At Pima Medical Institute, we are proud to offer pathways for our students to continue their momentum and elevate their careers. Many of our graduates have shared stories of how their bachelor’s degree has helped them successfully grow their career into leadership, teaching positions, advanced clinical practices and more. With the addition of our stackable Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, our grads have gone even further, with many elevating into higher positions within their companies and entering new roles – in healthcare and beyond.
These graduates exemplify what’s possible with dedication, compassion and a commitment to lifelong learning. Each has used their educational experience to make a difference not only for their patients, but for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Carmen’s Story: Building a Business and Leading With Purpose
Carmen Marquez, PTA, BSPTA, MSOL, DSIII
A proud three-time Pima Medical graduate, Carmen Marquez earned her PTA (2014), BSPTA (2017) and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL, 2023) degrees.
Her journey began with a desire for professional growth and turned into a career filled with leadership and advocacy. “After completing my BSPTA program, I was promoted,” she shared.
Carmen and her husband went on to open their own outpatient rehabilitation facility, where she serves as the director of physical therapy. She also states that earning her MSOL degree helped to strengthen her leadership and community advocacy skills.
“I’ve learned so much about the kind of leader I am and the kind of leader I want to be,” she said. “This degree gives me credibility and helps me serve my rural community more effectively.”
Korrine’s Story: A Stepping Stone into MRI Supervisor
Korrine Heppenstall, BSRS, MSOL
Korrine is a two-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute’s Online Education programs. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS), she didn’t plan to return to school – she saw an opportunity to enroll in Pima Medical’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL). She balanced a demanding work and personal life with her education, and credits her education with providing opportunities she never thought would be available.
“Surprisingly, my master’s degree opened doors I had not expected. A friend sought a new supervisor for their facility and my enrollment in a master’s program played a significant role in their decision to hire me. Today, I proudly serve as the MRI Supervisor at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA.”
Barbara’s Story: From OTA, to Instructor, to Director of Therapy
Barbara Correll, OTA, BSHCA, MSOL
Barbara Correll is a three-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute. She completed her associate degree in Occupational Therapy at the Mesa Campus and went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. After that, she joined the first-ever cohort in Pima Medical’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. She completed her degree in January 2023. Her education led her to return to Pima Medical as an OTA instructor and subsequently the Clinical Education Director at the Mesa Campus.
“Being a graduate of the same program allowed me to relate to the challenges and struggles of my students,” she said.
Later, while seeking part-time work, her credentials caught the eye of the owner of Arbor Therapy. “She had noticed my educational degrees on my resume and as a result ended up offering me a position as Director of Therapy over all three Arbor Clinics in the Phoenix area.” Barbara credits the practical nature of the program for her success. “My degree prepared me for this job. I was trained in analytics, finance, quality management. Many master’s degree programs are more theoretical in nature, but the degree from Pima Medical has actually trained me to do exactly what I’m doing now. I’m taking what I learned, putting it into practice and I’m loving it!
Latanya’s Story: Lifelong Learning to Reach Her Dream Job
Latanya Watson, MA, BSHCA, MSOLd
Latanya is a three-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute. She completed her Medical Assistant certificate in 2008 followed by her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) and MSOL in 2024.
She currently works at the largest Refugee Health Medical Center in Phoenix as Clinical Research Coordinator II in the OB-GYN department, coordinating final research projects for 38 resident MD’s. “I assist in the development of their study protocols by formulating their study plan, and I am building a team and implementing new strategies for more efficiency in the program.”
She plans to continue her education into a doctoral program in Health Care Administration, with a goal to run organizations that improve the health of disadvantaged populations. “My education at Pima Medical has strengthened my problem-solving skills, critical thinking and communication skills,” she said. “I apply these in my profession today and my leadership team has praised me for this. I am proof of how Pima Medical Institute can propel you to success in the medical field.”
Advancing Careers Through Education
From teaching and management to clinical leadership and promotion, these stories show the diverse paths our graduates can take.
Pima Medical’s 100% online MSOL program equips students with the practical and analytical tools needed to lead organizations through today’s many challenges. Students choose from one of two health care specialization options: Public Health or Health Care Administration.
Whether your goal is to teach, lead or continue your education, the MSOL program provides the flexibility, support and depth needed to take the next step.
Learn more about the MSOL program and move toward reaching your career goals now.
