Tucson Standard

Pima Medical Institute-Tucson issued the following announcement on Oct. 8.

Sheila already had a degree in the medical field she wanted to pursue for her career, but was missing the certification she needed to land a job in the pharmaceutical or medical device industry. She enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Technician certificate program at another school, but it closed and her program was transferred to Pima Medical’s Colorado Springs campus. That change turned out to be the best thing for Sheila and the positive beginning to her medical career she needed. Her story is below.

“After I obtained a bachelor's degree in industrial microbiology, I found it challenging to find a job in the pharmaceutical or medical device industry as a microbiologist. Every time I looked for a job in the laboratories, they required certifications from a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) program, which I didn't have. So, I decided to go back to school to get the certification I needed.

I started an MLT program at another educational institution, but in June of 2017 that institution transferred the program to Pima Medical Institute. I think it was the best thing that could have happened to me and my peers because Pima Medical took us in and helped us finish what we started.

At the time, I was pregnant and had two other children to care for. Even though the obstacles were great, my family and my instructors made the transition and process smooth and efficient. The MLT program instructors, program director and administrative staff were always available to help with whatever I needed. During my externship, I was hired as a quality specialist for a microbiology department with Infinity Laboratories. I've since decided I want more and am hoping to be accepted into a physician assistant program in the near future.

Pima Medical Institute prepared me for my profession. I am thankful to God, my family and Pima Medical for all the support I received. Pima Medical is an outstanding educational institution and prepares students for success. I am grateful to have been part of this organization.”

Original source can be found here.