I was in the military and later did contract work overseas. Although I had an associate degree in maintenance management and a bachelor's in business and project management, I had difficulty finding and keeping a job here in the states. I kept being laid off or let go because of contracts or downsizing.
I just wanted a career that wasn't here today and gone tomorrow, so I decided to become a Pharmacy Technician. I found PMI one day, came in and registered, and I started the program the following Monday. I was the oldest student -- even older than my instructors -- and I had to relearn how to learn. My instructors helped me stay focused during the fast-paced program, though, and it was a great learning experience!
Thanks to the practice I had at PMI, I caught on quickly while at my externship at the local VA Hospital. I continued to volunteer at the VA until I was hired at Primrose St. Francis Hospital where I'm currently working as a Pharmacy Tech 2. It's very fast-paced; there are 11 floors, and I walk 12-15 thousand steps a day, but I enjoy it! I'm currently working on another bachelor's in health care management. My PMI instructors always encouraged us to continue our education, so I'm keeping my doors open. PMI is a great school and it provided me my start in the medical field!
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Nineteen years ago, I took my first step toward a life-changing career by enrolling in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn't realize how transformative this journey would be. During my time as an MA student, I became fascinated with Respiratory Therapy (RT), so I enrolled in Pima Medical's RT program. My instructors believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. The administrative team was equally supportive, showing me that my education mattered to them as much as it did to me.
While still an RT student, I secured my first job at North Vista Hospital. After graduating, I joined University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Both hospitals hired me after completing my clinical rotations. I worked my way up and built my career at UMC, eventually earning a management role. While there I continued my education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) online program from Pima Medical and later a master's degree in Business.
After retiring, I returned to Pima Medical to give back. In April 2024, I became the Clinical Director of Education for the RT program and by October 2024, I became the RT Program Director. I am forever grateful to Pima Medical Institute for believing in me. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff who stood by me every step of the way.
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After being in the medical field for 7 years (as a CNA, CMA & LPN), several of the Respiratory Therapists I worked with began encouraging me to attend the RT program at PMI. I researched the program and determined the schedule would work for me.
I knew going back to school would be difficult both financially and in ensuring I had childcare. I'd just been through a divorce, moved across the country, and was starting a new life as a single mom to a multiple medical needs child. There were many days my child was in the hospital and I was emailing homework from her room, but my instructors never gave up on me. Having grown up in the foster care system without a family structure, my instructors' dedication and support was so important to me, and ultimately, it enabled me to succeed. In fact, when I graduated, we ALL cried!
I also had a great connection with my classmates. We encouraged each other while we were in school, and even now, we still keep in contact and share job information. After graduation I was hired by A & R Medical Supply, a home health care supply company. I do training for patients on our machines. The week day hours work perfectly for my situation. Recently, I enrolled in PMI's online Health Care Administration program. Being an online student allows me flexibility. My goal is to become a Nursing Home Administrator.
Throughout this journey, my daughter and I have been a team. When I graduated, she was beyond herself with excitement and proclaimed, "We made it!"
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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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I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. When my oldest child headed to college I felt like I had lost my identity and purpose, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to be behind a desk and I enjoyed being on my feet and using my hands. So when I saw the commercial for the Dental Assisting Program and Pima Medical Institute, I decided it might be a fit for me.
It was somewhat intimidating going back to school when I was the oldest student in the class and it was certainly challenging having homework again while balancing family and home life. But, my instructor was helpful and cheered me on.
I felt very prepared, although extremely nervous, for my hands on externship experience. But I learned so much and it helped me understand that I really wanted to work in a specialty area of dentistry. I was initially hired at a general practice but soon found the place I really belonged; a periodontist office. I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. I have great coworkers and wonderful doctors who continue to teach me about their specialty. I love it all and am so happy!
Pima Medical has been so good in helping me go from "what's my purpose?" to "this is where I should be!" Finding that out and being happy where I am has been everything. It has done so much for me! Plus, my kids are really proud of me.
I love the patients!
It's different every day!
It's a lot of fun.
I love it! I'm so glad I did this!
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I was a stay at home mother of three looking for a career in the medical field. We had been living paycheck to paycheck and I knew if I wanted more than a minimum wage job I would need an education. I had tried college before and flunked out, so I was so afraid of failing and kept making excuses. After seeing a Pima Medical Institute TV ad, my husband set up a campus tour without telling me and took me as a surprise. My admissions advisor, Robert, answered all my questions and helped me enroll in the Medical Administrative Assistant program. He turned out to be my biggest cheerleader throughout my journey there.
