Bradly Greer, U.S. Air Force, The Ocean Corporation
I made an unplanned visit to the school and was met by smiling faces and industry professionals at every turn. I spoke to the financial advisor and he made the process of applying for my VA education benefits simple and easy to follow.
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Hello, my name is Bradly Greer. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran and current member of the Texas Air National Guard. I graduated from The Ocean Corporation’s Nondestructive Testing (NDT) program in April of 2020. When I started my transition from military service to civilian life, I knew I wanted to jump right into the Oil & Gas industry. I spoke frequently to my mentors in the industry and was turned on to The Ocean Corporation by a family friend who is also an Ocean Corporation alumni. I made an unplanned visit to the school and was met by smiling faces and industry professionals at every turn. I spoke to the financial advisor and he made the process of applying for my VA education benefits simple and easy to follow. I started school soon after and was initially overwhelmed by coursework. I struggled trying to get into a good routine with working part-time security on the side while balancing study time. The instructors for each class were understanding and had the students’ best interests in mind. The smaller class sizes made the instruction feel more personal and bolstered the personalization of learning for each student. The new COVID restrictions forced our final classes to be mostly online. The instructors and faculty quickly adapted to an online learning environment. Learning in that format was a bit more difficult but my classmates and I made it to graduation. Graduation was a big relief and I felt accomplished, but with it came the new challenge of joining the workforce. The career advisor at The Ocean Corporation was a giant help in leading graduates to potential opportunity. We practiced resume writing and interview skills and it all paid off with a job opportunity for me. I was offered a chance to join the team at CIMA Inspection in Pasadena, TX. I started acquiring experience hours in multiple, different testing methods and today I work as a Level II technician in Ultrasonic Thickness Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing and Penetrant Testing. I’ve come a long way from the young Airman I was before and I cannot thank the team at The Ocean Corporation enough for starting me off on this journey.
Jessica Jordan, U.S. Air Force, ECPI University
Like many who’ve joined the military, Jessica has a strong sense of duty, a desire to serve others. “When I got out of the military, I had to finally decide what I wanted to be when I grew up,” she says. “I decided to go to school and become a Registered Medical Assistant."
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As a child, Jessica Jordan had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. During high school, she joined JROTC and when she graduated, she figured she would do what so many people in her family had always done and joined the Air Force, spending eight years serving her country. “I loved my time in the service, but I was a single mother and having to deploy and leave my daughter behind for six to eight months was not how I envisioned raising my child, so I decided that I would not reenlist,” says Jessica.
Like many who’ve joined the military, Jessica has a strong sense of duty, a desire to serve others. “When I got out of the military, I had to finally decide what I wanted to be when I grew up,” she says. “I decided to go to school and become a Registered Medical Assistant. After graduating, I moved to South Carolina and worked at Sweet Grass Pediatrics. After working there for a few years, my family and the doctors that I worked with pushed me to become better, they wanted me to be more and to do more. I had a conversation with one of the doctors that I worked with and she mentioned ECPI University. So, I called and made an appointment for the TEAS exam, took it, enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing Program, and here I am having just received my nursing pin!
“My experience as a student was great. I started right when the pandemic happened, so we began virtually and it was such a dramatic change for everyone, but we pushed through. We eventually were able to come on campus and everyone was so supportive.”
Jessica attended one of the Charleston campus job fairs and ended up accepting an offer at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Children’s Specialty Clinic. Now, she wants to come back to ECPI University to enroll in the ADN program to become a Registered Nurse. She says it’s not easy being a single mother, working, and going to school at the same time, but it’s worth it. “Never give up, no matter how hard it may seem,” she says. “Just keep pushing and keep your head held high.”
Like many who’ve joined the military, Jessica has a strong sense of duty, a desire to serve others. “When I got out of the military, I had to finally decide what I wanted to be when I grew up,” she says. “I decided to go to school and become a Registered Medical Assistant. After graduating, I moved to South Carolina and worked at Sweet Grass Pediatrics. After working there for a few years, my family and the doctors that I worked with pushed me to become better, they wanted me to be more and to do more. I had a conversation with one of the doctors that I worked with and she mentioned ECPI University. So, I called and made an appointment for the TEAS exam, took it, enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing Program, and here I am having just received my nursing pin!
“My experience as a student was great. I started right when the pandemic happened, so we began virtually and it was such a dramatic change for everyone, but we pushed through. We eventually were able to come on campus and everyone was so supportive.”
