I came to Pima Medical Institute right out of high school looking for a career in the medical field. After researching a few different programs, I spoke with the director of PMI's newest program, Surgical Technology, and decided to enroll. The program was both challenging and fun. I found the instructors to be very well-trained, knowledgeable, and helpful.
My role in surgery is to scrub in, prepare my cart with the specific items needed for a particular surgery, scrub in again, open everything, and organize my table. Everything on that table is mine and totally my responsibility. Once the patient is brought into the room, I may help prep and drape the patient, and once the surgery begins, I assist the surgeon. I'm like the right-hand-man to the surgeon, attempting to give him what he needs before he may even know he needs it.
I am grateful PMI placed me in a prestigious hospital for my clinical site because the experience enabled me to get a job quite quickly. I am currently working at a plastic surgery center. My goal down the road is to get back to a hospital setting where I can work with the da Vinci surgery robot, something I find fascinating. If you're looking for a fast-paced career where you can test yourself or a career with a lot of possibilities for growth and specialty paths, the Surgical Technology Program at PMI would be a great fit for you.
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Naundi Perkins is a three-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute. She earned her Phlebotomy certificate from the Renton campus and went on to earn her Veterinary Assistant certificate and Veterinary Technician associate degree from our Chula Vista campus.
Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: Back in 2017, I was working as a home care aide and wanted to get my foot in the door in the medical field. I completed the Phlebotomy program, and two years later I was relocated in California where I made the decision to get into the veterinary field.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Phlebotomy and Veterinary programs?
A: I had amazing instructors in all three programs. My biggest struggle was work/school/life balance with working full time and being a student. I opted for evening classes for all programs, which made things a lot easier. I felt like I was with a lot of like-minded individuals that were going through the same obstacles.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: I feel that having caring instructors is what kept me going during the difficult times. I still communicate with one of my instructors to this day. My Phlebotomy instructor put in a good word for me with their previous employer, and my Veterinary Assistant instructor also recommended me for my first client services coordinator position while I was in school.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: I would recommend Pima Medical Institute because getting my education changed the trajectory of my life! I am in the best position I have been financially while doing something that I love. I currently work as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Oncology specialty, and I am working toward starting my own business doing simple mobile grooming services for the community.
The best advice I could give anyone looking to get into the veterinary field would be to gain as much experience as you can, and learn how to network. Doing things out of your element of what you initially thought you would want to do will only improve your knowledge, skills and overall resume. New things can be uncomfortable but everyone has to start somewhere!
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After four and a half years in the military, including time spent serving in Afghanistan, I returned from my tour of duty with depression, anxiety and PTSD. I enrolled in the Anthem College Veterinary Technician Program only to have them close their doors without notice. Thankfully, Pima Medical Institute stepped in and provided us an opportunity to complete the program we'd started.
I was career minded and thrilled to be a part of PMI's program; however, I had a set back and struggled with my PTSD. The staff and my wonderful instructors at the Phoenix Campus encouraged and worked with me every step of the way. I was able to overcome many obstacles, graduate, and obtain employment in my field. I use what I learned in school every single day. My passion is dogs and it has been very therapeutic for me to be around them all day long. I enjoy every minute of my job!
Success is one step at a time. Down the road I'd like to work in an emergency clinic and someday come back to PMI to teach. I had amazing instructors and it felt great to connect one on one with my teachers. I'd like to do that for students in the future. No matter how much I struggled on a given day, coming to school changed my outlook. PMI is like family to me.
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Before PMI, I worked for years as an office manager and then as a foster mom. I fostered 16 different infants over a 6 year period and ended up adopting three of them. When I decided it was time for a career, I began with the health profession. I was going through a divorce and needed something quick, so I signed up for the phlebotomy program at PMI. After working as a phlebotomist for 9 months, I decided I wanted more. I had breathing issues when I was young and knew what it felt like to not be able to breath. So, the Respiratory Therapy program was intriguing to me and I signed up.
It was a challenging program but my instructors were great. I walked in deathly afraid of math but my instructor, Louise, knew just how to break it down and make it understandable for me. I actually learned to love those calculations, thanks to her. After graduation I received some great experience working at two different hospitals in the area. Currently, I am the Supervisor of Respiratory Therapy at Northwest Medical Center and I oversee a staff of 40. Our therapists really enjoy having PMI students. We find them to be respectful and well prepared.
Recently, I started PMI's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. I have found it to be a good curriculum and applicable to my work as a supervisor. I enjoy serving on PMI's advisory board and I'll always be grateful for the education and great instructors I had at PMI.
