I always loved animals and it's been my goal to have a career working with them. I was so impressed when I took a tour at Pima Medical Institute, because there were animals everywhere. I chose this school because I knew their emphasis was going to be hands on versus just reading a book. Plus, their class schedule allowed me to continue to work and support myself while going to school.
Everyone at PMI knew all of us by name and if we ever had an issue, there was always someone willing to help and guide us. I felt knowledgeable and very prepared for every topic on the Veterinary Technician National Examination and I passed it on the first try!
I was hired immediately after graduation at the location of one of my externships and I really enjoy my job. I would like to thank everyone for all of their help and support. Down the road, I'd like to continue learning and possibly become a technologist
specializing in behavior issues. But for now, I'm just excited to work in my new career. Thanks PMI!
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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.
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I initially chose Pima for their Massage Therapy program. I had a son with special needs and, while a newborn, we had done Infant Massage and Touch with him. Massage allowed me the opportunity to have a flexible schedule and be with my son when he needed me. As my boys grew and began school, I decided the best thing I could do for myself and my family was to continue my education. I came back to PMI and enrolled in their Medical Assistant program. Since I've always told my children to set goals and reach for the stars, I continued right on into the Health Care Administration associate degree program.
I was offered a job at my externship site and, although it was a great opportunity, I felt I could achieve more. I found my first job by searching for what I wanted and not expecting a job to come to me.
I always felt Pima gave me every tool I needed to be a professional. As a student I felt genuinely cared for by my instructors who were always available to help me. They instilled in me the confidence in myself and the skills to be a great asset to any employer!
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Occupational Therapy was not my career goal. Like many good things in life, I didn't find OT, it found me. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Journalism in 2008, I spent the next three years working as a successful public relations professional. But in 2011 at the age of 23, I had a hemorrhagic stroke that resulted in complete paralysis of my right side. After brain surgery, my OTs and OTAs taught me how to dress, bathe and care for myself again. They worked with my right arm to facilitate motor and sensory recovery; helped increase my balance, strength and endurance; taught me compensatory strategies; and provided me the tools to regain my independence. During this year and a half process, I would often think about how much I would like to become a therapist and help others, if I could ever recover enough.
After much hard work and many miracles, I enrolled in the OTA program at Pima Medical Institute. After graduation in 2013, I was the first OTA hired at the foremost neurological rehabilitation clinic in Arizona (SWAN Rehab). Since then, I have been able to help many patients - most of them stroke survivors - increase their independence and celebrate their second chance at life.
In 2015, I was presented with the Outstanding Occupational Therapy Assistant award from the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association. Thank you PMI for providing the training I needed to make a difference in other's lives.
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Change can be really scary and intimidating, but if you're looking for a new career path, I would absolutely recommend Pima Medical Institute. After I decided to switch careers, wanting to work in the area of sports medicine, I began researching Physical Therapist Assistant programs throughout the state. I found that both PMI's reputation, and the opportunity to begin immediately, put them ahead of every other school.
Switching to a career in the medical field wasn't easy. None of my previous experiences prepared me for my first anatomy course. Being a non-traditional student and working full time during school was a reality that was very challenging, but in the end made me a better PTA. Pima's class schedule allowed me to continue to work and support myself.
My instructors went out of their way to give me the best experience possible. I had a very specific career path in mind and they provided me with all the support I needed. They strategically set up clinical rotations that eventually led to my first job at Next Level Sports Performance. I've had the privilege of working with a wide variety of athletes, including professionals, and have been given opportunities for research and presenting at conferences.
I've also enjoyed returning to my former classrooms as a guest lecturer. PMI changed my life and I'm happy to do what I can to repay the favor.
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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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My sister graduated from Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant program, which made me look up to her. Right after high school, I tried to attend the program but didn't qualify for financial aid and I was devastated. About four years later, after having a child and working, I woke up one morning and knew I needed to fulfill my dream of a career in the medical field. It had always been in the back of my mind, but I knew it was time. I called Pima Medical, set up an appointment and enrolled in the program.
I was at the campus for exactly one week before COVID hit and they closed the campus and went to virtual learning. I was devastated because I had tried online classes before and didn't do well. But my instructors were great and I surprised myself and I did really well. My instructor made the process easy, she was always available to help and I had a great experience.
I was offered a full-time position with Banner Health at an urgent care before I'd even graduated. I love the fast paced environment and I work with a great team. We are the first person our patients see and they're often fearful and our job is to help keep them calm. We are seeing lots of COVID patients right now and they are very anxious. I love being able to reassure them it's going to be OK.
I'm so thankful for Pima Medical Institute and I appreciate the knowledge my instructors have instilled in me. It's made me the Medical Assistant I am today. I just love my job!
