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 journey into health care began with the encouragement of my aunt, Marie Defede, who worked in admissions at Pima Medical Institute's Chula Vista campus. Inspired by her support, I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program in 2002 and graduated in 2003, a decision that forever changed my life.
Shortly after, I started working at Scripps Anderson's Clinic in La Jolla as a medical assistant in the Sports Orthopedic Department. I had the unique opportunity to support the San Diego Padres Baseball Team. That fast-paced environment taught me the importance of clinical accuracy, teamwork and compassionate patient care.
Wanting to give back, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor, teaching Medical Assistant front and back office skills, Medical Administrative courses and Career Preparation. Helping students grow was deeply fulfilling, and in 2010, I was honored as Pima Medical's Peak Performer for my dedication to education and mentorship.
My career expanded beyond clinical work when I transitioned into the biopharmaceutical sector. I worked with Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, focusing on clinical operations, system optimization and compliance in regulated environments. Alongside my career, I advanced my education. I earned an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration in 2010, a B.S. in Health Care Administration in 2013 and then a M.S. in Health Administration. I am currently completing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, with a focus on inclusive leadership and healthcare transformation.
Today, I serve as a Clinical Business Systems Analyst, leading projects in organizational development, system implementation and process improvement. Beyond my career, I am a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, patient rights and underserved populations.
Pima Medical was where it all began. It provided the foundation, support and mentorship I needed to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare and leadership. I will always be proud to say my journey started at PMI.
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Before coming to PMI, I was a musician. I taught courses in music theory and music history, as well as maintaining a private instruction studio, touring, and recording. My wife and I were just starting our family and I knew I needed to find a career that had more security and less travel. After much research, I started the radiography program at PMI. Having been in many educational environments as both a student and a teacher, I noticed immediately that the atmosphere at PMI was different. The large anonymous lecture halls and apathetic students found in many higher learning institutions were replaced by an intimate learning environment and a faculty that was genuinely invested in the success of their students. The preparation they gave me for being a compassionate care provider would prove to be invaluable to my future success.
I was offered a job at a hospital upon graduation and not long after, I was trained in CT. Even while attending school, I knew that someday I wanted to be an educator. While working in both x-ray and CT, I was able to start teaching a few classes for PMI. Preparing students to be competent and caring radiographers was very rewarding and I decided to pursue it full time. Now in my role as clinical director, I can give guidance to our students with the same emphasis on patient care and skill development provided to me when I was student.
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For 20 years, I worked in management in both the apartment and construction industries. When my position was eliminated, I became an unemployed 50-year old. I felt way too old to go back to school, but I decided to take the plunge and signed up for the Medical Administrative Program at PMI.
My instructors were unbelievable! They not only taught me skills, they cared about me and my growth as a person. I had very little confidence when I walked through that front door, but my instructors believed in me and encouraged me to do more. It gave me a sense of pride just being a part of the program.
PMI assigned me to do my practice externship with a plastic surgeon where I ended up getting a job. I take care of all things administrative, including insurance and surgery scheduling, and it's given me such a sense of self-value. My instructors encouraged me to keep going and get my associate's degree through PMI's online Health Care Administration program. This program has given me the extra knowledge and insight I needed for today's medical world, and it's been instrumental in the changes I've been able to make at work.
PMI has given me what no one else has ever given me - confidence in myself. I will never be able to thank my instructors enough. Now I'm not worried about being too old. I know I have something to contribute. I feel so grateful!!
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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 grew up in a medical environment as my dad was a Navy doctor and my mom was a nurse. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree in biology and after working for a time in construction, decided my love of animals was prompting me to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I heard about Pima Medical Institute and liked the idea that I would get experience in the field through their Veterinary Assistant program.
I still remember my first day of the VA program when my instructor looked at me and said, "You have a degree and are way overqualified for this." I explained I wanted to learn the basics of caring for animals and get hands-on experience. It's been over 25 years and that instructor and I are still in touch. She always told us, "I can teach you how to do a procedure correctly, but it's more important to teach you the WHY." I still emphasize this and repeat it often to my staff.
