WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I went to Memorial Hospital to look for a job in the medical field and they suggested I check out Pima Medical Institute to get some training. I had never really thought about becoming a dental assistant. I enjoyed meeting with the admission's counselor at Pima, she was so easy to talk to and, although I had never really thought about becoming a dental assistant before, she encouraged me to sign up for the Dental Assistant program. It was hard at first and I was really nervous, but my instructor, Dr. Sam, was very helpful and encouraged us to believe in ourselves. He made us feel that whatever we put our mind to, we could accomplish and succeed. All the instructors answered our questions and were so encouraging, helpful and provided us with important experiences. I enjoyed coming to school so much, I had perfect attendance. I was placed at Lovett Dental for my externship. They were helpful and kind and I had such a positive experience, they hired me! My future goal is to become a hygienist. Since I had such a great experience the first time around, I'll probably come back to Pima for the program. I am so grateful and wouldn't be here without Pima.

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.

After my divorce in 2013, I was going from job to job, tired of being laid off and unable to provide stability for myself and my children I decided it was time to find a career. I had attended 4 different community colleges prior to getting married, but never finished a degree. After researching, I found Pima Medical Institute's Radiography program and enrolled. I didn't realize at the time that it would change my life. It wasn't easy. When I started the program I was working a 12 hour night shift at the post office, getting my kids off to school, sleeping for a few hours and then attending class and before heading back to work. But I had a goal, something I didn't have at the community colleges I'd attended. I was able to be successful because of the structure of the Radiography program at Pima Medical. I knew my classes, my schedule and the expectations. The instructors were amazingly supportive and encouraging. In fact, this experience completely changed me as a person because my instructors fed my confidence. I am so proud that as a 37 year old single mother, I became a Radiologic Technologist. The day I completed and passed my state boards, I came out to my car and found a message from Northwest Hospital asking me to come in for an interview. I love my work and my patients. Pima Medical was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I did it for me, but I've set a great example for my children. You always hear "if I can do it, so can you" and this statement is absolutely true!

After dropping out of community college, resulting in a $2000 tuition bill, I was at the lowest point in my life. I knew I wanted to go back to school, but had no money and no car. So, for one year I jogged three miles to begin my shift at McDonalds at 4:00 am until I could save the money I needed. Inspired by my brother who had graduated from Pima Medical Institute, I met with an amazing admissions advisor at the East Valley Campus who spoke encouragement and belief into me. I chose the 3-month Phlebotomy program because it was the shortest path into the medical field and had a wonderful experience, despite passing out watching my first blood draw. I was hired at Banner Desert in Mesa, and after a few years, I began the Nursing program at the Mesa Campus. I really struggled with self-doubt, but with guidance from my dedicated instructors, I emerged prepared for my new profession. A nurse manager, who had observed my performance as a Phlebotomist, hired me as a Trauma PCU nurse. I later transitioned to a Psychiatric Nurse in the adolescent unit at Banner Behavioral to help others who were struggling like I had. I completed a bachelor's degree and recently a doctorate program from the University of Arizona to become a Nurse Practitioner. I am so grateful to my Pima Medical instructors who gave me my start in the medical field and never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. In my journey from McDonald's, to Phlebotomist, to Trauma Nurse, to Psych Nurse and now Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am proof that with determination and support, one can achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact by never giving up.

After earning a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology, I struggled to find a job and ended up in finance. When COVID hit, my new job offer was rescinded and I was forced to take a job at a grocery store bakery, far from my career goals. I kept hearing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute which piqued my interest in the medical field. This led me to enroll in their three-month Phlebotomy program, allowing me to work and study simultaneously with minimal school commitment. It was a way to dip-my-toe into the water of the medical field. The Phlebotomy program was a turning point in my life. Small classes, hands-on experience, and an excellent instructor, Miss Denise, made a significant impact. I soon secured a position at Chandler Regional Hospital, where I interacted with various departments and realized my passion for patient care. Nursing stood out as the most versatile and impactful role, prompting me to pursue a nursing degree at the institute I trusted and I enrolled at Pima Medical's Mesa Campus. The Nursing program was challenging and intense, pushing me to grow and become accountable for patient care. Through diverse clinical experiences, I gravitated towards ER and ICU settings. I've recently accepted a position at OBS Banner Dessert, aiming to transfer to the ICU and eventually join the trauma team. I am immensely grateful for my education at Pima Medical. The Phlebotomy program provided a crucial foundation, giving me the framework I needed for a career in the medical field. I invited Miss Denise to my nursing pinning ceremony and my dad told her COVID had been difficult for me and she had saved my life. He was right, Pima Medical Institute truly changed my life.

Growing up I'd always had my heart set on healthcare and my dream was to become a nurse. Despite being a good student initially, family issues led me to drop out of high school. I eventually got my GED and completed a nursing assistant program through Job Corps. Life threw more challenges my way, including a young marriage, poor partner choice and raising five children as a single mother. After seeing advertisements for Pima Medical Institute, I was drawn to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) evening program. Balancing work, school and motherhood was tough, but I persevered for nine months. I began my new career in urgent care and later pediatrics, where I've been ever since. After a few years, Pima Medical reached out encouraging me to pursue an online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree. This degree opened more career doors for me. Today, I am a Lead Medical Assistant at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the Homeless Youth Outreach Department. I wear many hats, including clinical lead, Spanish interpreter and vaccine coordinator. Recently, I enrolled in an accelerated nursing bachelor's program at Grand Canyon University, transferring many Pima Medical credits and moving closer to my dream of becoming a nurse. Pima Medial provided the foundation for my success. And even today, I always accept their student externs. The difference in skill between their students and others is noticeable. Returning to school as a single mom with five kids was challenging, but it was worth it. Many feel stuck in minimum wage jobs, but education can change that. Though it's tough initially, the long-term benefits include better job opportunities and more time with family. My journey was hard, but Pima Medical Institute was the key to my success. With determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams too.

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 have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume. Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!