Theresa Romero-Diaz CDA Albuquerque Campus 2014
During my childhood, one of my favorite places to go was the dental office. The memories stayed with me. In 1989 I saw a classified ad for PMI, which led me to the admissions office and a career as a Dental Assistant. As a student, I had many challenges; I had to take my son to the day care, I didn't have a car and I relied on public transportation to get to school. I was pregnant during school and when my daughter came early, I had to go on a leave of absence. When I returned to school, I was able to continue my honor roll status. My instructors motivated me, and I really enjoyed learning. After graduation, I worked for several years as a Dental Assistant and enjoyed every minute.
In 1993, I returned to PMI as an instructor and have been here ever since. It is easy for me to identify with many of my students, and I constantly get the opportunity to help others become successful. Some of my students have become Dental Hygienists and even Dentists, and I am extremely proud of them! In 2018 I was able to continue my education through PMI and obtain my associates in Health Care Administration from our Online Campus.
I give thanks to Pima Medical Institute and to God for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful organization.
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Q: How did you learn about Pima Medical Institute?
A: I got to know about Pima Medical Institute by searching phlebotomy courses in El Paso. There was an orientation scheduled for the day before, but took my chances and I went for a tour. While I was there, I tested and was able to secure a spot in the phlebotomy course.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in the Phlebotomy program?
A: My favorite experience was Externship and being able to see what my career would look like in real life. Throughout my program I was able to overcome my fear of needles by practicing on my classmates, and them practicing on me.
Q: What would you say is one specific thing you appreciated about your education at Pima Medical Institute?
A: I feel my externship really allowed me to get the feel for what my workplace would be like, while getting the ability to make connections in my work environment. I found my first job at University Medical Center's Main Campus working night shift after graduating.
Q: Would you recommend Pima Medical Institute? Why?
A: I would recommend Pima Medical Institute to others. I feel the schedule really helped out while I still needed to work while attending school.
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The day I walked into PMI I was looking to improve my situation. My marriage was not going well, we had 2 young children, we were living with my parents, neither of us was working, and we had no money. I realized that to succeed I was going to have to get an education. I started the Radiography program in 1998, and I became the first person in my family to receive a degree.
One of my childhood dreams was to be a teacher, so when I heard PMI needed an instructor I jumped at the chance. After teaching for four years, I became the RAD Clinical Director. After what seemed like the longest and hardest two years of my life, I finally completed my master's degree and became the RAD Program Directory. I earned a perfect 4.0 and graduated summa cum laude and I reached my goal!
When I have a struggling student, I point to my graduation photo and say, "I was once where you are, and I succeeded because I never gave up." I enjoy teaching at Pima and having the opportunity to be a part of a team that provides a major contribution to my profession - educating our future Radiologic Technologists.
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My mom is an instructor at Pima Medical Institute and she highly encouraged me to go into the medical field. Contrary to her advice, I spent many years working as a server in a restaurant and attending a local university. When I got really tired of working as a server, I decided to enroll in Pima Medical's three-month Phlebotomy program. I figured at the very least, I'd have a job to fall back on. It was a bit of an adjustment, but I loved my experience. At the university you're pretty much on your own. At Pima Medical the amount of support you get, whether its financial aid or help from instructors, is amazing!
I got a great job as a phlebotomist at UMC (University Medical Center of El Paso), a level one trauma center. I've gotten experience in all different areas of the hospital but mainly was assigned to the ER. I was well prepared, but when I stepped into that hospital I felt like I walked into a whole different world. I had to learn how to speak to doctors and nurses without being intimidated and I learned to deal with patients, including those who were inebriated or with dementia. Nothing can quite prepare you for this, but I love my job!
One day while in a room of a 19-year-old patient with a traumatic brain injury, I got a glimpse of what it's like to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I saw and heard the passion of this OTA as the patient was finally able to move their hand. I began researching and learned about all the different opportunities there are in the field of Occupational Therapy and decided to pursue a new career. Shortly after, I enrolled in Pima Medical's two year OTA program and I can say that after just three months, I love it! My mom always told me I belonged in the medical field. She used to say, "It takes a special kind of heart to work in the medical field. Those people are walking angels here on earth and they are healers!" My mom was right!
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After my husband required a couple of serious heart surgeries and suffered severe heart damage, I took on the role of providing for us and our three children. For 10 years I worked 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week as a waitress. I missed out on so much family time and events in my children's lives. I always wanted to go back to school, but never felt like I had the time. Then COVID hit ... and I finally had time. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant program because everyone I talked with made me feel like I was family.
