WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I wanted to go back to school for years but I always made excuses not to go. One day I heard a commercial for Pima Medical Institute on the radio and I knew it was time to go to school and change my future. I chose their Medical Administrative Assistant Program because I was afraid of giving shots and dealing with injuries, plus I like the paperwork and administrative side of business. When I started the program I was worried I had made a mistake and would never make it. But I didn't give up and ended up finishing with a 4.0 GPA and perfect attendance. Everything I learned at Pima Medical was exactly what I needed to be successful in my field. They gave us confidence in our skills and even taught us how to dress and act in an interview. After completing my externship, I was fortunate to be hired at Cardiac Intervention Specialists. I enjoyed my educational experience so much, I continued on and earned my associate degree through Pima Medical's online Health Care Administration program and I am currently enrolled in their Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. The online option is wonderful because I'm still able to work and spend time with my family all while earning a degree. I am forever grateful for the patience of my instructors and the knowledge I gained, both in Houston and online. The whole Pima Medical staff genuinely cares about helping students achieve their goals. I love my new career and it has been the greatest experience I have ever had!

My dad had a bout of pneumonia and ended up on a ventilator and I was fascinated watching the respiratory therapist control my dad's breathing. I'd been working in the auto industry, never thought I was college material, but I my family believed in and motivated me to look into the field. I set up a tour of Pima Medical Institute with the program director and as I saw the facility and listened to her, I fell in love with her passion for respiratory therapy. Being a student at Pima Medical was certainly challenging for me, but the support I had from instructors and classmates was amazing. Our class decided that no one was going to fail, so when someone was struggling with a concept, we all rallied around them. The instructors were always available for extra help and by the time I got to clinicals, I really felt prepared. Prior to graduation I obtained a position with Banner South, a hospital that had been part of my community since I'd been a child. While performing bedside care as a respiratory therapist, I recognized that healthcare doesn't stop at the bedside. I became interested in looking at how, for example, a patient's social economic situation impacted their outcome. Knowing I wanted to make a bigger impact and with the confidence I gained from my time at PMI I went on and continued my education earning my bachelor's in applied management and ultimately my MBA. I navigated my way throughout the healthcare system from beside care, care coordination, to quality improvement. Wanting to be more proactive than reactive, I took a position as Senior Manager of Medicare Administration. We not only looked at how we delivered advantage plan benefits, I'm proud to say we instituted a non-traditional innovative program for our patients. Recently, I accepted a position as Director of Care Delivery Operations for Banner Health Corporate. I recognize that in order for bedside staff to offer their best care, processes and supply have to be in place. I can now play a role in making that happen and that is very exciting! Pima Medical provided the necessary educational and support a guy - who didn't think he was college material - needed in order to have the confidence to be successful. Next step - CEO!

I'd worked both as a server and in the construction industry, but I knew I wanted more. I saw a post on social media of a graduation ceremony from some high school friends and it caught my attention. I reached out and found they had graduated from Pima Medical Institute, which was surprising as I had driven past it for years not realizing it was a school. However, seeing my friends' successful new careers, I boldly walked in the door one day hoping to find success for myself. Julia, my admission's advisor, became a pivotal figure, guiding me into the Medical Assistant (MA) program. She not only answered all my questions, she believed in my ability to complete the program and enter a new career, despite all my doubts. I had a great experience; Pima Medical's small class sizes, hands on learning and supportive instructors made my educational experience manageable. My graduation date in March of 2020 was the same day our governor shut our state down for COVID. It was a difficult time to be looking for a job, but persistence landed me a position as a Patient Care Technician at UNM's (University of New Mexico) Medical ICU. My MA skills set me apart, allowing me to take on responsibilities beyond my role. Recognized as Employee of the Year in 2022 within the Medical ICU, I've come to appreciate the importance of seizing opportunities, overcoming fears and staying committed to personal and professional growth. Recently, my former ICU supervisor became the Director of Women's Special Care and offered me the opportunity of a new role and I am loving my new job. I'm grateful for Julia and all my instructors for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Going to Pima Medical Institute was a great decision!

My journey with Pima Medical Institute began at the Las Vegas campus, pursuing an associate degree to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Balancing part-time work as an administrative assistant with classes, I discovered a passion for the operational side of business. As I neared the completion of my associate degree program I was introduced to the bachelor's program in Health Care Administration, aligning seamlessly with my interests. The transition to the online program was manageable, the content relevant and I enjoyed my experience. My instructors were helpful, offering necessary check-ins for support and guiding me to resources. Toward the end of the program, I faced a medical complication requiring surgery. I communicated with my instructor before and they arranged an appropriate extension so I didn't fall behind and even called to check in on my recovery. I learned the importance of communication and it helped prepare me to be a compassionate administrator in the future. Since graduating I have embraced my role as a COTA at a level 2 trauma hospital in Vancouver, WA. I am continuing to develop as a clinician and am currently a chair member of the shared governance acute care team to be a voice, make changes for best practices and promote team culture within the hospital. My future goal includes using my degree to research and, hopefully, open my own transitional housing program for unhoused individuals who have experienced amputations or are at risk. I absolutely recommend Pima Medical to others, particularly to those who may have responsibilities like a family or work they have to maintain during schooling. My instructors went above and beyond to help me be successful and they have truly impacted my life.

