Campus Director, Albuquerque

Pima Medical Institute

What if the biggest barrier to a healthcare career is believing there’s a place for you?

For Hispanic Heritage Month, Voices of Vital Care explores how family, culture, representation and mentorship shape the path into healthcare.

Host Nohelani Graf welcomes Yuriana, a campus director at Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque and a first-generation college graduate, for a candid conversation about discovering opportunities and finding the confidence to pursue them.

From family expectations and imposter syndrome to changing careers as an adult, Yuriana shares the questions students bring through her door and the support that helps them move forward.

She also explores allied health careers beyond doctors and nurses, including dental assisting, respiratory therapy and physical therapist assistant roles.

Along the way, we discuss:

• How a healthcare career can create opportunities for an entire family

• Why early career exploration matters for children and teens

• How Hispanic representation and cultural understanding can build connection in patient care

• The role of mentors in helping students see their potential

• Yuriana’s own journey from office assistant to campus leadership

Whether you’re a prospective healthcare student, a parent, a career changer or an educator, this conversation offers a personal look at what happens when opportunity starts to feel possible.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for the people, pathways and perspectives shaping the future of healthcare.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#HealthcareCareers #HispanicHeritageMonth #AlliedHealth #VoicesOfVitalCare #PimaMedicalInstitute

Nursing instructor Jenny Hill, MSN-Ed, RN, joins Voices of Vital Care to explore the transition from the classroom and simulation lab to real-world nursing clinicals, where students begin learning how to think like nurses.

Drawing from 20 years as a registered nurse and 15 years at the bedside, Jenny shares what it takes for nursing students to build confidence, develop clinical judgment and recognize subtle changes in a patient's condition. She talks about students freezing under pressure, the difference between being “book smart” and being ready at the bedside, why asking questions matters, and how instructors balance giving students room to learn with protecting patient safety.

The conversation also comes full circle as Jenny reflects on seeing former nursing students become colleagues, charge nurses and Daisy Award recipients. It’s a look inside nursing clinical education and the experiences that help transform a student completing a checklist into a nurse capable of seeing and caring for the whole patient.

Voices of Vital Care explores the people, careers and experiences shaping healthcare and allied health.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#NursingSchool #NursingStudent #NursingClinicals #NursingEducation #RegisteredNurse #NursingCareer #PatientCare #NurseLife #HealthcareCareers #VoicesOfVitalCare

Travel nurse Cori Hughes has spent years taking nursing assignments across the country, from Mississippi and Texas to Virginia, Arizona and beyond. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, she shares what she has learned about building a nursing career around freedom, flexibility and the life you want to live.

Cori opens up about the difficult first assignment that taught her how quickly travel nurses are expected to adapt, the confidence it takes to walk into a new hospital, and why asking questions may be one of the most important skills a traveling nurse can have. She also gets candid about the less glamorous side of travel nursing, including loneliness, finding community in a new city, navigating housing and compensation, choosing the right recruiter, spotting assignment red flags and knowing when it may be time to walk away from a contract.

She also shares how the Travel Nurse Takeover community has become an incredible resource for nurses in the field, helping travelers find housing, compare assignments, learn about hospital culture and connect with people who understand the unique realities of life on the road.

The conversation also explores how much nursing experience you need before becoming a travel nurse, how 13-week contracts can create greater control over your schedule, what to consider when choosing assignments, and why Cori believes the most important question isn't simply where you want to travel, but why you want to travel in the first place.

Whether you're a nursing student, a working nurse considering travel nursing, or simply curious about what the career and lifestyle really look like, this is an honest look at what it takes to build a nursing career that can move with you.

Voices of Vital Care explores the people, careers and ideas shaping the future of healthcare.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#TravelNursing #TravelNurse #NursingCareers

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with registered nurse, certified cosmetic laser technician, medical esthetician and public health professional Holly Mueller from Med 44 Arcadia for an inside look at the rapidly evolving world of cosmetic nursing and medical aesthetics.

Holly shares the unexpected career pivot that led her from nutrition and public health into nursing and aesthetics, what she wishes more aspiring cosmetic nurses understood before entering the field, and why becoming truly skilled requires much more than learning how to perform a procedure.

The conversation also explores the growing influence of social media and AI on beauty expectations, the responsibility providers carry when a patient sits in their chair, and the moments when good care may mean making a decision a patient doesn't expect.

