Ready to grow his career, Roberto decided to enroll in the Paramedic program at our Mesa campus (program now only offered at our Las Vegas campus). He managed a grueling schedule during his program, but found it to be a wealth of information that helped him take the next step in his healthcare career. Roberto shared his story in this video interview.
Roberto also shared his story in his own words below.
“I was an EMT for 10 years in Pinal County, but I always wanted to become a Paramedic. I was waiting for the right time and the right program. I found out about Pima Medical Institute’s Paramedic program through my work. We have a partnership with Pima Medical, so their classes fit with our shift schedules and allow us to work full-time and go to school. It’s a grueling schedule, but it’s doable. Typically, I would work a 24-hour work shift, then go directly to an 8-hour class, and then repeat that process.
The instructors were fantastic! They have experience in the field and offer a wealth of information.
I was able to meet and become friends with some great people in my classes. The program was challenging but, honestly, the most difficult piece for me was time management. Making time for class and my clinical hours on top of being a father to three children and my job, where I’m also an instructor, was the toughest part.
The company I currently work for has a spot for me as soon as I pass my boards. In fact, they are chomping at the bit to move me from an EMT to a Paramedic, which happens to come with a significant pay raise. Pima Medical has a great Paramedic program, and I would certainly recommend it to others, especially other seasoned EMTs like me.
