As we celebrate dads during Father’s Day, we’re especially proud of Pima Medical graduate Oscar Aguilera and his accomplishments.
Oscar is a single dad who was tired of moving from job to job and wanted to show his son the importance of an education. He graduated from our Respiratory Therapy program and continued his education with the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program.
As a parent, Oscar was met with many challenges during both of his programs. His instructors helped guide him every step of the way and prepared him for the experience of working with COVID-19 patients. His story is below.
Oscar with his son.“I am a single dad. I bounced around to so many different jobs trying to provide for us. But, I knew if I wanted my son to get an education someday, I needed to be a model for him. I had a friend who was a respiratory therapist and after learning about his job, I signed up for the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute. I loved it! Every instructor I had was amazing! I was not really a book learner and I had many challenges as a single dad, but the instructors really cared about me and worked with me. During my first rotation, I fell in love with respiratory therapy.
I currently work at Banner Desert Hospital, a level one trauma center. About three months after being hired, I was moved into our ICU (intensive care unit). It has been quite a learning curve but I work with some really smart people, many of them Pima Medical graduates, and I have learned so much from them.
Working with COVID-19 patients has been scary. I’m learning every day; from handling codes, to PPE, to proper proning techniques. We have such an important job caring for these people. I’m currently continuing my education through Pima Medical’s online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program. I want to show my son the importance of education and I’m doing it for myself because I love learning.
It’s been a challenge focusing on classes during COVID-19; seeing the things I’m seeing and experiencing high levels of stress and fear at my job. But, the instructors are there for me. I would certainly encourage others to consider the respiratory field and Pima Medical Institute for their training.
I was a single dad with no money and Pima Medical went above and beyond for me; providing a work study job, gas cards and caring about me as a person. Most importantly, they got me ready for my new career. I’m dealing with life and death on a daily basis and I feel prepared. Thanks Pima Medical!”
If you are looking for a new career, like Oscar, Pima Medical can help you get started with the next step in your journey. We are enrolling for the Respiratory Therapy program now and also offer several other healthcare career program options. Let us help you decide the right path for your career. Learn more today.