For anyone considering a career in cosmetic nursing, aesthetic nursing, medical aesthetics or allied health, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a healthcare specialty that's growing quickly, changing constantly and may be far more demanding than it appears.

About Voices of Vital Care: Voices of Vital Care explores the people, careers and real-world experiences shaping allied health and the future of patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#CosmeticNursing #AestheticNurse #AestheticNursing #MedicalAesthetics #NursingCareers #AlliedHealth #HealthcareCareers #VoicesOfVitalCare

Cost, limited insurance coverage, provider shortages and other barriers can put routine dental care out of reach, allowing manageable oral health problems to become much more serious. And because oral health is closely connected to overall health, the consequences can extend far beyond someone’s teeth.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Dr. Ken Snyder, Executive Dental Director at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, to explore America’s dental care access gap and what happens to patients who have nowhere else to turn. Drawing from decades of experience in community dentistry, Dr. Snyder shares what he has learned caring for children and adults who have gone years, and sometimes much of their lives, without consistent dental care.

The conversation examines the rising cost of dentistry, the relationship between oral health and overall health, the role of nonprofit and community dental clinics, prevention and the growing demand for affordable care. It also looks at an important piece of the access-to-care conversation that is sometimes overlooked: the healthcare workforce needed to provide that care. Dental assistants, hygienists, dentists, students and residents all play a role in expanding capacity, while hands-on experience with underserved patients can shape the healthcare professionals they become.

Along the way, Dr. Snyder shares powerful examples of what can happen when a patient finally receives the care they thought might never be possible, why St. Vincent de Paul considers itself a “clinic of last resort,” and what he wants the next generation of dental and allied health professionals to understand about treating the person behind the diagnosis.

About Voices of Vital Care: Voices of Vital Care explores the people, careers and real-world experiences shaping allied health and the future of patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#DentalCare #DentalHealth #AccessToCare #OralHealth #CommunityHealth #CommunityDentistry #DentalAssistant #AlliedHealth #HealthcareCareers #VoicesOfVitalCare

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we bring together the education and employer perspectives with Dr. Katherine Kerr of Pima Medical Institute and Daria McKay of Humane Colorado.

Together, they pull back the curtain on the transition from veterinary student to working professional: what happens when classroom learning meets the realities of a clinic, what employers notice that students may not expect, and why the experiences you have before graduation can shape what happens after it.

The conversation also raises an important question for anyone comparing veterinary training programs: Is getting through school faster always the best way to prepare for the career waiting on the other side?

And when two new graduates walk into an interview, what might give one an advantage that has nothing to do with technical skill?

If you're considering becoming a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, researching veterinary training programs, or wondering what a career working with animals is really like, this is a conversation worth hearing before you take your next step.

About Voices of Vital Care: Voices of Vital Care explores the people, careers and real-world experiences shaping allied health and the future of patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#VeterinaryAssistant #VeterinaryCareers #VetAssistant #VeterinaryTechnician #VetTech #VeterinaryMedicine #AnimalCareCareers #CareerTraining #HealthcareCareers #VoicesOfVitalCare

For Meiko Onken, the answer wasn't part of the plan.

She didn't set out to become a hospital CEO. She simply kept saying yes to opportunities, learning from every role, and discovering that the career she thought she wanted was only the beginning.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, Meiko shares the journey that took her from Pima Medical Institute to leading Banner Casa Grande Medical Center. Along the way, she reveals the lessons that changed her perspective on leadership, career growth, mentorship, and what it really takes to build a meaningful career in healthcare.

If you're a healthcare student, allied health professional, career changer, or simply wondering where your first job could take you, this conversation may change the way you think about your future.

Topics include:

• Allied health careers

• Radiologic technology

• Healthcare leadership

• Career growth

• Hospital administration

• Mentorship

• Imposter syndrome

• Professional development

• Pima Medical Institute

• Banner Health

About Voices of Vital Care

Voices of Vital Care explores the people, professions, and ideas shaping the future of healthcare. Produced in partnership with Pima Medical Institute, each episode features honest conversations with clinicians, educators, employers, and healthcare leaders who are building the next generation of the healthcare workforce.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#VoicesOfVitalCare #HealthcareCareers #AlliedHealth #XRayTech #RadiologicTechnology #HealthcareLeadership #CareerGrowth #HealthcareStudents #HospitalCEO #PimaMedicalInstitute

Most people know what nurses and physicians do. Far fewer understand the critical role respiratory therapists play in hospitals every single day. From emergency rooms and ICUs to neonatal care, trauma, critical care transport, pulmonary diagnostics, and life-saving airway management, respiratory therapists are often at the center of medicine's most urgent moments.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with JJ Valdez (JJ the RT), respiratory therapist, educator, advocate, and podcast host, for an honest conversation about the profession behind every breath.

