WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

After working at an animal shelter for about 10 years, I realized I wanted to become a Veterinary Technician. I did my research online and found that Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Technician program had a good reputation, and their morning classes worked perfectly with my schedule. I was able to be a single mom, go to classes in the morning, and work in the afternoon. I had previous degrees that I didn't use, and I've always enjoyed learning, but PMI's program was very accelerated, I learned so much so fast. My instructors were great and gave us really good feedback. I realize I was a bit of a late bloomer in deciding to go back to school at age 34, but I'm so glad I did. During my Veterinary Assistant externship, I worked at Veterinary Specialty Center where I got great experience and a job. I was able to work while completing my Veterinary Technician program, and I recently became the internal medicine lead technician. I love my job in internal medicine, and I'm always learning. In fact, I am working towards my veterinary technician specialty license and even spend my vacation time going down into Mexico to participate in spay and neuter clinics. There are probably 20 of us PMI graduates at my work place. I have to say, it feels good to be surrounded by these graduates because I know they are well-trained and knowledgeable. This program really does set you up for success.

Before coming to Pima Medical Institute's Dental Hygiene program, I lacked confidence and simply didn't have the education needed to provide well for my family. What made me choose the dental field? I had been doing contract work and after completing a bathroom remodel for my dentist, he said, "You're good with your hands and you're really good with people, let me know if you ever go into the dental field." A year later I enrolled in a dental assistant program and then went to work for my dentist. After observing our dental hygienists, I realized that's what I really wanted to do. I had the choice of going to a four year program at the University of New Mexico or Pima Medical Institute's two year program. I was impressed from the moment I walked into Pima Medical. My wife inspired me to invest in myself and in our future and Pima Medical was the route we took to do it. I had a great experience in the Dental Hygiene program. The instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful, but also not afraid to point out my deficiencies. The process not only opened doors for me professionally, it helped me on a personal level. I was hired by Aspen Dental and in the last year or so I've helped open several new offices, I've worked with an incredible team and I have become the trainer for new Dental Hygienists. I was recently recognized for being number one in our company of over 700 hygienists. I feel blessed and am so grateful to my instructors. I'm finally able to support and take care of my family. It was a big investment of time and money, but it was so worth it. Pima Medical sets you up for success. I wake up every day excited to go to work and help others!

I am proud to say I am a radiologic technologist at Sharps Memorial Hospital, a level two trauma center, in San Diego, CA. Because of my new career, my wife and children are well cared for and we are finally financially secure. I had to make huge sacrifices and I almost failed, but I don't regret my decision to take this journey. After being rejected by two programs, I was accepted at Pima Medical Institute's Albuquerque Campus Radiography program. The only problem was, we were living in San Diego. I quit my job, drove to Albuquerque (a place I'd never even visited) on a Saturday, got an apartment and started my classes on Monday. I am a hands-on-learner, not a book scholar, so the first couple semesters were very difficult and I was close to failing the program. My instructors were always there for me when I needed them. My classmates and instructors became my ABQ family. For over two years, I lived separate from my family, only making trips back and forth when we could. It was SO hard! I am currently working the graveyard shift. I am called upon to perform lots of COVID X-rays in the ICU, and within the entire hospital while performing different types of X-rays at the trauma room, ER, NICU, PACU and OR. I feel prepared and qualified, but no one could have prepared me for the number of code blues and deaths I am seeing right now due to COVID. I'm grateful to Pima Medical Institute and I know all the difficulties I had to overcome were worth the end result. I've improved my life and my family's life. My advice to prospective students is don't be afraid or doubt yourself and never give up!

I have found a career that I love as a Medical Lab Technician! I'd attempted to find my place in the medical field once before, attending a Dental Assistant program, but it just wasn't for me. I just didn't enjoy interacting with patients. After being a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years, I returned to Pima Medical Institute, learned they had started a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program and knew this was the program and the career for me. I chose Pima Medical because I knew how hands-on they were. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the program, the pandemic hit resulting in us having to go to online learning. But, our instructors worked really hard to get us into the lab in small groups to practice during COVID. During my program I found out I had a brain tumor requiring surgery. The instructors were very helpful and supportive during my treatment and I was able to continue my program. I am a veteran so I did my clinicals at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. It was challenging staying in Cheyenne during the week and driving back for week-ends, but I did it! I landed an MLT job at Centura Health's Penrose Hospital shortly after graduation and I love it! There is no typical day; every day is different and I learn something new almost every day. I plan to do this job until I can't do it anymore. I am preparing to start my bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This will set me up to get my MLS certification, providing a pay increase and an opportunity for a lead position. I would definitely recommend Pima Medical's MLT program. If you like solving puzzles, this is a great career for you!

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.

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!

When I got braces in high school, I was fascinated by how something so simple could transform a person's smile-and their confidence. That experience sparked my interest in the dental field, and after researching options, I found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. I enrolled right after high school and jumped into the program. My instructors were incredible! I never considered myself a standout student, but the hands-on learning style was perfect for me. I learned so much, and when it came time for my externship, it felt like a breeze because I was so prepared. They even offered me a job as soon as I finished, and I worked there happily until I moved out of state. Since graduating in 2011, I've worked in every part of a dental office-from assisting to managing the front desk to being an office manager. Today, I'm a mom of two fast-growing kids, and I want more flexibility to be with them, so I'm going back to school for billing and coding. This will allow me to continue working in the dental field from home. I love the dental field because I get to make a difference-helping patients find relief from pain or transforming their smiles - and I'm excited about the next chapter in my dental career. Pima Medical is an amazing place with caring instructors and I would choose it all over again. It's changed my life.

After high school, I spent four years juggling two jobs-one at Office Max and the other at a bakery-when one day, my aunt called and asked if I wanted to go back to school with her. I had no idea what she meant, but I agreed. That's how I found Pima Medical Institute. I chose the Medical Assistant (MA) program because, when my dad was ill, I saw firsthand the impact healthcare professionals can have on a person's life. I wanted to do that too, and the program was only nine months long, which made it a perfect fit for me. I loved every minute of the MA program! The hands-on training felt so different from high school, and I found myself excited to learn. In particular, I discovered I had a passion for injections and blood draws. When it was time for my externship, I was nervous, but my head MA was incredibly supportive, and I quickly found that it all came naturally to me. Toward the end of the program our homework assignment was to apply for three MA positions. Afterwards, I didn't think much about it, but to my surprise, Saguaro Dermatology called and hired me. Dermatology is fast-paced and challenging, but I love it. My favorite part is working with skin cancers and assisting in surgeries. I also enjoy my role in the lab, processing tissue samples as a histotech. Since relocating to Tucson, I easily found another dermatology position, and I couldn't be happier. Pima Medical set me on a path I'm truly passionate about, and I'd do it all over again. If you're thinking about a medical career, don't hesitate-come to Pima Medical. You won't regret it!

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.