Quincy Skeen grew up watching his mother struggle with a chronic disease. He knew he wanted a career in healthcare. It wasn’t until he was able to witness the work of Respiratory Therapists up close and personal that he knew what he needed to do. Skeen went on to graduate from our Las Vegas campus Respiratory Therapy associate degree program, and then continued on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy through our 100% online program.
Here is his story.
“My mother had a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which resulted in her needing to be intubated and tracheid throughout her life, so I was familiar with the respiratory profession. At age 19, I started my career path in the medical field as a transporter at Sunrise Hospital. As I worked with and observed the Respiratory Therapists (RT), I began to understand the importance of their profession. I knew then, this was the career for me, so I enrolled in Pima Medical Institute’s RT program.
I appreciated the support from both administration and instructors and their belief that I could become a productive member of the RT community. My classmates provided support throughout the rigorous program and there was a great camaraderie among us. I remember having study sessions, gatherings and cookouts in the parking lot with the faculty, staff and students. Having the opportunity to work in professional clinical settings while in school provided the perspective I needed and upon graduation, I was promoted to a full-time Respiratory Therapist at my hospital. I also worked with University Medical Center (UMC). I continued my education in Pima Medical’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and then went on to complete my Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Columbia Southern University. I am still employed with UMC as its Senior Respiratory Therapist and I have been a Clinical Instructor for Pima Medical Institute’s Las Vegas Campus since 2016. My eventual goal is to move into hospital administration becoming a VP or COO.
I am very thankful for Pima Medical Institute. Anything worth having is worth working for, and true education is what you are willing to put into it, whether you are at Yale, Harvard or Pima Medical. Therefore, always attempt to set the standard of excellence in everything you do and everything you love.”
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