Jessica attended one of the Charleston campus job fairs and ended up accepting an offer at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Children’s Specialty Clinic. Now, she wants to come back to ECPI University to enroll in the ADN program to become a Registered Nurse. She says it’s not easy being a single mother, working, and going to school at the same time, but it’s worth it. “Never give up, no matter how hard it may seem,” she says. “Just keep pushing and keep your head held high.”
Clay Peacock, U.S. Navy, MTTI
The classes in MTTI’s HVAC/R program are very good. My Instructor, Ash, was very knowledgeable. You are thrown a lot of information and knowledge in a short amount of time. You could study HVAC for years—but the program gives a good baseline to enter into the industry.
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Being in the Navy taught me to talk to all sorts of people, from all walks of life, which is an asset now in a customer-focused HVAC/R career. During the last years of my Navy career, I was part of a building facilities team (NAVFAC) – Naval Facilities (Naval Facilities Engineering Command). I would escort tradesmen—plumbers, electrician and HVAC Technicians—through the building. Watching them work, I recognized I was interested in training for an HVAC career.
After completing my contract with the Navy, I planned to move to Rhode Island to be with family, including my twin sons. The Senior Chief went online to help research schools in the Pawtucket area, where I would be living. Recognizing that as a civilian, I would need to transition quickly into the workforce, he knew I wouldn’t have time to attend a two-year school. He said, ‘MTTI is where you’ll get the most out the training quickly.’
The classes in MTTI’s HVAC/R program are very good. My Instructor, Ash, was very knowledgeable. You are thrown a lot of information and knowledge in a short amount of time. You could study HVAC for years—but the program gives a good baseline to enter into the industry.
MTTI was the best place to get my training; I was able to complete school quickly. We earned OSHA and EPA Certifications while still in the program. Attending the HVAC/R program set me up to get PJF Licenses for natural gas furnace and oil burning furnaces. The program also gave me 2,000 hours towards qualifying to take the Journeyman Licensing exam—which jumps you about 2 years ahead of someone who has not gone to school. I’m glad I picked this career path and trade; HVAC/R is a good fit for me.
After completing my contract with the Navy, I planned to move to Rhode Island to be with family, including my twin sons. The Senior Chief went online to help research schools in the Pawtucket area, where I would be living. Recognizing that as a civilian, I would need to transition quickly into the workforce, he knew I wouldn’t have time to attend a two-year school. He said, ‘MTTI is where you’ll get the most out the training quickly.’
The classes in MTTI’s HVAC/R program are very good. My Instructor, Ash, was very knowledgeable. You are thrown a lot of information and knowledge in a short amount of time. You could study HVAC for years—but the program gives a good baseline to enter into the industry.
MTTI was the best place to get my training; I was able to complete school quickly. We earned OSHA and EPA Certifications while still in the program. Attending the HVAC/R program set me up to get PJF Licenses for natural gas furnace and oil burning furnaces. The program also gave me 2,000 hours towards qualifying to take the Journeyman Licensing exam—which jumps you about 2 years ahead of someone who has not gone to school. I’m glad I picked this career path and trade; HVAC/R is a good fit for me.
Tiffany Naylor, U.S. Air Force, Pima Medical Institute
After a wonderful 20 year career in the U.S. Air Force, I decided upon retirement I wanted to do something I really loved – working with animals! Six months before I retired I began planning and checking out Pima Medical Institute’s Veterinary Technician program where I might fulfill my dream of working with animals.
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After a wonderful 20 year career in the U.S. Air Force, I decided upon retirement I wanted to do something I really loved – working with animals! Six months before I retired I began planning and checking out Pima Medical Institute’s Veterinary Technician program where I might fulfill my dream of working with animals.
Going back to school was scary. I’d completed an online bachelor’s degree while in the military, but the thought of being in a classroom next to my peers and having an instructor stand in front of me, almost caused me not to follow my dreams. But, I decided to go for it and it was amazing! The instructors were so helpful and didn’t treat me like the oldest student in the room. They were always available for questions or special tutoring. All of the hands on experience made me feel confident and really prepared. I had other choices for VT programs, but I certainly chose the best one coming to PMI!
Upon graduation, I obtained my dream job as a Veterinary Technician in the internal medicine department at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson, a state-of-the-art specialty facility that offers CAT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, full surgical procedures, dental procedures, and even, physical therapy for your pets. After a couple years I was approached by my former program director and encouraged to come back to Pima Medical to teach. I am currently back teaching where I learned and helping others fulfill their dreams in Veterinary Medicine.