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One day as I was delivering flowers I heard an advertisement on the radio for Pima Medical Institute. It caught my attention because the message was about the Sterile Processing Technician Program which is a hands-on position in the medical field with no patient contact. That appealed to me! I had been in the floral industry for 15 years, but was looking for a new opportunity increase my income and, in the process, help others. So, I enrolled in the program.
I was skeptical at first, since it had been a long time since I'd been a student. But I did great! I had wonderful instructors and I really enjoyed the classes. While in the program we learned everything we needed to know about the various instruments needed for each type of surgery and how to prepare and clean them. After graduation, I was able to get a job as a Sterile Processing Technician at Banner Thunderbird Hospital. I really enjoy my job. Each day is a little different, as we work in decontamination or surgery preparation, where we ensure all the trays, instruments, and soft goods are ready for a particular surgery.
I just love what I do! I actually wish I would have found this job a long time ago. I would definitely recommend this career to others. It's not super stressful, but it's important. It's a fun environment working with others and working to help others.
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I stumbled upon PMI while searching for alternative careers. I had gone to school for so long, taking so many different subjects, but nothing was working out for me. I read the description for the Medical Administrative Assistant program, and it sounded like something I could do well, so I enrolled.
I really enjoyed my experience in the MAA program, and I feel like I really benefitted from the hands-on teaching style. From medical terminology to electronic records, everything I was taught in my classes I use today in my job. I feel so well-prepared. My classmates were amazing, supportive, and felt like a family. It's interesting because there are quite a few PMI alumni working at my teaching hospital. We may work in different departments, but we all seem to find each other and hang out together. It's great!
I truly love my job! I get to become a part of my patients' lives as I care for them, and since I see a lot of them almost every day, the rapport we have is great! They feel like friends whenever they walk through my clinics' doors.
Recently, I started the Radiography program at the Seattle Campus. It was important to me to continue with PMI because I know that I will be getting the best, top-notch education in my field of study. I am so excited to be working towards my associate's degree, and I know that my time in the MAA program really kick-started my determination in being accepted. Thank you so much, PMI!
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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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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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When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute.
My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.
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At age 19, I started at Pima Medical Institute after realizing that my initial path at UNM wasn't the right fit for me at that time. A friend suggested looking into CT technology, and after some research, I found that Pima Medical's Radiography (RAD) program offered a quicker and more fitting path to my career goals. The structured environment in the RAD program was exactly what I needed, although it wasn't always easy. My father passed away during my second semester, which made it tough to stay on track, but with the support of the school, I persevered. The clinical experiences were mostly positive, giving me valuable hands-on learning. Even in challenging situations, I gained skills by working independently, which proved to be great learning experiences.
Graduating in 2004, I entered the workforce during a tech shortage and quickly landed a job. I started in x-ray and, over the years, expanded my expertise by becoming registered in mammography, bone density, and MRI. However, I chose to focus on mammography, as it offered a better work-life balance compared to MRI.
After a decade at a hospital, I transitioned to a quieter clinic setting where I could work more independently, which suits me well. I've been at a small clinic for nearly a year now, enjoying the stability and better hours. Alongside my career, I'm also completing my bachelor's degree in university studies, thanks to a state program offering free classes to those close to finishing their degree.
Looking ahead, I'm content with where I am but open to new opportunities, possibly in management. Pima Medical set me up for success, giving me the tools I needed to start and grow my career in radiology. Now 20 years later, I'm grateful for the education and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.
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After running a travel agency for fifteen years, I began searching for a new career in the medical field. I'd always been interested in photography, so radiology seemed like a natural fit. At 43, I returned to school to earn my associate degree in Radiologic Science.
I gained experience working at a regional hospital in Minnesota, learning X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Then in 2014, my husband and I, looking to fulfill our dream, moved to Alaska where I became a multi-modality technologist with Providence in Seward. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, leading a $1.8 million department remodel to improve patient care. Upgrading our equipment to include a new CT scanner and digital X-ray systems has enabled us to offer year-round mammography, allowing for earlier breast cancer detection and better outcomes.
In 2023, my love for learning led me to Pima Medical Institute, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS) online. Graduating with honors was a major accomplishment. I was especially impressed with the instructors and the quality of education at Pima Medical, and I'm proud to be a graduate.
We are a critical care access hospital that sees patients from around the world. Tourists visit our community for various reasons, such as sport fishing, sightseeing, mountain hiking, mountain biking and cruise ships. This year we had ninety-six cruise ships bringing thousands of passengers on and off the ship. In my role, I often meet patients on one of the toughest days of their lives. My goal is to make a difference for them. I'm grateful for the skills and support from Pima Medical that has allowed me to provide the best care possible.
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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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