“The success of the Chula Vista Radiography program is, by and large, based on the fact that all of us, as faculty, care about our students,” said Radiography Program Director, Dr. Lisa Schmidt. “We push them hard, not only in their study habits, but also with their personal and professional growth. In essence, their success is our success, and it is incredibly gratifying to encounter a number of graduates out in the field who tell us about the house they just purchased, or how they are now conducting computed tomography scans, working in interventional radiology, or managing a busy imaging department,” she said.
Local employers that have hired Pima Medical radiography graduates agree the program is creating quality employees.
“We have found Pima Medical graduates to have strong basic technical skills and good work ethics,” said Alyssa Tugend, imaging senior specialist with Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, Calif. “Because even the new grads have had experience at different clinical sites, they tend to be more open to new protocols and work practices.
At Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., approximately 20 radiographers work on the team, where, according to Jayson Zachery, supervisor of imaging services, they must be extremely well-rounded and able to work in urgent care, fluoroscopy, the operating room or in general diagnostics.
Radiography Clinical Coordinator Jed Miles stressed that the clinical assignments students participate in greatly advance their knowledge and success.
Radiography Instructor Richard Angulo said the program at the Chula Vista campus succeeds in part because all of its staff members have worked together for a decade.
Pima Medical Institute offers the two-year program at several campuses, including Chula Vista, Mesa and Tucson, Ariz., Denver, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, N.M., Houston and Seattle.
Pima Medical Institute is a private, accredited school dedicated to providing students classroom studies paired with real-world training at medical facilities. Established in 1972, Pima Medical Institute helps students become career ready, focusing exclusively on health care professions, including medical, dental, veterinary and nursing fields. Curriculum includes certificate, associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs, ranging from nursing, medical assistant and radiology technician to veterinary assistant and dental hygienist.
Pima Medical Institute operates 17 campuses as well as an extensive online curriculum. The medical career college has a presence in eight western states with ground locations in Albuquerque, N.M.; Tucson, Phoenix and Mesa, Ariz.; Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo.; Seattle and Renton, Wash.; Las Vegas, N.V.; Houston and El Paso, Texas; Chula Vista, Calif.; and Dillon, Mont. For more information and a complete list of programs offered at each campus, visit pmi.edu or call 1-888-442-5998.