Going back to school was scary. I’d completed an online bachelor’s degree while in the military, but the thought of being in a classroom next to my peers and having an instructor stand in front of me, almost caused me not to follow my dreams. But, I decided to go for it and it was amazing! The instructors were so helpful and didn’t treat me like the oldest student in the room. They were always available for questions or special tutoring. All of the hands on experience made me feel confident and really prepared. I had other choices for VT programs, but I certainly chose the best one coming to PMI!
Upon graduation, I obtained my dream job as a Veterinary Technician in the internal medicine department at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson, a state-of-the-art specialty facility that offers CAT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, full surgical procedures, dental procedures, and even, physical therapy for your pets. After a couple years I was approached by my former program director and encouraged to come back to Pima Medical to teach. I am currently back teaching where I learned and helping others fulfill their dreams in Veterinary Medicine.
Gage Dean, U.S. Marine Corps, WTI
While Gage was in the Marines, he learned skills as a ground radio repair person, as well as team building and discipline. He discovered that he did not enjoy working with and repairing radios, but he knew he wanted to do something similar but with more IT.
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Gage joined the U.S. Marine Corps immediately after graduating from high school in 2012. From there he served with the Marines for 5 years until he was honorably discharged in 2017. While he was in the Marines, he learned skills as a ground radio repair person, as well as team building and discipline. He discovered that he did not enjoy working with and repairing radios, but he knew he wanted to do something similar but with more IT. After care-fully reviewing several colleges Gage chose WTI, because the staff was friendly, ready to answer any questions and always eager to help. Gage enjoyed the fun learning atmosphere and engaging learning style. Gage says that to any veteran or student interested in pursuing their education at WTI should commit to their learning and have set goals in mind that they want to accomplish. Gage graduated with certifications in CompTIA A+ and Network +. With the goal in mind to achieve his certification in Server + and Security +. Currently Gage works as an IT assistant at the WTI Tulsa campus.
Kelly Castro, U. S. Marine Corps, San Joaquin Valley College
“I did some research, looking around, and found out that this (SJVC’s DH program in Visalia) is one of the only dental hygiene programs within a couple of hundred miles,” said Castro.
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Entering her mid-thirties Kelly Castro wanted a career that put her in control of her time and income. As a Dental Hygienist she could construct her own work schedule, while she earned a salary that reflected the professionalism and skill level she sacrificed so much to achieve.
As a former Marine where she spent several years as a diesel mechanic, Kelly brought a military focus to a plan that would help her realize this career ambition. Her husband, Jose, (also ex-military) and their three children, Jaden, 13, Anaiya, 11 and Tristen, 10, were on board to lend support.
Castro liked the medical field but didn’t want to be a nurse and work 10–12-hour shifts, nights and weekends because she had kids. There were so many appealing things about being a Dental Hygienist. “You’re kind of your own boss,” said Castro. “You make your own schedule and can work a 4-day week. You work alone for the most part but are close with your patient. It pays well. Money isn’t everything, but it is important, especially when you have a family.”
Why did she choose SJVC? “I did some research, looking around, and found out that this (SJVC’s DH program in Visalia) is one of the only dental hygiene programs within a couple of hundred miles,” said Castro. “And that made me pretty lucky! One of my friends is a dentist and he told me it was a reputable school. He also hired many dental hygienists from the school. The GI Bill paid my tuition, so for me it was an easy decision.”
Her teachers helped her through the hard times. Castro said, “I felt like if I ever needed any extra help, I could always go to my teachers. But it wasn’t like community college where they don’t really care. Here, they would make sure you’re doing ok. We each had a mentor, a faculty member who was designated as your go-to if you needed extra time or one-on-one counseling. But my main motivation was right in front of me – my kids and husband. I wanted to work hard for my family.”
As a former Marine where she spent several years as a diesel mechanic, Kelly brought a military focus to a plan that would help her realize this career ambition. Her husband, Jose, (also ex-military) and their three children, Jaden, 13, Anaiya, 11 and Tristen, 10, were on board to lend support.
Castro liked the medical field but didn’t want to be a nurse and work 10–12-hour shifts, nights and weekends because she had kids. There were so many appealing things about being a Dental Hygienist. “You’re kind of your own boss,” said Castro. “You make your own schedule and can work a 4-day week. You work alone for the most part but are close with your patient. It pays well. Money isn’t everything, but it is important, especially when you have a family.”