Together they explore:

• What respiratory therapists really do beyond breathing treatments

• How JJ accidentally discovered respiratory therapy and found his calling

• Why RTs are among the most versatile professionals in healthcare

• The emotional reality of caring for critically ill patients

• Why respiratory therapists deserve a larger voice in healthcare leadership

• The future of respiratory therapy, advanced practice RTs, and new career pathways

• How education, storytelling, and advocacy are changing the profession

• Why today's RT students have more opportunities than ever before

Whether you're considering a career in respiratory therapy, currently working in allied health, or simply curious about the people who care for patients during their most critical moments, this conversation offers a rare inside look at one of healthcare's most impactful professions.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for expert conversations on healthcare careers, patient education, disease prevention, and the professionals making a difference every day.

About Voices of Vital Care

Voices of Vital Care explores the people, professions, and innovations shaping the future of allied healthcare. Through conversations with clinicians, educators, and industry leaders, we help students, professionals, and healthcare employers better understand the careers making a difference every day.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#RespiratoryTherapy #RespiratoryTherapist #AlliedHealth #HealthcareCareers #CriticalCare #RTSchool #HealthcareEducation #MedicalCareers #PatientCare #VoicesOfVitalCare #JJTheRT #RespiratoryCare #PulmonaryCare #HealthcareLeadership #MedicalEducation

It takes confidence, professionalism, preparation, and knowing what employers are looking for.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Suzanne Biggs, Career Services Advisor at Pima Medical Institute and former Medical Assistant and Practice Manager, to talk about what separates graduates who get hired quickly from those who struggle to land their first opportunity.

Suzanne shares what it felt like to transition from student to healthcare professional, the biggest surprises she faced in her first Medical Assistant role, and the lessons she now teaches students preparing for their own careers.

She also explains how resumes are screened, what interview mistakes cost candidates opportunities, why employers value a growth mindset, and how mentorship and professionalism can shape long term success in healthcare.

Whether you're a Medical Assistant student, allied health graduate, career changer, or preparing for your first healthcare interview, this conversation offers practical advice you can use immediately.

In this episode:

- How to get hired as a Medical Assistant

- Medical Assistant interview tips

- Resume advice for healthcare graduates

- What employers look for in new graduates

- Common mistakes that keep candidates from getting hired

- Why confidence and professionalism matter

- How externships prepare students for real patient care

- Building a successful healthcare career from day one

- The importance of mentors in healthcare

- Career growth opportunities for Medical Assistants

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations that prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals with real career advice, industry insights, and stories from the people shaping the future of allied health.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#MedicalAssistant #HealthcareCareers #AlliedHealth #MedicalAssistantStudent #CareerAdvice #HealthcareJobs #HealthcareEducation #FirstJob #MedicalAssistantCareer #PimaMedicalInstitute

You'll learn why skin cancer is becoming more common in younger adults, how daily sun exposure adds up over time, what the ABCDE rule for melanoma means, and why early detection can save lives. Julie also shares practical advice on choosing sunscreen, protecting your skin during everyday activities, and performing monthly skin checks at home.

Beyond prevention, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a dermatology practice and highlights the essential role medical assistants play in patient care, from documenting skin exams and assisting with biopsies to helping detect changes that could lead to an early diagnosis.

In this episode:

• How to recognize the warning signs of skin cancer
• The ABCDE guide for spotting melanoma
• Common sunscreen myths and what really works
• Why tanning beds dramatically increase your risk
• How often you should check your skin
• Tips for protecting children from sun damage
• The surprising role medical assistants play in detecting skin cancer
• What happens during a professional skin exam

Whether you're protecting your own health, caring for your family, or exploring a career in healthcare, this conversation delivers practical advice that could make a lifelong difference.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for expert conversations on healthcare careers, patient education, disease prevention, and the professionals making a difference every day.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#SkinCancer #SkinCancerAwareness #SkinCancerPrevention #Dermatology #Melanoma #SunSafety #Sunscreen #SkinHealth #EarlyDetection #Healthcare #MedicalAssistant #VoicesOfVitalCare #HealthEducation #PatientCare #summersafety

A physical therapist assistant instructor and the founder of a competitive wheelchair soccer program say it's not what you'd expect.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Jim Irvin, Lead Instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, and Tony Jackson, founder of Ability360's Power Soccer program, a competitive team sport played entirely in power wheelchairs.