As a proud Pima Medical Institute BSRT graduate, my journey from an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT), to a bachelor's degree, to achieving my dream job as a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children's Mercy has been nothing short of remarkable. While in school for my associate's at Concorde College, they highly encouraged us to continue our education and recommended Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). I knew a bachelor's would increase my salary and would also be helpful for future supervisory or management positions. The flexibility of online classes made it manageable for me to work full-time at Salem Health, a level II trauma center with a level III NICU, while pursuing my degree. My dream of working in medical transport began at age 17, when I was a volunteer patient for the local fire department and experienced being flighted out of our neighborhood. After years of experience as an RT, I landed my dream job. As a Critical Care Transport RT, I participate in various types of transports, from helicopters and fixed wing, to jets and ground transportation, proving support to hospitals nationwide. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is one of the busiest transport teams, covering a wide range of patients including neonates, pediatrics, maternal and fetal cases. Working with limited resources challenges me to think on my feet and be creative with patient care. The transport team, comprised of brilliant minds, requires continuous education, certifications, and simulations to improve patient care. During my downtime, I enjoy visiting former patients and their families and witnessing their progress. I love to do PR at community events where I hope to inspire young girls to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I'm appreciative for the role Pima Medical played in shaping my success and making my dream job a reality.

After being a truck driver and construction worker for 20 plus years, I made a promise to my mother before she died that I would go back to school. For nearly five years I passed Pima Medical Institute on my daily drive, and finally found the courage to pull in and take the pretest for the Nursing program. Going back to school at age 50 was scary, but I loved the atmosphere, the instructors and my classmates at Pima Medical. The instructors did an exceptional and extraordinary job preparing us for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). I applied at Banner Desert in Mesa where I had completed my clinicals and I was hired. It was 2019, and I was immediately thrown into the COVID Pandemic. A year later I decided to become a traveling nurse. Initially, I worried I might not be qualified enough or have enough experience, but I quickly got over that. Every place is different, but most of the core staff really appreciates the relief that travelers provide. I have been to 10 different places in four years. I'm considered a Banner Staffing Traveler within the Banner facilities nationwide and I call Banner Tucson my home, as it is where I spend the most time. Some of the challenges of being a traveler are finding a place to live and being away from family and friends. But, I am getting experience and confidence in different facilities and becoming more adaptable and flexible in my career. Plus, I am making a great salary. Pima Medical Institute changed my life forever. I made some lifelong friends during my experience, I had some incredible, humble, giving and caring instructors and I am truly grateful!

When I first started my journey in health care, I was on track to become a nurse. After working as a phlebotomist for three years, I quit my job focusing on finishing the last few prerequisites for nursing school. However, life had other plans. I got pregnant with my now four-year-old daughter and took a year and a half off to spend time with her. In 2020, I began to reconsider my career path. I realized that the clinical side of healthcare was no longer my passion; instead, I was drawn to the administration and business side. After researching various degrees, I chose the online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate and bachelor's programs at Pima Medical Institute. My experience at Pima Medical was incredible. Both programs' flexibility and the support from instructors and advisors were exceptional. They fit perfectly into my busy life as a full-time employee, wife and mother. The instructors were always available and willing to assist with anything I needed. The resources provided to students, from class scheduling to financial guidance, made everything so manageable. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I found a position as a Program Administrator at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, managing the OBGYN, Hematology/Oncology, and Mechanical Circulatory Support programs and residents. I am currently working full-time and exploring graduate programs for Health Care Administration and Business Administration. My future goals include becoming certified in health care emergency management to effectively plan and respond to emergencies. Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for your guidance and support. Completing my degrees with you has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to achieve goals I never thought possible.

When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support. The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set. My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way. I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.

I had an amazing experience in the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Pima Medical Institute. I had the best instructors and, as we spent time studying together, my classmates became amazing friends. I had always known I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people and I wanted to work with children. My older sister had completed the Veterinary Technician (VT) program at Pima Medical, so I knew it was a school I could trust and enrolled in the MA program. I appreciated all the knowledge and information they gave us about working in the real world. The hands-on experience helped us feel prepared for our new career. Since graduating in 2018 I have worked for three clinics or organizations as an MA and have gained experience in family practice, OB/GYN and specialty clinics and have learned so much! I love my job! Every day is different and I am constantly learning new things. I am so very grateful for my instructors at Pima Medical for helping me to be able to achieve my dream job. I love what I do and I am so grateful I took the leap to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.