Why did she choose SJVC? “I did some research, looking around, and found out that this (SJVC’s DH program in Visalia) is one of the only dental hygiene programs within a couple of hundred miles,” said Castro. “And that made me pretty lucky! One of my friends is a dentist and he told me it was a reputable school. He also hired many dental hygienists from the school. The GI Bill paid my tuition, so for me it was an easy decision.”
Her teachers helped her through the hard times. Castro said, “I felt like if I ever needed any extra help, I could always go to my teachers. But it wasn’t like community college where they don’t really care. Here, they would make sure you’re doing ok. We each had a mentor, a faculty member who was designated as your go-to if you needed extra time or one-on-one counseling. But my main motivation was right in front of me – my kids and husband. I wanted to work hard for my family.”
Joe Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Corps, The Ocean Corporation
The Ocean Corporation (TOC) was the first option to come up on my search. It did have good reviews and did accept my VA benefits, which was a huge plus, especially not having much after separation from the Corps.
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Smoke’s clearing. The horizon is coming more into focus. Little is left on this tour and the homecoming will be well overdue. We’re back home on base awaiting a few signatures to complete the SEPS process. So what’s next? How do I transfer my skills back to the civilian life? For the past four years, I only knew to stay vigilant, giving your all, being there for your brothers who stood next to you in trying times.
Home sweet home. Being 24 and a few years behind my siblings and peers compared to where they are in life, I sit stagnant in which direction to go. There is an industry that many people would never hear about if it were not for someone who was already in the position. It started out as “Hey, have you found a job? I know there are good opportunities in NDT.” Knowing nothing of what NDT (nondestructive testing) is, I rely on the trusty internet to educate me. Lo and behold, it was something that I found really interesting.
The Ocean Corporation (TOC) was the first option to come up on my search. It did have good reviews and did accept my VA benefits, which was a huge plus, especially not having much after separation from the Corps. Though I was only a few months removed, I had started attending a four-year university so I wondered if it was going to work scheduling both full-time college classes, half day classes at The Ocean Corporation, and somehow, still find time to work because we all know that bills do not pay themselves. I did make the tough decision to drop my courses at the University of Houston to focus on the curriculum at TOC. Why would I drop a college degree for certifications at a vocational school? Though the intelligence was there, I have struggled with ADHD all my life and college courses were just taking too long to complete. Add the reality of life and, needless to say, I needed a job and quickly. I had no idea the income that the NDT industry would bring, but I knew it should be better than a part-time job at a big box store.
Eventually that day came. I was graduating from TOC. Coincidentally I almost missed my graduation in part, because Jeff Brown, the Director of Student Services, put me in contact with various companies and I got hired earlier in the day, when we were supposed to be getting our diplomas that evening. The instructors were knowledgeable and I could see that they had passion for what they did from their time working in the field.
Taking what I had learned from TOC, I thought I was God’s gift to NDT primarily in Radiography Testing (RT). Marine Corps Boot Camp, random training courses, and a couple tours overseas all lead up to what the RT world would present to me. Being an industrial radiographer meant that I was going to have to get dirty, be miserable, and work long hours. Hey! What the heck? That sounds horrible, right? Chasing pipelines in the trenches, climbing scaffolding to get into pipe racks, or late nights performing radiography at fabrication shops is not much different from the treacherous training and environments a Marine encounters. You could say that I was already used to working in a fast-paced environment. From running back and forth cranking out the radioactive material to make an exposure to enduring Houston’s summer heat, the Marine Corp tailored me to be mentally and physically tough.
Of course, I would not be where I am without having someone to introduce the job to me. It has taken me to places that I would have never thought to go. I have travelled to many states, worked in various Chemical and Petroleum Refineries throughout the U.S., and seen the backcountry running with pipeline jobs. My journey in NDT has taken me from being a TOC graduate to where I am now, a Regional Quality Manager for an NDT services company.
IRISNDT gave me a call asking if I was interested in an assistant position. My role would be to assist the level II radiography technician with the setup of exposures, processing film, and practicing on interpretation of the radiographs. A short 10 months later, I broke out running my own truck and having an assistant to help me with the grunt work. That is where the fun began to happen. I worked with some great people and not so great people, but we always got the job done. I was known to be a productive tech but it did come with a little hiccup at times. My quality would suffer when I got too far ahead of myself. After a few years of running a RT truck, our Deer Park (TX) office needed a new Dispatcher. The same Operation Director who hired me asked if I was interested in that position. Yes, it would put me on salary but I would be losing all of the OT I was making out in the field. It was a raise if I worked 40 hours a week but I usually worked 50 to 100 hours a week making it a pay cut by the end of the year. My role as a Dispatcher was to supervise the staff, scheduling them and keep them working, since some were on call. I had to be the interface between the Clients and IRISNDT as well as other small logistical duties.
