I was 45 years old and working in sales when I had an experience that changed my life. My father fell very ill and after seeing him in and out of rehab facilities, I decided to take him home. I cared for him during the last six months of his life. As a result of that experience, I made the decision to leave my job and pursue a career in the nursing field.
After a little research, I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Nursing program. I hadn't been in a classroom since high school, so it was a little intimidating. It was a challenge, but the quality of the instructors and the quality of the program were great and I had a really supportive class. Clinicals are the real deal and where you work with your patients and get immersed into the culture. All of my clinical sites allowed me to be hands on and that set me up for success.
During the last week of nursing classes, Dependable Home Health gave a presentation explaining their company and nursing positions. I applied and have been working their ever since. I really enjoy home health because you have a different level of independence; you are required to use your critical thinking and reasoning every day and the doctors trust your assessments and opinions. After about a year of working in the field, I was promoted to their Clinical Manager position supervising other nurses, therapists, LPNs and aides.
I would highly recommend Pima Medical Institute to anyone looking for a career in the nursing field. The program is well structured and, although it's demanding, it is very rewarding!
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I have always admired health care professionals and knew from an early age that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to patient care. As a young adult preparing for college, a routine physical led to the discovery of a benign brain tumor. I spent much of that summer in and out of the hospital. The compassion, skill and reassurance shown by my nurses and doctors left a lasting impact on me during a time filled with fear and uncertainty.
I began working as a dental assistant for a family friend, which gave me a glimpse into the profession and led to a transformative mission trip to Nicaragua, where I assisted in providing dental care to underserved communities.
Soon after, I applied to the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute's Seattle campus. The program was rigorous, but the unwavering support from instructors made all the difference. They were dedicated to our success academically, clinically and personally. When it came time to take my clinical boards and graduate, I felt fully prepared and confident.
Now, with eight years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I often hear from employers how much they value Pima Medical graduates. This reputation for excellence inspired me to continue my education and enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. That journey equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to start my own myofunctional therapy practice. Through my Capstone project, I developed a comprehensive business plan and learned what it takes to build and sustain a health care practice.
I am proud to now serve as a Hybrid and Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Seattle campus. It's an honor to be a Pima Medical graduate, a dental professional, a business owner, an educator and, above all, a mother to three amazing children. I feel truly blessed to support my family while thriving in a career I am passionate about.
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I was looking for a career. When I researched radiography, I was discouraged to find a two year waiting list at the school I was considering. A friend who was attending Pima Medical Institute's nursing assistant program encouraged me to consider it. Once I realized how inexpensive and fast the program was, I signed up. A funny thing happened - I fell in love with the medical field! I worked in home healthcare for a time and when PMI called to tell me about their new Patient Care Technician program, I was ready for my next challenge. I stepped into the new PCT program and loved the excitement of learning new skills and procedures. It was a perfect next step and it made me feel really good about myself.
I worked as a transporter at Honor Health - Shea Campus in the mornings and attended classes in the afternoon. Upon graduation, I began applying for positions in my hospital and was offered a job in the pre-op and recovery department as a Level 2 PCT. I'm so proud to be a graduate of PMI's first PCT program. My instructor cared about me as a person and taught me how to be a professional. I love my job and I would definitely recommend this program to others.
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Since I was a little girl I knew wanted to either be a veterinarian or a licensed veterinarian technician. In 2006 I began researching schools online and found Pima Medical Institute's VT program to be enticing. My instructor made a huge impression on me and I decided I wanted to be like her. She was bold and truthful and cared about us.
While a student, I obtained a position in emergency veterinary medicine. I ended up being able to work with the president of the veterinary board and he helped me venture into exotic animals at the MGM and Springs Preserve. From there, I continued to broaden my perspectives by working with large animals like cattle and horses. I later ran a 65 staff member hospital for 5 years. But, I became frustrated because part of managing involves being able to nurture and didn't feel like I had the time to build into people. I thought to myself - where can I go where I can make a difference in people's lives?
I answered that question by coming to PMI to teach with the very instructors who taught me! Now I get to nurture students. My former instructor silently knew each of our stories. She trained us in proper techniques, but she also cared for us as individuals. I want to do the same thing for my students. I've been in the field for 12 years and I take pride in each and every student. I love my job!
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I was already a young mother of four when I realized I wanted to begin a career. My parents had both completed the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute, though they suggested the Radiography Program for me, which was booming at the time.
After graduation, I was immediately hired at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, and I quickly gained experience and advanced into specialized procedures such as angiography. When the new Oro Valley Hospital opened, I decided to progress into supervision as the Radiology Department manager. As my physician's group got to know me, they decided to sponsor my education to obtain my Bachelor of Science, Advanced Radiologic Science RA/RPA. After gaining a few years of experience, I have been able to obtain employment at University of Arizona Medical Center. I now enjoy a challenging career with complex patients, helping residents, and participating in the conduction of research studies. I also provide CEU accredited education for staff technologists, and I love working in the educational healthcare setting.
Both my parents and I are proud to be graduates of Pima Medical Institute. We all know the value of the education Pima provides.
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I received my bachelor's degree in health sciences and, at the time, was planning to go on to school to become a physical therapist. However, my husband was in the military, and because we traveled and spent some time overseas, it was difficult to fit in PT school. Once we had children, I was a stay-at-home mom for a while, but when my kids started school, I decided it was time to start a new career. I researched and found the Pharmacy Technician program at PMI, and I ultimately chose PMI's program because it was quick. Though nervous about going back to school again and concerned I'd be the oldest student, I really enjoyed my program at PMI. The instructors were very supportive and always available to help, and I really felt comfortable with my classmates.
When it came time for practical learning, I was placed at Professional Pharmacy for my externship. Pima had taught me what I needed to know to be successful, and at the end of my time there, they offered me a position as a Pharmacy Technician. My employer is very flexible with my schedule. I'm able to take my kids to school and get off in time to pick them up and be part of their after-school activities.
I really appreciate that my instructors at PMI believed it me even before I did. I'm thankful for my job and a new career that fits perfectly with being a mom.
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Coming to PMI for the Dental Assistant program was the best choice of my life! Prior to PMI life was tough! I worked at Walmart for 6 years and was living paycheck to paycheck. After my husband and I got married, he said to me - why don't you go to school and better yourself? But, I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I had gotten braces put on my teeth when I saw my teeth transitioning into a new smile, I knew the dental field was the place for me. I chose the Dental Assistant program at PMI because it was faster than going to a community college.
I enrolled and had a wonderful experience at PMI! It was challenging to go back to school after being out so long and I was particularly concerned about math. But my instructor offered to stay after class to help me and I one of my classmates became a great study partner.
We were taught everything we needed to know prior to our externship, so it was a smooth transition. I was hired at my place of externship and currently work at Cheyenne Mountain Modern Dentistry. I love everything about my job! We are treated like family. My goal is to go back to school to become a Dental Hygienist. I'm passionate about my job and can't wait to progress in the dental field. Thanks PMI!
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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.
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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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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 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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