I chose the Physical Therapist Assistant program because of my own experience as a PT patient. I had both of my hips replaced from trauma that occurred while I was working as an EMT and fire fighter in 2008.
I was in a wheelchair for 3 years and I had to learn how to walk again. I had only been out of my wheelchair for 7 months before I began the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute. My education at PMI prepared me to enter the PTA field ready to work. I am now employed at Socorro Physical Therapy, where I completed a seven-week rotation as a student. The Physical Therapist I work for now was my personal Physical Therapist after my surgery.
Since graduating, I work a very full schedule and I also have the opportunity to travel all over the United States to gain more training in my field. I would definitely recommend PMI for people who want to train in the medical field. If you work hard and study hard it will change your life, like it changed mine.
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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've been on my own since 2012 and graduated from high school as a homeless youth. When I contacted Pima Medical Institute in 2014, I was desperate and struggling to survive. My home was my car or a friend's house; I was struggling with depression and was at my wits end. I met with my admissions advisor and we connected right away. When she told me I'd passed the entry test she said, "You can do this!" For the first time in a very long time, I knew someone believed in me!
It wasn't long before I started PMI's Medical Assistant program. The staff and instructors helped me with my FASFA, studying, extra tutoring and extra time. I have never felt so supported! The career services department held my hand through the resume, application and externship process. I was hired at the UW Neighborhood Clinics before I'd even graduated.
Recently, I met with my advisor again. I excelled at the entry level test for the associate degree program in Health Care Administration. I am enrolled and plan to continue and have my bachelor's by February of 2018. After enrolling me, she looked at me and said "I am so proud of you, you've come so far!" I really don't know what I would have done without the personal support of everyone at PMI! I went from a struggling, confused, and anxious girl to a thriving woman in one year's time.
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After spending years working every physical labor job available, I decided to get a job at a high school working with special needs kids. During my time there, I would observe the occupational therapist interacting with the kids. When I began asking her questions, my eyes were opened to a brand new field and I realized I wanted to go back to school to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Coming to PMI each day and learning was a challenge, since I had never been a great student. But, my classmates all supported each other and the instructors were awesome! I had a family to support, so I worked three different part-time jobs while a student. I would work my first shift from 4:00-6:30 am, another from 7:00 am -12:00 pm, I'd head to class for the afternoon, and then work another respite job in the evenings. I put in 18-20 hour days while in the program but it was worth it.
My first job after graduation was in home health care for pediatrics so I would go to children's homes and do therapy sessions using a therapy dog. After about 6 months, I was contacted by one of my PMI clinical sites about a job opportunity. As a result, I am now working as a COTA at Banner Del Web Medical Center. Coming to Pima Medical Institute's Occupational Therapy Program is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It was the right place and the right field for me and I love my job!
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In 2012 I was in a bad accident and spent time in the hospital. This experience enabled me to observe the nurses and see how they cared for people. I had been working as a team lead at Target for a number of years but I decided that I wanted to do more than help people spend money, so I began pursuing the medical field. I started as a CNA and after 4 years decided I wanted to attend school to become an LPN.
I heard about Pima Medical Institute on the radio and got excited about attending their Practical Nursing program. I have to admit my first sequence of classes was really challenging! The whole program was a huge learning experience for me, but my hard work paid off. I appreciated how the whole program was laid out ahead of time, including our course work and the schedule. This really helped us be successful.
I was offered a job at my clinical site. The administrator took notice of me and offered me a position as a unit manager, not your typical first job as an LPN. I believe Pima Medical helped me develop a level of confidence that made a difference in obtaining this position. Recently, I was contacted by another facility and offered a job as another unit manager. I am honored and proud that in such a short time my education and hard work has provided opportunities for growth in my career. Pima Medical prepared me to be successful. The encouragement and support I got from my instructors was just overwhelming, and it's an experience I am always going to cherish.
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For 10 years, I worked in customer access at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, a county facility. When I moved to El Paso I had difficulty finding a job. I've always been afraid of blood and needles but I decided I wanted to change that. So, when I saw a sign for Pima Medical Institute, I decided to enroll in the Medical Assistant program.
I was in my thirties when I started and felt really nervous, but I loved the program and found it to be very manageable. During that time, I ended up in a very difficult relationship and the people at Pima Medical were amazing and offered compassion and support. I've never met nicer people. Shortly after completing my certification, I lost both my baby and my twin sister and I had to just put everything on hold. During that quiet time in my life, I got a call from Pima Medical letting me know about the Health Care Administration online program and I knew it was what I needed. I finished my associate degree and am currently working on my bachelor's. I love the flexibility of online and it has helped me create a schedule that works for my family and me. This opportunity has helped me to get back into the real world at a pace I can handle.
Earning my certification and furthering my education has opened many opportunities. I hope to return to Parkland Hospital in management, where I can use my certification and education. Pima Medical is hands-on with your education and they care about you as a person. They gave me courage and made me feel like I could do it. It's been an amazing experience!
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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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Initially drawn to nursing, I spent a few years juggling shifts as a CNA while attending traditional community colleges and universities attempting to get my prerequisites. Those avenues did not fit my learning style and I never found the guidance I needed so I wasn't successful. The struggle intensified after losing my mother unexpectedly, prompting an immediate return home to support my father and a complete reset.
Advertisements for Pima Medical Institute led me to make an appointment. After hearing my advisor talk about the Medical Assistant (MA) program, I knew this was going to be my next stepping stone into the medical field. I had amazing instructors who provided the guidance I needed and launched me into my new career. I started working at US Healthworks/Concentra specializing in Occupational Medicine/ Urgent Care where I obtained skills in drug screening, audiology and pulmonary testing, as well as basic x-rays.
After three fulfilling years I was ready for my next challenge, so I returned to the Renton Campus where I transitioned into teaching the Medical Assistant program. I loved being right back where I had started, now teaching the next generation of MA's. Pima Medical's support extended beyond the classroom and I was given the opportunity to use their Enrichment Scholarship to earn an associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA). In 2023, I ventured into Pima Medical's Admissions Department as a Medical Career Specialist. This role truly feeds my purpose. I am able to inspire students by sharing my experiences and then encourage them to take the first step toward their own career. My decade long journey with Pima Medical Institute is a testament to the transformative impact that has truly changed my life.
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While initially interested in Dental Hygiene (DH), at age 18, I chose to pursue Dental Assisting (DA) instead, partly because I was hesitant to commit to a university four-year DH program. Later, as I learned about Pima Medical Institute's two-year DH program, my research told me it was highly reputable and very challenging. This both intrigued me and motivated me and I enrolled.
During my third semester an unexpected pregnancy brought huge challenges. My baby son was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a high-risk condition requiring frequent medical visits and a 54-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Despite the challenges of being a new mother and the emotional strain of the situation, I remained determined to succeed in my studies. I studied and completed assignments while at the NICU, my son serving as my inspiration. He was a reminder of my strength and my determination to never give up on my dreams. My DA employer had been supportive and excited about my becoming a Dental Hygienist and invited me to join their team as a DH upon obtaining my license.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of my instructors at Pima Medical for their unwavering support during my journey, especially as I navigated the challenges of my son's condition. Each instructor was incredibly helpful and supportive, always striving for my success. I am confident in the quality of education I received and would enthusiastically recommend it to others. While the program is rigorous, it is definitely achievable-I am living proof of that!
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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.
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My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well.
Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN.
Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
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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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