a position during my second fieldwork rotation and hired as soon as I completed my certification requirements. Since then, I've been fortunate to explore many settings, roles and opportunities throughout my career.
I've worked primarily with pediatric and young adult populations, serving my community through outpatient clinics, home health and school settings. I'm currently continuing my education with a bachelor's degree and plan to become a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).
I would absolutely recommend Pima Medical to others. The OTA program prepares you to be more than just job-ready. It gives you the foundation to build a meaningful and lasting career in healthcare.
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In 1995 my husband was stationed in Texas and I started a nursing program with a local college. After a year into my program, we were relocated to Germany. Continuing my education over there was a big challenge because there were no colleges close by. Eventually we got back to the states and I was ready to get back into school. I reached out to Pima Medical Institute with the determination to start as soon as possible. I enrolled into the Pharmacy Technology program with the goal of graduating with honors. I knew I had to work extra hard to reach my goal. After graduation, my son was getting sick often due to the weather here. His doctor recommended we move to a different climate to decrease the chances of more serious illnesses. We moved our family to North Carolina for a new beginning.
I started my Pharmacy Technician career with Walgreens where I worked for three months before being offered a position at a healthcare clinic. After gaining more experience, I was offered the Pharmacy Technician Management position. Later my family and I moved back to Washington and I contacted PMI to help me with job placement assistance. PMI offered me a position to be a substitute teacher and today, I am a permanent evening instructor for the Pharmacy Technician program and I couldn't be happier.
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I always wanted to go into healthcare, but I knew I would need to go to college, which I couldn't afford. I decided to go into the military in order to help achieve my educational goal. I spent four years in the Navy working as a trouble shooter on the flight deck of a nuclear aircraft carrier. Our carrier was the first to respond to the attacks in New York. I am proud to say we arrived outside the New York harbor the morning of September 12th as a show of support.
After the military, I tried college, joined the Army National Guard, and continued my search for opportunities in the medical field. After a series of setbacks, I finally decided to begin as a dental assistant with the hope of ultimately being a dental hygienist. A friend introduced me to the dental hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and I never looked back. The best thing about PMI is that it is a tight knit group of people, similar to the military. A group of strangers end up becoming your peers, your friends, and eventually, your family. I never experienced that at community college. The friends I have made at school are ones I have made for life. Without my instructors and my peers, I wouldn't be who I am today.
The training I received at PMI truly helped prepare me more than any other training I have ever received. I now have my dream job! My overall experience at PMI was amazing; their commitment to excellence has allowed me to be successful. It can only get better from here!
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Before attending Pima Medical Institute I was waiting tables and wanting more. There had been many nurses in my family and I always thought I wanted to work in the medical field. After doing lots of research, I was excited to find a good Medical Assistant program in Colorado Springs. When I visited PMI, I felt nervous, but everyone made me feel really comfortable, and after talking with admissions and taking the tour, I knew this was the place for me. I had a super good experience as a student. My instructors were great and when I got into my clinicals I just kept thinking, "This is it. I know this is what I want to do forever!"
After graduation I was hired at my externship site and worked in family practice for several years. I took a few years off to have my son and had no trouble getting back into the work force. I am currently a Medical Assistant at Children's Hospital where I work mainly in ENT and Neurology.
I felt really prepared moving into my new profession. I was ready and Pima helped me get there. To all the waitresses out there who want something more ... it's tough to start a new career, but go for it! You won't regret it!
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I attended a university right after high school, but I was immature and didn't do well. Consequently, I dropped out and paid student loans for years. I worked in retail and restaurant management, often working 2-3 jobs at a time, when my wife, who happens to be a PMI graduate, really encouraged me to consider going back to school. I began to consider PMI's Veterinary Assistant program because it would give me an opportunity to work with animals.