Tony is also a player, head coach, and advocate who just returned from the 2026 US Power Soccer Association Nationals in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Together they unpack what physical therapy looks like day to day, why "mobility" means something completely different on the Power Soccer pitch than it does in a clinic, and how a sport most people have never heard of is pushing toward the Paralympics.

In this episode:

- What physical therapy really involves, beyond exercise and pain management

- Why Tony describes Power Soccer as total freedom

- The moment in 2009 that turned Tony from a patient into an athlete

- A physical therapy patient's story of learning to walk again in the pool

- What separates elite athletes from everyday patients, in training, discipline, and drive

- The overlooked skill every Power Soccer player needs (hint: it's not what you think)

- How Tony founded the Ability360 Power Soccer program in 2012

- Inside the 2026 US Power Soccer Nationals: 44 teams, one gym, in Fort Wayne, Indiana

- The moment from Nationals Tony is most proud of

- Why the Paralympics is the next frontier for Power Soccer

- Advice for anyone considering a career as a physical therapist assistant

Whether you're interested in physical therapy, allied health careers, adaptive sports, disability advocacy, rehabilitation, mobility, Paralympic sports, or sports performance, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on movement, resilience, and human potential.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

Voices of Vital Care is a podcast exploring the people and stories behind healthcare, from physical therapy and adaptive sports to the professionals who help others reach their full potential.

Guests:

Jim Irvin, Lead Instructor, Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Pima Medical Institute

Tony Jackson, Founder, Ability360 Power Soccer Program | Ability360 Phoenix Rising Player | Ability360 United Head Coach

#PowerSoccer #PhysicalTherapy #AdaptiveSports #WheelchairSports #Paralympics #Ability360 #PTA #VoicesOfVitalCare #WorldCup

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Dr. Cindy Bauer, Division Chief and Medical Director of Allergy & Immunology at Phoenix Children's, to explain what poor air quality is actually doing to your lungs and why children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or allergies are at greater risk.

Dr. Bauer explains why ozone has been compared to "sunburning your lungs," how wildfire smoke travels hundreds of miles, why dust storms and pollen can trigger serious breathing problems, and the warning signs parents should never ignore. She also shares practical advice for protecting your family during Air Quality Alert days, including when to stay indoors, whether HEPA air purifiers are worth it, and how to reduce exposure at home.

Whether you're dealing with wildfire smoke in the West, ozone alerts in major cities, seasonal allergies, or simply wondering what the Air Quality Index (AQI) means, this conversation provides practical, evidence-based guidance that can help you breathe easier.

You'll also learn how Medical Assistants, Respiratory Therapists, nurses, pediatricians, pulmonologists, and allergy specialists work together to care for children with asthma and other respiratory conditions and why these healthcare careers play such a critical role in keeping families healthy.

In this episode:

• What wildfire smoke does to your lungs
• Why ozone pollution is so dangerous
• Air Quality Index (AQI) explained
• How poor air quality affects children differently
• Asthma warning signs every parent should know
• Wildfire smoke vs. pollen vs. dust storms
• Are HEPA air purifiers worth buying?
• How to protect your family during Air Quality Alerts
• The role of Respiratory Therapists and Medical Assistants in respiratory care
• Why clean air matters for long-term lung health

If this episode helped you better understand today's air quality challenges, subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations with healthcare professionals who are improving lives every day.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#AirQuality #WildfireSmoke #Asthma #RespiratoryHealth #AirPollution #Ozone #AQI #Allergies #PhoenixChildrens #RespiratoryTherapist #MedicalAssistant #HealthcareCareers #VoicesOfVitalCare #Wildfires #DustStorms #LungHealth #ChildHealth #PediatricHealth

It's about belonging, mentorship, and why healthcare is stronger when everyone feels seen.