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After years of bouncing between retail and fast food jobs, I found myself questioning the direction of my life. Dissatisfied and yearning for something more meaningful, I explored careers in the medical field but many required prerequisites. That's when I discovered the Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) program at Pima Medical Institute during a meeting with an advisor. It sounded really interesting to me and I decided just to go for it.
Being part of the very first SPT program at the Denver Campus meant small class sizes and lots of personal attention. Sterile Processing fascinated me with its intricate details, providing constant mental stimulation. When I began my clinical work in the hospital, nerves got the best of me, leading to anxious mornings. Yet, as I embraced the experience, the fear subsided and I found purpose in the crucial role Sterile Processing plays and I was hired by the hospital where I completed my clinicals. Two years later, I moved to my current employer, Valley Regional Medical Center in Arkansas Valley, where I am the SPD Supervisor. I oversee the setup, sterilization and ordering processes, including implants and replacement parts. The responsibility is immense, but the challenge fuels my passion. I've recently returned to school online to pursue Practical Nursing (LPN), aspiring to advance to a Scrub Technician role here at the hospital and perhaps become a traveler in the future.
I had such a great experience at Pima Medical Institute and if I had the chance for a redo - I would do it all over again. I finally feel like I am doing something meaningful with my life.
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I started my journey to become a nurse back in my twenties, but my plans kept getting interrupted. At the age of 49, after years of being in various office jobs and property management roles, I finally decided to pursue my lifelong dream. When I stumbled upon an advertisement for Pima Medical Institute's one-year Practical Nursing program, something just clicked and I knew it was time.
Entering the program, I was the oldest among my classmates, but age was never a barrier. We were all there with a common purpose, united in our determination to succeed. My instructors were awesome and were clearly there to help us get through and be successful. Despite any doubt's others had about my starting a new career later in life, I knew it was never too late to pursue my passion. My life experience brought a unique perspective to my studies, making certain topics easier to grasp. My maturity gave me confidence and I eagerly volunteered for tasks in clinicals wanting to immerse myself in real-world experience.
After graduation, I embarked on my nursing career, initially working in long-term care facilities. After moving to Mississippi, I found my place at Enhabit Home Health and Hospice in Mississippi, where I am an LPN/Patient Services Coordinator. I love my job and appreciate helping my patients from a whole person perspective. It's a great fit for me. Looking back, I can confidently say that enrolling at Pima Medical was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's never too late to chase your dreams.
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Dentistry was always in my plan, but life took a turn when I became a young mom while attending NMSU (New Mexico State University). Returning home, I started working for a family friend's dental practice, fell in love with the field, and decided to officially pursue a career in Dental Assisting (DA). I was looking for a fast-paced program and Pima Medical Institute was the perfect fit. My experience there was fantastic-I applied what I learned on the job and made lifelong friends.
After working as a dental assistant for a year, I decided to further my career and enrolled in the Dental Hygiene (DH) program at Pima Medical. The program was challenging, but the instructors were incredible. I was taught by some of the icons of dental hygiene and I thrived in the rigorous environment. Upon graduation, I quickly secured a job as a dental hygienist, working five days a week to maximize my education. Over time, I got married, had another son, and excelled in my career, and began working in a corporate dental setting. In 2021, I returned to Pima Medical as an instructor in the hygiene clinic, a full-circle moment. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Not only did I find my passion for teaching, I got to continue learning alongside my students.
Currently, I'm preparing to open New Mexico's first dental hygiene studio to meet the needs of preventative care. I hope to employ several dental hygienists and we plan to collaborate with local dentists. I'm also starting a dental hygiene consulting business. I am excited about this business venture and genuinely credit my success to the education I received at Pima Medical. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors for shaping me into the professional I am today.
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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.
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When I got braces in high school, I was fascinated by how something so simple could transform a person's smile-and their confidence. That experience sparked my interest in the dental field, and after researching options, I found Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant (DA) program. I enrolled right after high school and jumped into the program.
My instructors were incredible! I never considered myself a standout student, but the hands-on learning style was perfect for me. I learned so much, and when it came time for my externship, it felt like a breeze because I was so prepared. They even offered me a job as soon as I finished, and I worked there happily until I moved out of state.
Since graduating in 2011, I've worked in every part of a dental office-from assisting to managing the front desk to being an office manager. Today, I'm a mom of two fast-growing kids, and I want more flexibility to be with them, so I'm going back to school for billing and coding. This will allow me to continue working in the dental field from home.
I love the dental field because I get to make a difference-helping patients find relief from pain or transforming their smiles - and I'm excited about the next chapter in my dental career. Pima Medical is an amazing place with caring instructors and I would choose it all over again. It's changed my life.
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