Sarah Collard is a three-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute, earning her dental assistant certificate at our Albuquerque campus plus an online associate and bachelor’s degree in health care administration. Feeling unfulfilled in her job, she says a literal sign drew her to Pima Medical.
Here’s her story.
“I had been a security officer for six years and was on leave for foot surgery. While my husband drove me to an appointment, I stared out the window feeling frustrated and miserable. Passing Pima Medical Institute, I saw – Dental Assistant Enrolling Now – and thought, I could do that. Within a week I was enrolled and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
I loved the structure and straightforward learning at Pima Medical. There’s no fluff, everything is important. In fact, I never learned anything that I haven’t used in my career. The support I received was amazing; everyone, from instructors to the janitor, is cheering you on and believing in you. While at my externship I learned of a new opportunity, and ended up stepping right into an administrative role as a benefits coordinator. Shortly after that, I enrolled in the Health Care Administration associate degree program.
Working full-time and going to school was manageable and I was able to take what I was learning and transfer it to my everyday job. After completing my associate degree, I began the bachelor’s program. Once COVID hit, I took a position with the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corp as a Senior Administrative Officer at one of their care units. We took patients recovering from COVID to free up space in the hospitals for the more severe cases. It seemed everything I was learning in my online classes directly related to what I was working on, like writing policies, etc. Once I completed my bachelor’s degree, I enrolled in the master’s program. Each of the programs has built upon the knowledge I’ve learned in the previous program.
I was recently hired at Pima Medical as a part-time instructor. I love it! I say to my students – only five years ago, I was sitting in those chairs. Pima Medical has given me the tools I needed to change my life and I am so grateful!
If you’re looking to go from a job to a career, Pima Medical could be the right fit for you. Learn more now!