On this episode of Voices of Vital Care, Nohelani Graf sits down with Dominic Flores, healthcare educator, researcher, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and Career Prep Instructor at Pima Medical Institute.

Dominic shares his journey from uncertain high school graduate to healthcare leader, researcher, nonprofit founder, and mentor helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Together, they explore:

• What it means to create belonging in healthcare

• LGBTQ+ representation and the impact of visibility

• Dominic's research on mentorship and early career gay men in healthcare

• Why inclusive workplaces improve patient care and healthcare outcomes

• The role mentors play in changing lives and careers

• How future healthcare professionals can build confidence and resilience

• Why compassion, professionalism, and authenticity matter in patient care

Whether you're a healthcare student, educator, employer, LGBTQIA+ ally, or someone searching for your place in the world, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you belong, and your voice can make a difference.

Featuring Dominic Flores, healthcare educator, researcher, LGBTQ+ advocate, and Career Prep Instructor at Pima Medical Institute.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#PrideMonth #LGBTQHealthcare #HealthcareCareers #Mentorship #HealthcareLeadership #PimaMedicalInstitute #VoicesOfVitalCare #LGBTQIA #AlliedHealth #HealthcareEducation

But what about the professionals who make sure every instrument is sterile, every safeguard is in place, and every patient is protected before the operation even begins?

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Kendria Stevens-Hulsinger, FAST, CST, Senior Program Director of Surgical Technology at Pima Medical Institute, to uncover the critical role surgical technologists and sterile processing professionals play in patient safety.

You'll discover:

• What a surgical technologist actually does

• How sterile processing prevents surgical site infections

• Why operating room teamwork is essential for patient outcomes

• The growing demand for surgical technologists and sterile processing careers

• Why certification and continuing education matter

• How robotics and advancing technology are changing the profession

• What hospitals look for when hiring new healthcare professionals

• Career paths, salary potential, and leadership opportunities in allied health

Kendria also shares her personal journey into healthcare, earning one of the profession's highest honors as a Fellow of the Association of Surgical Technologists (FAST), and why advocacy and education are shaping the future of patient care.

Whether you're exploring a career in allied health, considering surgical technology school, interested in sterile processing certification, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes in the operating room, this conversation offers an inside look at one of healthcare's most important—and often overlooked—professions.

🔹 Learn how surgical technologists protect patients.

🔹 Discover why sterile processing is the foundation of safe surgery.

🔹 Explore one of the fastest-growing careers in allied health.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations with the healthcare professionals shaping the future of patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#SurgicalTechnologist #SterileProcessing #AlliedHealth #HealthcareCareers #OperatingRoom #PatientSafety #SurgicalTech #HealthcareEducation #VoicesOfVitalCare #PimaMedicalInstitute

With more than 30 years of pharmacy experience and nearly two decades educating future healthcare professionals, Ben pulls back the curtain on one of healthcare's most overlooked careers. He explains the difference between certification and licensure, the importance of pharmacy technician training, how technology is transforming the field, and why pharmacy technicians are becoming indispensable partners in modern healthcare.

Whether you're exploring healthcare careers, considering pharmacy technician certification, or simply curious about what happens behind the pharmacy counter, this conversation offers an inside look at a profession that impacts millions of patients every day.

In this episode:

• What pharmacy technicians really do behind the scenes

• How medication errors are prevented

• The role of pharmacy technicians in patient safety

• Retail pharmacy vs. hospital pharmacy careers

• Pharmacy technician certification and the PTCB exam

• Externships, hands-on training, and career readiness

• Future opportunities in pharmacy technology

• The skills that lead to success in healthcare careers

• Why pharmacy technicians are the backbone of modern pharmacies

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations with healthcare professionals, educators, and industry leaders helping shape the future of patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

From medical assisting and dental assisting to conversations around men avoiding checkups, colon cancer awareness, patient trust, and breaking stereotypes in allied health careers, this episode explores the future of healthcare through the eyes of two students preparing to make an impact.

Whether you’re considering a career in healthcare, exploring accelerated allied health programs, or looking for an honest conversation about men’s health, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this powerful episode of Voices of Vital Care, Veterinary Assistant graduate Berenice Lucero shares the emotional reality of animal rescue, shelter medicine, community outreach, and affordable veterinary care in Phoenix, Arizona.