Pima Medical is a family. They care about every single student in that facility. This girl who barely made it through high school and flunked out of college classes three times, graduated with a 4.0 and then went on to complete the Health Care Administration associate degree. I was offered a full-time position at a primary care office where I had done my externship. While being a mom, going to school, working fulltime and dealing with COVID, I completed my associate degree with a 3.4 GPA. I recently took a new job at a chiropractic office where I am applying much of what I learned in my HCA program. I have a career I love and within the next year I hope to begin the HCA bachelor's program.
I am teaching my girls that you have to work hard for what you want. My daughter had to write a letter for school about her hero. She chose me because even though I was scared to go back to school, I did it! I kept that letter in the front of my binder throughout my entire school process.
I am so grateful for Pima Medical Institute!
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I have a bachelor's and master's degree in music and have been a professional musician and taught music full-time for 10 years. I was looking for more stability and a career in the dental field but was concerned about how much time it might take. I chose Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant program because it was short (only 9 months) and I could attend morning classes and continue to teach music in the afternoon and evenings.
My instructors were great! The best part of the program for me was the hands on. We trained on each other and on the Medical Assistant students (we offered our arms for their practice and they offered their teeth). We also had a dental clinic at our campus so we were even able to assist the dentist and work on real patients. I had a cool moment one day helping with an extraction in the clinic when I absolutely knew I had chosen the right field. My instructors knew I had a strong interest in endodontics and they made an extra effort to set up my externship in an endodontic office. Three weeks into my clinicals the doctor offered to begin paying me and I was officially hired upon graduation. I am already the Lead Dental Assistant and I really appreciate my boss and enjoy my job.
I would recommend Pima Medical for anyone looking for a new career. The program was quick and jammed packed with knowledge. I had just turned age 41 when I decided to switch careers and I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. If you are looking for a stable career in the medical field, Pima Medical is perfect!
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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.
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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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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.
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My journey into healthcare wasn't planned. During my senior year of high school, I was preparing to study engineering when my dad passed away. It was a tough time, and I decided to take a break. My mom, a nurse, suggested I become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), so I completed an accelerated program and started working at Silver Hills Healthcare Center in Las Vegas. I never imagined a career in long-term care, but I excelled as a CNA and was promoted to rehab aide. One day my regional director, who saw potential in me, signed me up for an informational seminar at Pima Medical Institute for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. I attended, was intrigued, and decided to enroll.
Balancing school and work wasn't easy, but Pima Medical made it possible. I worked flexible hours, attended classes and studied late into the evenings. The instructors were experienced, and the small class sizes made learning enjoyable. When I took the national licensing exam, I achieved one of the highest scores my instructor had ever seen. After working in the field, I wanted to grow my career even more, so I enrolled in Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Today, I'm an Assistant Administrator at Alta Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, finishing my Administrator in Training program. Soon, I'll sit for the licensing exam to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and my ultimate goal is to own a skilled nursing facility.
Pima Medical gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. Their programs may cost a bit more, but they are efficient and effective with no prerequisites. I received a quality education at Pima Medical and I'm proud to be a graduate!
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Starting over in a new career later in life was daunting, but my passion for healthcare pushed me forward. I initially enrolled at a local community college to complete prerequisites for a nursing program, only to face a two-year waitlist. Determined to find a quicker path into the medical field, I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program. This program's accelerated timeline was perfect for my busy life as a stay-at-home mother. In less than three months I gained essential skills and secured a job in the medical field. That first step ignited my passion for healthcare, and after gaining experience as a phlebotomist and clinical lab assistant, I returned to Pima Medical for the 22-month Respiratory Therapy program.
My journey wasn't without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my class's clinical rotations, forcing us to transition to remote learning. Balancing studies, work, and family was overwhelming, but I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize self-care. The instructors, many of whom were industry professionals, provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences that prepared me for real-world healthcare settings. As a result of my education, I secured a position at Banner Desert Medical Center, where I have been employed for the past eight years. During the pandemic, I practiced respiratory care under an emergency license, which provided me with critical experience in a high-pressure environment. Currently, I am working in Procurement and have recently been promoted to Test Management Training Coordinator. In this role, I oversee the training processes for new hires, externships, and existing staff members.
I am incredibly grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical for their dedication and support. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training prepared me for a fulfilling career.
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