One day I walked in to PMI to pick up some information and ended up enrolling in the VA program. My class schedule allowed me to continue working while going to school. It was difficult, and I had to overcome a lot of self-doubt! I was 27-years old and felt like I was starting over, but the instructors were really helpful, and the creative, hands-on projects made it interesting and helped me feel prepared. Besides the VA curriculum, we were taught valuable things like resume writing and professional etiquette.
I am currently enjoying working at BluePearl Veterinary Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant. It is a fast-paced, intense atmosphere, and I am exposed to many different procedures. I have the opportunity to listen to the doctors, view x-rays and ultrasounds over their shoulders, and learn more each day. I am working on getting to the top of my game as a VA and then plan to progress into the Veterinary Technician field.
The hands-on, personal attention and challenging curriculum I was exposed to at PMI helped prepare me to be a professional. My education at Pima was second to none.
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After graduating from high school, I attended UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) but despite attempting a number of majors, I still didn't have a plan. The thing that brought me joy was volunteering at the shelter where I adopted my dog. I really loved working with the animals and it made me realize that's what I was meant to do.
I began researching schools with a veterinary program around El Paso and found Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program. I cannot tell you how excited and joyful I was to finally start on a path to a career I knew I would love! I had a great experience during my 9-month program. My instructor was wonderful and I received lots of hands-on practice. I was placed in Boerne, near San Antonio, at the Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital for my externship and before I left to head back to El Paso, they offered me a position!
After almost three years as a Veterinary Assistant I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program, this time at the Pima Medical in San Antonio. I have been learning so much and am enjoying getting exposure in different areas like exotics and livestock. I appreciate my instructors sharing their experiences and providing hands-on instruction. I plan to graduate later this year.
I love the veterinary field and I am so thankful to Pima Medical for providing a path to a great career that I love!
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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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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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Dentistry was always in my plan, but life took a turn when I became a young mom while attending NMSU (New Mexico State University). Returning home, I started working for a family friend's dental practice, fell in love with the field, and decided to officially pursue a career in Dental Assisting (DA). I was looking for a fast-paced program and Pima Medical Institute was the perfect fit. My experience there was fantastic-I applied what I learned on the job and made lifelong friends.
After working as a dental assistant for a year, I decided to further my career and enrolled in the Dental Hygiene (DH) program at Pima Medical. The program was challenging, but the instructors were incredible. I was taught by some of the icons of dental hygiene and I thrived in the rigorous environment. Upon graduation, I quickly secured a job as a dental hygienist, working five days a week to maximize my education. Over time, I got married, had another son, and excelled in my career, and began working in a corporate dental setting. In 2021, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor in the hygiene clinic, a full-circle moment. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Not only did I find my passion for teaching, I got to continue learning alongside my students.
Currently, I'm preparing to open New Mexico's first dental hygiene studio to meet the needs of preventative care. I hope to employ several dental hygienists and we plan to collaborate with local dentists. I'm also starting a dental hygiene consulting business. I am excited about this business venture and genuinely credit my success to the education I received at Pima Medical. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors for shaping me into the professional I am today.
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Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made.
My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared.
Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home.
In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy.
I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!
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I spent nearly seven years working as a Medical Assistant (MA) before I finally decided to continue my education and complete the Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was my commute - I live in Colorado Springs, so this was a 74-mile drive each way to attend class at the Denver Campus. That meant spending at least two and a half hours a day just on the road, in addition to my coursework, clinicals and job at UCHealth.
The instructors at Pima Medical were incredible. They were more than just educators-they were mentors who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. The program was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I loved every moment of it, and I genuinely believe that the hands-on, real-world experience I gained during my time there has set me up for success in my new career.
One of the most exciting parts of this journey was being hired to work for both UCHealth and Penrad Imaging before even completing my program. I was offered a full-time position at Penrad Imaging and later, I was hired as a PRN at UCHealth. It was a huge confidence boost, knowing that I was already making an impact in the field even before passing my ARRT registry exam.
Now, I'm officially a Radiologic Technologist, and I couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of my career. Every challenge, every late night, every moment of doubt was worth it. Thank you Pima Medical!
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