From helping families avoid surrendering their pets to working with the Arizona Animal Welfare League during overcrowded shelter crises, Berenice reveals the unseen side of veterinary assistant careers, preventive pet care, animal advocacy, and the growing demand for compassionate professionals in veterinary medicine.

If you're interested in becoming a veterinary assistant, working with animals, animal shelters, pet rescue, veterinary school, or learning how hands on training can lead to a meaningful healthcare career, this episode offers an honest look inside the field.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, admissions leaders from Pima Medical Institute break down the growing shift toward career focused healthcare education and why more students are exploring alternatives to the traditional college path.

From medical assistant and dental programs to hands on healthcare training, Amanda Mariani and Bree Fulp discuss what today’s students are struggling with most: uncertainty, pressure, debt, fear of failure, and trying to figure out life at 18 years old.

This conversation explores:

• Healthcare careers that can start in under 12 months

• Why hands on learners thrive in career-based education

• The pressure high school students face after graduation

• Flexible education options for working adults and parents

• How students can stack certificates into higher healthcare degrees

• Why support systems and accountability matter in healthcare training

• Common mistakes students make when choosing a career path

• How admissions teams help students navigate finances, schedules, transportation, and life responsibilities

Whether you're a high school student, parent, career changer, or someone exploring healthcare careers for the first time, this episode offers insight into education paths many people never knew existed.

Voices of Vital Care explores the real people, pathways, and professions shaping the future of healthcare.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this powerful Nurses Week special of Voices of Vital Care, Nursing Program Director Jennifer Morelli takes us inside the real pressure, responsibility, and emotional weight nurses carry every day.

From simulation labs and clinical rotations to life-or-death moments at bedside, this episode reveals what nursing school is really like, how students are trained to stay calm under pressure, and why compassion matters just as much as clinical skill.

You’ll hear:

What nurses are thinking during emergencies

How nursing students are trained for real-world patient care

The emotional reality of becoming a nurse

Why communication and confidence save lives

The truth about accelerated nursing programs

Career paths in nursing most people don’t know exist

Whether you're considering nursing school, exploring healthcare careers, or celebrating a nurse this Nurses Week, this conversation offers a real look into the people behind patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

From recognizing critical warning signs to performing CPR correctly based on your pet’s size, this conversation delivers practical, real-world guidance you can act on immediately.

You’ll learn how to assess emergencies, what vital signs to watch, how to build a pet first aid kit, and the biggest mistakes people make when panic sets in. Beyond the techniques, this episode reveals something deeper. How knowledge creates confidence, and how everyday people can step up in life-or-death moments for the animals they love.

Whether you’re a pet owner, considering a path in animal care, or exploring healthcare-adjacent careers, this episode shows how purpose, preparation, and quick action can make all the difference.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take 10 minutes today to learn something that could save your pet’s life. Hit subscribe, share this with a fellow pet owner, and start preparing now—because in an emergency, you won’t have time to figure it out.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

LINK TO ANIMAL Baseline Temps:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZjMrQL8DmEgjdYcPvdOKyNnEZztbhB8/view?usp=sharing

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Peacher, Dean of Academic Innovation for Dental Hygiene at Pima Medical Institute in Houston, to uncover the truth about one of healthcare’s most misunderstood careers.

From her unexpected journey into the field to the powerful connection between oral health and whole-body wellness, this conversation reveals why dental hygienists play a critical role in modern healthcare, and why demand is growing fast.

You’ll learn:

Why dental hygiene is more than “just cleanings”

How oral health connects to conditions like diabetes and systemic disease

The real day-to-day experience of working closely with patients

How you can enter the field faster than traditional healthcare paths

Why this career offers flexibility, stability, and long-term growth

What kind of person thrives in this profession

Whether you're exploring a career in allied health, considering a pivot, or simply curious about opportunities beyond nursing and medicine, this episode breaks down a path you may not have considered, but should.

If you’ve been thinking about healthcare but don’t know where to start, this might be your sign.

Take the next step. Do the research. Make the call. Your future could start here.

If you’re the kind of person who wants a career that matters, this is your channel. Subscribe and start building that future.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we explore non-clinical healthcare careers like medical administrative assistants, healthcare administration, and leadership roles that keep the entire system running.

