After 15 years of employment with company I planned to retire from, I was let go due to the economic meltdown. I decided to go back to school and chose PMI. My biggest obstacle was overcoming my own lack of self-confidence. My first days as a student were very hectic, not only did I have to learn the course content, but I also had to learn how to become a student all over again. In the end, it was very rewarding and I had this overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that I had been missing in my life.
I arrived at each of my clinical sites with the motivation, drive and determination to become a medical professional. I was hired immediately after graduation at New Mexico Orthopedics and on my first day there, I received a phone call from The University of New Mexico Hospital. Based on my performance there as a student, they wanted to know if I would be interested in a position. I went from being a student to having two jobs within 30 days after graduation. I couldn't have been happier!
With the knowledge obtained through my work experience, I have recently moved into the Interventional Radiology department at UNMH. I've also recently completed my Bachelors of Radiologic Science through PMI's online program. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all of my instructors for believing in me and always encouraging me. I would definitely recommend PMI to anyone who is planning to go back to school or is in need of a change in their life.
|
After retiring from the military in 2007 and working ten years as a corrections officer in a supermax prison, I decided it was time for something new. In 2019, I used my military education benefits to enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Phlebotomy program (PHL). That led to Medical Assistant (MA), then Health Care Administration (HCA) and finally Veterinary Assistant (VTA). I also enrolled in Respiratory Therapy (RT) for a short time, but I realized it was not the right fit. In total, I completed four programs at Pima Medical.
The reason I kept coming back was simple: the people. There's a real sense of community here. When I finished my last program, I felt like something was missing. I applied for a position on campus, not expecting much, but the team saw potential in me and offered me a role in financial aid. At first, I thought I wasn't qualified. They told me they could teach the technical side, but what they really needed was someone who could connect with students. That gave me the confidence to accept the job.
I came here to learn, and I ended up staying to serve. Now I get to work with students every day, and I always try to check in with the ones who stand out. I let them know they're not alone, that someone here is rooting for them. It's not just about numbers or forms. It is about connection.
Math used to be something I wasn't crazy about, but now I use it every day and even enjoy it. Back when I started the Phlebotomy program, I would have laughed if you told me I would be in business attire, in an office, helping students plan their futures. This job changed my perspective. I come in each day not just to work, but to make a difference.
I tell my boss all the time: if it is not here, it is not anywhere. Pima Medical isn't just where I studied - It's where I belong.
|
My experience at PMI came during my transition from being a diesel mechanic to becoming a physician assistant. After graduating from the University of Texas with a bachelors degree in biology, I applied for PA school and was told I needed patient care experience. So, I found PMI and signed up for their Phlebotomy program. I chose phlebotomy over CNA because I enjoy technical skills and wanted to learn the skill of drawing blood.
My classes at PMI definitely prepared me for my profession as a phlebotomist. My instructor, Ms Lei Sean, made class fun and easy to understand. My externship at the VA clinic gave me so much experience, I was able to perform almost a thousand successful blood draws in 4 weeks. After I began my phlebotomist job at Banner Baywood, at the start of my shifts I was charged with collecting blood from patients that everyone else had difficulty with during the earlier shift. This happened because I was really good at blood draws on difficult patients. My training from PMI really helped me be successful.
|
At age 19 I got a job as a tech in the emergency room. When I decided to further my education, PMI was my first choice. As a student, I felt very prepared for clinical rotations and found I was well respected as a student wearing PMI scrubs in the hospitals. However, it was really only after I graduated and began working that I realized just how amazing my education was - working alongside therapists with 10-35 years experience in the field, I not only kept up but was able to excel.
It wasn't long before I began working with PMI students as a Clinical Instructor and, within a few years, I became a full time PMI Instructor. Teaching for PMI changed my life and has presented me with even more opportunities than I imagined possible. While teaching full time, I completed a Bachelor of Science degree which opened even more doors. After being a full time instructor for the Respiratory Therapy department for 5 years, I was presented with an opportunity to run the very program that I was a product of.
I have now come full circle beginning as a student, later becoming a graduate, eventually teaching full time, and now being a Respiratory Therapy Program Director. This new endeavor has presented me with the ability to lead a department of professionals that I strongly believe in, and as a former student, bring about effective change. If anyone had told me what I'd be doing by the year 2016, I would have never believed it was possible. My journey began with a tour of Pima Medical Institute in 2007, and here I am today, reaping the benefits of deciding to enroll in a program.
|
On 9-11, I was living in New York and watched as strangers helped one another. I walked away with a new perspective and decided I, too, wanted to help others. However, I didn't yet have the discipline to be successful in school. Instead, I worked in the tattoo industry for over 10 years before moving to Seattle.
Newly divorced, working a menial job, and struggling financially, I thought back to how I'd felt after 9-11. I still wanted to care for people and, at 33, decided to go back to school. I knew the Medical Assistant program at PMI would be challenging. I am covered in tattoos and piercings, and I'm loud. I was nervous because I was interested in the medical field but not very comfortable as a professional.