While working as a VA, I applied to veterinary schools, but my bachelor's degree GPA was low and I was rejected from many vet schools. Finally, I was accepted at an offshore school in the Caribbean and later transferred to Kansas State, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. I was a Veterinarian at a couple of clinics before owning my own. Over the years, I have hired graduates from Pima Medical and have taken their externs. They still offer a very good program and teach the basics.
My time at Pima Medical was an opportunity and a doorway into the veterinary world. I am a great example that it's not always about grades. If you have passion and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish your goals. My mom always told me, "As long as you are doing something you love, you'll be happy!" Down the road, I think I might enjoy returning to Pima Medical ... this time as an instructor.
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How did I become an Occupational Therapy Assistant? Well ... it all started when a friend invited me to participate in a Personal Self Improvement weekend seminar. Little did I know how it would push me to get out of my comfort zone. One of our exercises was to create goals for ourselves. School wasn't really on my radar at this point, as I had completed an associate degree back in 1992 and I had raised four kids, but simply to fulfill the assignment, I went home and looked at a couple school options. Over the years while working with special needs children, I was exposed to and intrigued by Occupational Therapy (OT).
The following day we were challenged to put our goals into action, so I made an arrangement to tour Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. By the time the grueling weekend was over, I knew I had to go back to school and I enrolled in the program.
Again, little did I know what I was getting myself into returning to school while in my 40s. I had never used a laptop, didn't know how to navigate my way around a touch pad and had to Facetime my son in college to get help creating a PowerPoint. But my instructors offered support, tutoring, time to ask questions and were very responsive to my need for extra help. Every time a new area of focus in the field of OT was introduced, I got so excited and wanted to work in every area from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, memory care, orthopedics, pediatrics, to burn patients. I was fortunate to be assigned to hippotherapy for my fieldwork rotation with an instructor who had years of experience working with horses and after graduation, I was given the opportunity to take her position at ABLE Acres, where I've been working for almost two years now. I appreciate all my Pima Medical instructors and the extra time they took to make sure I would succeed in this field.
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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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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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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.
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I had been working at a grocery store for 12 years when I decided it was time for a change. I hadn't been in school in a very long time and wasn't quite ready to commit to a four-year university. When I found Pima Medical Institute, it felt like the right fit for me in my stage of life. I chose the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program because I viewed it as a great stepping stone into a career in the medical field.
I really enjoyed my time at Pima Medical. It was exciting to be in a learning environment surrounded by students who were all motivated to succeed. My biggest challenge was balancing full-time work with evening classes while still finding time to study. It wasn't easy, but I did it! The thing I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the genuine commitment to student success. There was always help available whenever I had questions or needed support. Because of that, I walked out of the program feeling prepared and confident in my new profession.
Upon graduation, I quickly found a job and began working as a Medical Assistant with Providence in family practice, where I stayed for six years. Currently, I work for Optum Primary Care, continuing my career in family medicine. While at Providence, I had the opportunity to be a preceptor in the apprentice program, and I hope to take on that role again at Optum in the future. Educating and mentoring others is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the field of healthcare.
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I was born and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, and I'm proud to be a first-generation college student. My interest in radiology began in fourth grade after a broken wrist landed me in the ER. I was fascinated by the X-ray process, and that moment never left me.
After high school, I shadowed in the radiology department at a local hospital where my mother worked and decided to apply at Pima Medial Institute. I didn't get in the first time, but I gained more experience, took classes and eventually reapplied after COVID. I was accepted! And that changed everything.
The program was tough, especially being far from home and dealing with personal loss. But I was never alone. Kristen Miller, Jolene Pobrislo and Jeff Botkin supported me every step of the way. They believed in me, and I always knew I could reach out for help.
Today, I work as a radiologic technologist performing X-rays and bone density scans. I hope to add Computed Tomography (CT) to my credentials and grow into a hospital role. Pima Medical gave me the knowledge, confidence and care to make my dreams possible. And now, I get to show my grandparents every day that their sacrifices were worth it.
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