All of my classes were taught virtually, which was challenging for me. But my instructors were encouraging, quick to respond to questions and went the extra mile for us. There was a time I almost dropped out when it became financially very rough for us, but Pima Medical provided a work study position, which I loved and it helped us stay afloat. When it came time for in-person labs and hands-on experience, everything made sense.
My externship provided great experience. I was recently hired at Presbyterian Healthcare Services and I can't wait to start my new career as an MA. I will finally be able to provide for my family, cover medical expenses, and most importantly, have time for my family. This is going to be such a blessing for us!
I am so grateful to Pima Medical for helping me achieve my dream. Don't wait and don't be afraid ... chase after your dream!
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I was in my early 20's, ready to complete a degree in finance when I realized I really didn't want to spend my life sitting behind a desk. I had a few family members working in the radiography field and I noticed they not only had a great career, but they could choose to work in different modalities and had lots of variety in their jobs. I began researching, found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled.
I had wonderful instructors! It's an intense and tough program, but the way the program is structured really makes you feel prepared for your profession. I enjoyed the shorter rotations for clinicals which exposed me to many different areas and modalities. Once I knew what I was looking for, I was able to complete multiple rotations in my area of interest which prepared me for a job at that very location. I was hired at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and after a year I was promoted to a charge technologist and almost 2 years ago I moved into the role of General Radiology Supervisor. I love the fast-paced environment at UNMH. We're the only trauma one hospital in the state and we see something new every day. I'm not the only Pima Medical graduate in my department, we currently have five employees that were my classmates and each year I hire multiple new Pima Medical new graduates.
Pima Medical provided a great education and really prepared me for the field.
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My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and trached throughout her life, so I was familiar with respiratory. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's RT program.
I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings, and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master's Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as their Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO.
I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it whether you're at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.
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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!
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Pima Medical Institute has been a cornerstone in my career, providing a foundation that has endured through different stages of my life. Now, I'm excited to return to school and build on that strong base.
No one in my family is in the dental field, but I've always had a passion for becoming a dental hygienist. After high school, I spent five years working in Alaska's fishing industry. Upon returning to Seattle, I inquired about the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute and ultimately enrolled in the Dental Assistant program. Balancing full-time work during the day with evening classes at Pima Medical was challenging but rewarding. My teacher was great, and I formed lasting friendships-I'm still close with one of my classmates more than 20 years later.
My first job was with a doctor in West Seattle, where I worked for two years before needing to go on bed rest due to pregnancy. I took a 15-year break to focus on being a mom. Remarkably, I was able to jump right back into my career as a Dental Assistant when I was ready. After moving to Phoenix, I started working as a temp and then secured my current position at Anthem Sonoran Valley Implants and Dental Center. It felt like riding a bike-everything came back to me. I love educating patients and helping them take care of their teeth. Currently, I'm in the process of applying to a Dental Hygiene program in my area. I want to further my education in the dental field and one day I hope to be able to clean teeth for free to help people who can't afford dental care.
Pima Medical Institute has been supportive throughout my journey, from enrolling and securing financing to ongoing assistance whenever I need it. I'm incredibly grateful for the education and opportunities Pima Medical has provided me.
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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.
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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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I completed my Limited Radiologic Technologist (LRT) program and wanted to continue into a full radiologic technology program. I learned from a friend that Pima Medical Institute offers a bridge program for LRT graduates, which made it the best fit for me. My experience as a student was very positive. The program is designed in an exceptional way, making it manageable for everyone, including full-time employees.
One thing I really appreciated about my education at Pima Medical Institute was the professionalism and knowledge of my professors, program director, and clinical director. Their support and guidance helped me feel confident, and I do feel well prepared for my profession. I was already working at MedStar Urgent Care as a Limited Radiologic Technologist, but after graduating and passing the ARRT board exam, I was promoted to a Radiologic Technologist position.
Since graduation, I have continued gaining clinical experience and strengthening my skills in patient care and imaging. I am also planning to return to Pima Medical Institute next week to start the Bachelor's in Health Management program as part of my future career growth.
I would definitely recommend Pima Medical Institute. The program is well structured, the instructors are very knowledgeable, and the clinical training prepares students well for real-world practice. I am very grateful for my experience; the support from faculty and staff played an important role in my success.
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