WELCOME HOME ALUMNI

I was a practicing massage therapist for several years before deciding to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I've always loved helping people manage their pain, but was frustrated I couldn't do more. After some diligent research, I took a tour of Pima Medical Institute of Las Vegas and I knew without a doubt I wanted to be part of their community. The instructors were amazing! They addressed the needs of every single individual and were able to utilize different teaching styles in order to keep our class engaged. I appreciated the real life expectations our instructors gave us of the profession and know it helped prepare us for our first job. The camaraderie of my classmates also really enhanced my experience. We were truly a family and helped each other through the program. I currently work at Advanced Healthcare of Las Vegas, a skilled nursing facility, where I was sent to for my final clinical internship while at PMI. I remember being hesitant about the setting but after the first couple of days of my internship, I adored it. Our PMI instructors provided us with a strong foundation and a thirst for knowledge to keep moving forward. I have recommended this program, and in fact, my husband, my brother, and my best friend are now also graduates of the PTA program at Pima Medical Institute. Thanks PMI!

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.

I joined the US Army National Guard my senior year of high school, six months after 9/11 and was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in 2006. While in Kabul, I discovered the possibility of becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). After graduating with my associate degree in Maryland in 2010, I've worked as a PTA for Medstar Health for 11 years and have been an adjunct PTA faculty member. I attempted several times to return to a four-year college to get my bachelor's degree but the passion for the content of general studies was hard to dive into. While researching, I found Pima Medical Institute's Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (BSPTA) program, but it seemed too good to be true. A program full of what I loved and dedicated to the PTA world I so deeply cherished? I enrolled. I found the content and curriculum to be completely relevant to my job. It was challenging working full time while a student, but it was worth it. Then COVID hit. Healthcare changed completely; the challenges were on a different level. All of the instructors were understanding, kind and caring. I felt I could openly talk to them about content, challenges, life and all the bumps that came during 2019-20. I made friends and connections that I hadn't expected as we shared experiences and learned together, from afar. Now that I've completed my BSPTA degree, my goals are to be director of PTAs for all 54 clinics, promote the hiring of PTAs and to eventually become full time faculty in a PTA program and lead the future PTAs. Thank you to the staff and faculty of Pima Medical for the constant encouragement and a caring and safe space to fulfill my dream!

I have always been interested in the medical field, but when my father had a heart attack it validated my desire to help people like him. After hearing a radio advertisement for Pima Medical Institute, my husband pushed me to inquire. His support gave me the confidence to enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) program. I wasn't very focused in high school, but despite having to work and take care of my young son while in the program, I am proud to say I graduated with honors. I completed my externship and was hired at a combined urgent care and family medicine office. I had a fantastic experience and worked for two brilliant physicians who helped further my education. I worked there for seven years and eventually worked my way up into management. After 11 years in the field, I decided to return to Pima Medical to complete the online Health Care Administration program, which helped prepare me for my current position as Lead MA Instructor at Pima Medical's Denver Campus. One of the things I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the instructors. My MA instructor gave me confidence and unwavering support, even after I was no longer her student. Both my on ground and online instructors prepared me for every aspect of my career and helped me realize what a bright future I had. I am planning to continue in the bachelor's program and I recommend Pima Medical to anyone interested in pursuing an education in the medical field.

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.

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.

had just graduated from high school and was searching for a career that would allow me to help others while staying active. When I discovered Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The opportunity to complete the program in just 18 months and start my dream job immediately was exactly what I was looking for. My experience at Pima Medical was amazing. The class schedule allowed me to balance my studies with a part-time job, which was important for supporting myself. The coursework was challenging, but my instructors were incredibly supportive and always took the time to help me understand difficult concepts. I especially appreciated how they related the material to real-world, clinical situations, making everything we learned feel more relevant and practical. The hands-on experience in our lab and during clinical rotations was invaluable. It solidified my skills and prepared me for the workforce. Right after graduation I was hired at Athletico, where I've been working ever since. I'm currently pursuing a certification in pelvic floor therapy, a field I'm very passionate about. I am looking forward to raising awareness about its importance for overall well-being. I'm so grateful to my instructors at Pima Medical. The education I received there truly shaped me into the clinician I am today. I highly recommend Pima Medical to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare - it's an amazing school.

Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made. My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared. Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home. In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy. I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!

I grew up in an unsupportive environment, constantly reminded of my limitations. After dabbling in community college and an unfinished nursing program, I found myself divorced with two young children, wondering what I could do to provide for my family. That's when I discovered Pima Medical Institute and enrolled in the Medical Secretary program. Within three months, I graduated and landed a job in the medical field, giving me the stability I desperately needed. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued to grow my career-first as an office manager and later doing billing. One day, I learned that Pima Medical was launching a Respiratory Therapy program. I jumped at the chance to enroll, excited to take my career to the next level. Balancing school, work, and motherhood was tough. My kids and I would do homework together, and I showed them it's never too late to change your path. After graduating, I was hired at Summerlin Hospital, where I worked for 14 years. Watching the devastation in New York, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew I had to step up and help. I was hired as a traveler at New York Presbyterian Cornell, one of the top hospitals in the country. It was intense-over 230 patients on ventilators when I arrived -but I learned and grew through it all. While on the frontlines, I was also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through Pima Medical. I faced moments of doubt, but with the support of my program director, I pushed through. My son and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees in the same year-a moment of immense pride for my family. I now work for the Nevada Donor Network, a new and upcoming field for RT's, turning tragedy into hope through organ donation. I feel a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I help give families a second chance. Thanks to Pima Medical, I've built a career that I love, and I'll never stop learning or growing.