Blake Bowen, a four-time graduate and healthcare leader of Pima Medical Institute, shares how he built his career from the front office to owning his own company. From scheduling and insurance coordination to strategy and system design, this conversation reveals how non-clinical roles directly impact patient care, operations, and the future of healthcare.

If you are interested in healthcare but do not see yourself in a clinical role, this episode will open your eyes to new career paths, growth opportunities, and leadership potential.

You will learn:

What non-clinical healthcare careers really look like day to day

How medical administrative assistants and healthcare leaders impact patient outcomes

The career path from entry-level roles to executive leadership

Why healthcare systems depend on behind-the-scenes professionals

How to know if a non-clinical healthcare career is right for you

Healthcare does not run on titles. It runs on people who organize, lead, and make care possible.

Stop guessing your next move. Subscribe and start exploring real healthcare careers that go beyond what you see on the surface.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, April Ramirez, Respiratory Therapist and Director of Clinical Education at Pima Medical Institute, breaks down what respiratory therapy really is, where these professionals work, and why their role is critical across healthcare settings.

From managing ventilators in the ICU to stabilizing premature infants in neonatal transport, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a career many people do not fully understand. Learn how respiratory therapists operate across entire hospitals, respond to emergencies, and play a key role in patient outcomes during some of the most critical moments in care.

This episode also explores career pathways, education requirements, common misconceptions, and what it takes mentally and emotionally to succeed in respiratory therapy.

If you are considering a career in healthcare but want something dynamic, impactful, and fast paced, this episode gives you a clear inside look.

Topics covered include:

- What respiratory therapists do in hospitals and emergency settings ICU care, ventilators, and airway management

- Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care

- Career paths beyond bedside care including sleep studies and research

Education, certifications, and how to succeed in training

- The emotional reality of working in critical care

- How technology and AI are shaping the future of respiratory therapy

Respiratory therapy is more than breathing treatments. It is critical thinking, rapid response, and patient advocacy when every second matters.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for real stories, career insights, and behind the scenes perspectives on healthcare roles that keep the system moving.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we explore occupational therapy (OT), a healthcare career focused on helping people regain independence, rebuild daily life skills, and return to what matters most.

Chris Sorrells, Senior Director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program in Denver at Pima Medical Institute, breaks down:

What “occupation” really means in occupational therapy

The difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy

How OTs help patients recover from stroke, injury, and life-changing conditions

Why this is one of the most diverse and flexible careers in healthcare

How people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond are switching into OT

From working with newborns and children to helping adults adapt after injury or illness, occupational therapy is about more than recovery. It is about restoring independence, dignity, and confidence.

If you are exploring healthcare careers, considering a career change, or looking for meaningful work with real impact, this episode gives you a clear look into the world of occupational therapy.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for real stories, career insights, and a deeper look into the roles shaping the future of healthcare.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we take a real look at student mental health, burnout, and stress management, especially for those pursuing careers in healthcare and allied health fields.

Host Nohelani Graf is joined by:

Michelle Carlin, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Monarch Health and Wellness

Brenna Drago, Student Services Leader at Pima Medical Institute

Together, they break down:

The real causes of student stress, anxiety, and burnout

How COVID changed social skills and mental health in students

Warning signs your stress is no longer manageable

The physical effects of chronic stress on your body

Why students struggle to ask for help and how to overcome it

Practical tools like breathing techniques and grounding exercises

How to balance school, work, and life without burning out

The truth about resilience, guilt, and feeling like quitting

This conversation is for anyone trying to hold everything together while building a future in healthcare.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or questioning if you can keep going, this episode will remind you that you are not alone and you are not meant to carry it alone.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care and be part of a community that supports the people doing the work that keeps care moving forward.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, registered nurse and instructor Teri Gearon, RN, shares her journey into nursing, her experience in pediatric patient care, and how pathways like becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant can open the door to a meaningful career in healthcare.

Pediatric nursing is more than treating children. It is about building trust with families, communicating across all ages from infants to teenagers, and delivering compassionate care during some of the most emotional moments in a patient’s life.

In this conversation, we explore:

- The difference between CNA and RN roles in healthcare

- How to start a career in nursing or allied health

- The growing demand for skilled and compassionate nurses

- The emotional and rewarding reality of working in pediatric care

- How hands on training and simulation labs prepare students for real patient care

If you are considering a career in healthcare, nursing, pediatric care, or allied health, this episode provides real insight into the skills, mindset, and pathways needed to succeed.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care you might be one episode away from finding your future career.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#PediatricNursing #HealthcareCareers #NursingSchool #CNA #RN #AlliedHealth #PatientCare #VoicesOfVitalCare

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Najla Khalifa, Program Director of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Pima Medical Institute, to explore the world of ultrasound and the professionals behind it.