I followed the rules, jumped in with both feet, and loved it! At first, I was interested in surgery, but I didn't enjoy the fast pace. I wanted to talk with patients, but there was no time. Though I was offered a job, I realized it wasn't a good fit because I needed an environment where I could really care for others. I searched for jobs for a while before finding the perfect place. It's a private clinic specializing in transgender wellness and health. Providing for someone in their life's journey is so amazing! I can finally be the caring, supportive MA I want to be.
Pima is amazing! If you have a passion for the medical field, they will do everything in their power to help you find success, continuing to support you even after graduation.
|
I often tell people that Pima Medical Institute found me.
I had recently moved from my home in Gallup, New Mexico to live with my brother in Albuquerque. His wife was attending Pima Medical at the time and one day I went with her to drop off homework and ended up talking with the receptionist. When she asked me what I wanted to do with my life, I didn't really have an answer. She began telling me about students who had gone through their program and earned a career in a short time and how successful they had become. So, I decided to do it!
I really appreciated how from the moment you walked into Pima Medical, the classes were all set up and structured for you and the objectives were clear. I liked knowing the date I was going to finish when I began the program. I had a really good experience out in the field and was able to apply all I had learned in the classroom. At my externship, I had the opportunity to rotate through gynecology, urology, family practice, orthopedics, cardiology, endocrinology and surgical specialties.
I applied anywhere and everywhere because I needed to find a job right away. Lovelace was impressed by all the experience I had in my externship and hired me as a Medical Assistant for their endocrinology department. I have already completed many of my prerequisites and plan to continue my education in nursing.
As far as attending Pima Medical ... if you set your mind to it, you can do it!
|
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.
|
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!
|
In 2005, while browsing technical programs online, Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant (VA) Program caught my eye. I filled out a request for more information and, to my surprise, Niki Riggleman, a recently retired yet highly esteemed instructor, called me immediately. Despite never having had an interest in veterinary medicine before, that call changed my life. I can't imagine being in any other field today and I'm so grateful Niki called me!
I completed the VA Program and returned to complete the Veterinary Technician (VT) Program in 2007. It was a privilege to be part of the very first VT class at the Seattle Campus. One aspect of Pima Medical I truly appreciated was its accessibility; the ability to attend night classes and work during the day allowed me to maintain a steady income while pursuing my education. The hands-on classroom experience, combined with working in the field, was crucial to my professional growth.
My journey with VCA Animal Hospitals began with my first externship, where I was hired even before completing it. Almost 20 years later, I'm still with VCA and grateful to have found my place there. I worked as a VA, a VT and then quickly moved up to Technician Supervisor and a regional training role. In 2020, I became the Regional Technician Director for the Northwest & Hawaii Group, supporting veterinary teams across five states. Additionally, as the current President of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT) and a former District Chair for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), I am dedicated to improving the careers of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Ensuring their optimal utilization and safety is crucial to our profession, helping us continue to serve our patients effectively.
|
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 have always wanted a career in healthcare. I had previously pursued a nursing route, but was discouraged and unsure if nursing was really what I wanted to do. I came to Pima Medical Institute interested in the Pharmacy Technician program, but the admissions counselor I spoke to asked if I had heard about Respiratory Therapy (RT). She showed me a video explaining what an RT did and I was sold. Then and there, I found my calling. I was meant to be a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program with an Associate of Occupational Science in 2011. Knowing where the industry was headed, and my drive to move beyond bedside, I enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (BSRT) and graduated in 2014. Since then I have worked in a critical access hospital, an acute care hospital, and a level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU was my favorite place to work and where I excelled. My experience allowed me to sit for three additional specialty certifications, adding some hard-earned credentials to my resume.
Along the way, I found my second calling and passion - teaching all things respiratory. I continued on to obtain a Master's degree, which opened up another door for career advancement. I began teaching in a local respiratory therapy program while still working bedside, waiting to make the full transition into education. Fortunately, an opportunity came up to teach in the very same program here at Pima Medical Institute where I had attended 14 years earlier. Here I am, walking the same halls and teaching in the same classrooms I was a student in many years ago. I've come full circle from student to faculty ... I am still learning and doing what I love!
|
I had been working at a grocery store for 12 years when I decided it was time for a change. I hadn't been in school in a very long time and wasn't quite ready to commit to a four-year university. When I found Pima Medical Institute, it felt like the right fit for me in my stage of life. I chose the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program because I viewed it as a great stepping stone into a career in the medical field.
I really enjoyed my time at Pima Medical. It was exciting to be in a learning environment surrounded by students who were all motivated to succeed. My biggest challenge was balancing full-time work with evening classes while still finding time to study. It wasn't easy, but I did it! The thing I appreciated most about Pima Medical was the genuine commitment to student success. There was always help available whenever I had questions or needed support. Because of that, I walked out of the program feeling prepared and confident in my new profession.
Upon graduation, I quickly found a job and began working as a Medical Assistant with Providence in family practice, where I stayed for six years. Currently, I work for Optum Primary Care, continuing my career in family medicine. While at Providence, I had the opportunity to be a preceptor in the apprentice program, and I hope to take on that role again at Optum in the future. Educating and mentoring others is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the field of healthcare.
|
