Carmen Marquez’s story is one of resilience and determination. She pursued her dream of becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant at Pima Medical Institute, eventually earning three degrees while building a successful outpatient rehabilitation business with her husband. Now a leader in her field, Carmen uses her skills to grow her business, mentor new graduates and advocate for public health in her rural community. Her journey, captured in a featured video, is a testament to the life-changing impact of education and dedication.
This compelling video offers a powerful visual glimpse into Carmen’s path, from single mom to three-time Pima Medical graduate. In it, Carmen reflects on how her time at Pima Medical Institute shaped her professionally and personally.
Watch Carmen’s Journey
Carmen’s story in her own words below.
“I was a single mom with two children living in a really small town and working at a hardware store. I knew I needed an education and my drive was my kids. One day I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute and I said, “Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) – I want to do that!”
I worked in the mornings, attended afternoon classes, and spent the evenings being a mom and studying. It was really difficult! The support I had from my instructors kept me going and it was completely worth it. I never felt like I was good at anything in my life until I became a PTA.
A year later I started Pima Medical’s online BSPTA program. Not only was it helpful for my professional development, as a result of continuing my education, I was able to get a promotion.
I met my current husband in the PTA program. I literally opened the door to the lab for him one day and opened the door to a new life. In 2015, my husband and I started an outpatient rehabilitation facility, of which I am the director. It was a lot of hard work and I had to learn all the processes and make sure things were done the right way. We continue to grow and we love hiring Pima Medical graduates!
I recently enrolled in Pima Medical’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program. I feel like I’ve already learned so much about the kind of leader I am and the kind of leader I want to be. The possibilities are endless with this degree, especially being in a rural community and wanting to advocate for public health. This degree will give me credibility.
Pima Medical has been essential in my growth as a person and as a professional and I am so grateful!”
Update: Carmen graduated from the first cohort of our Master of Science in Organizational Leadership online program in 2023. She learned how to build her leadership skills, which she now incorporates each day as the Director of Physical Therapy in her and her husband’s growing business.
Want to dive deeper into Carmen’s transformation and hear her inspiring story in her own words? Watch the video above and see how persistence, support and ongoing education helped open doors for Carmen, which could do the same for you.
Are you looking for ways to advance your career and grow into leadership opportunities? Continuing your education online may be the right choice for you.