Diagnostic medical sonographers use sound waves to create real time images inside the body, helping physicians detect illness, guide treatment, and monitor patient health. In many cases they are the first professionals to see when something is wrong.

Najla shares how she found her path into healthcare, why sonography is far more complex than most people realize, and how this career blends science, technology, and compassion.

From scanning the heart and blood vessels to supporting patients during vulnerable moments, sonographers play a powerful role in modern healthcare.

You will also hear a powerful story about a routine scan that revealed a dangerous vascular condition and led to emergency surgery that saved a patient’s leg.

In this conversation we explore

• What diagnostic medical sonography is and how ultrasound imaging works

• Why sonographers are essential to early detection and diagnosis

• The difference between ultrasound and other medical imaging careers

• The growing demand for allied health professionals in sonography

• How empathy and patient communication shape the care experience

• Career opportunities and specialties within medical sonography

If you have ever been curious about healthcare careers, medical imaging, or becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer, this episode offers a real look at the purpose and possibilities behind the profession.

Voices of Vital Care is a podcast about the people, careers, and pathways shaping the future of healthcare.

Subscribe to hear more stories from the allied health professionals who are making a difference every day.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#Sonography #UltrasoundTechnician #HealthcareCareers #AlliedHealth #MedicalImaging #VoicesOfVitalCare

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf speaks with Dana Dichiara, Program Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, about the growing demand for PTAs and physical therapy professionals in healthcare.

Dana explains how physical therapy works, how it differs from occupational therapy, and the important role Physical Therapist Assistants play in helping patients recover mobility, strength, and independence after surgery, injury, or illness.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• What a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) does in clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers

• The difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy

• How PTA programs train students in patient care, rehabilitation techniques, and clinical skills

• The mindset and compassion needed to support patients during recovery

• Why becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant can be a strong career path for both first-time college students and career changers

If you’re interested in physical therapy careers, PTA training programs, or allied health education at Pima Medical Institute, this episode offers a real look at the professionals helping patients move forward.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for more conversations with the educators, students, and professionals shaping the future of healthcare.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Jennifer Carlson, Radiography Educator at Pima Medical Institute’s Houston campus, to explore the science, technology, and human connection behind medical imaging careers. Radiography professionals play a critical role in healthcare, capturing the images physicians rely on to diagnose injuries and disease.

Jennifer shares what it takes to train for a career in radiologic technology, including hands-on radiography training, radiation safety, patient communication, and critical thinking in clinical environments.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• What radiographers and radiologic technologists do in hospitals and imaging centers

• How radiography programs prepare students for medical imaging careers

• The importance of radiation safety and precision in diagnostic imaging

• Why empathy and patient connection are essential in radiologic technology

• Career pathways in allied health and medical imaging If you’re curious about becoming a radiologic technologist, exploring a radiography program, or learning more about allied health careers in diagnostic imaging, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the professionals who help physicians see what others cannot.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care to hear more conversations with the educators, students, and professionals shaping the future of healthcare.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we explore three essential allied health career pathways at Pima Medical Institute’s Phoenix campus: Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Veterinary Assistant.

Hear directly from students preparing to enter these growing healthcare fields:

• Preliyah Alamin – Dental Assistant (DA)

• Yvonne Cantabrana – Veterinary Assistant (VA)

• Jacque Despain – Medical Assistant (MA)

They share why they chose allied health, what their training experience has been like, and how these programs prepare them to support patients, clinics, and veterinary practices.

The episode begins with a fun and memorable introduction featuring Athena, a superstar golden retriever and enthusiastic supporter of allied health careers.

Through curiosity, humor, and real questions, Athena helps open the door to understanding the important role allied health professionals play in modern healthcare.

If you're curious about Medical Assistant training, Dental Assistant programs, Veterinary Assistant careers, or allied health education at Pima Medical Institute, this episode offers a real look at the people and pathways shaping the future of healthcare.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care to hear more stories from the professionals, educators, and students powering the next generation of healthcare.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.