There are levels to each nondestructive testing method. Level I technicians are typically the assistants, who potentially just started their careers. Level II technicians are the inspectors who perform the testing method, perform system calibrations, write the NDT reports, interpret and evaluate the findings. Level III technicians are the professionals of the inspection method. They make sure the company is in conformity with its governing parties such as ASNT, ASME, API and AWS to mention a few, establishing the qualification and certification manual, writing the work procedures, establish the training program, and they also assist with meeting the requirements to hold ISO and NADCAP certifications. IRISNDT’s Quality Manager offered me an opportunity to test for my level III certification. I will tell you, it was not easy at all! That was the hardest test that I have ever taken. Not only do you test to be a professional in that method but still have to show knowledge in every testing method along with knowledge in materials and processes.
Thinking that dispatching was the height of my career, I thought wrong. After 5 years of dispatching, I was promoted to Regional Quality Manager for IRISNDT. My stress level has never been so high with all of my responsibilities, but I love what I do. I have great rapport with the staff. Upper management treats me well and continues to offer me great opportunities. Who would have thought I could reach so much potential within my first 10 years at IRISNDT?
Home sweet home. Being 24 and a few years behind my siblings and peers compared to where they are in life, I sit stagnant in which direction to go. There is an industry that many people would never hear about if it were not for someone who was already in the position. It started out as “Hey, have you found a job? I know there are good opportunities in NDT.” Knowing nothing of what NDT (nondestructive testing) is, I rely on the trusty internet to educate me. Lo and behold, it was something that I found really interesting.
The Ocean Corporation (TOC) was the first option to come up on my search. It did have good reviews and did accept my VA benefits, which was a huge plus, especially not having much after separation from the Corps. Though I was only a few months removed, I had started attending a four-year university so I wondered if it was going to work scheduling both full-time college classes, half day classes at The Ocean Corporation, and somehow, still find time to work because we all know that bills do not pay themselves. I did make the tough decision to drop my courses at the University of Houston to focus on the curriculum at TOC. Why would I drop a college degree for certifications at a vocational school? Though the intelligence was there, I have struggled with ADHD all my life and college courses were just taking too long to complete. Add the reality of life and, needless to say, I needed a job and quickly. I had no idea the income that the NDT industry would bring, but I knew it should be better than a part-time job at a big box store.
Eventually that day came. I was graduating from TOC. Coincidentally I almost missed my graduation in part, because Jeff Brown, the Director of Student Services, put me in contact with various companies and I got hired earlier in the day, when we were supposed to be getting our diplomas that evening. The instructors were knowledgeable and I could see that they had passion for what they did from their time working in the field.
Taking what I had learned from TOC, I thought I was God’s gift to NDT primarily in Radiography Testing (RT). Marine Corps Boot Camp, random training courses, and a couple tours overseas all lead up to what the RT world would present to me. Being an industrial radiographer meant that I was going to have to get dirty, be miserable, and work long hours. Hey! What the heck? That sounds horrible, right? Chasing pipelines in the trenches, climbing scaffolding to get into pipe racks, or late nights performing radiography at fabrication shops is not much different from the treacherous training and environments a Marine encounters. You could say that I was already used to working in a fast-paced environment. From running back and forth cranking out the radioactive material to make an exposure to enduring Houston’s summer heat, the Marine Corp tailored me to be mentally and physically tough.
Of course, I would not be where I am without having someone to introduce the job to me. It has taken me to places that I would have never thought to go. I have travelled to many states, worked in various Chemical and Petroleum Refineries throughout the U.S., and seen the backcountry running with pipeline jobs. My journey in NDT has taken me from being a TOC graduate to where I am now, a Regional Quality Manager for an NDT services company.
IRISNDT gave me a call asking if I was interested in an assistant position. My role would be to assist the level II radiography technician with the setup of exposures, processing film, and practicing on interpretation of the radiographs. A short 10 months later, I broke out running my own truck and having an assistant to help me with the grunt work. That is where the fun began to happen. I worked with some great people and not so great people, but we always got the job done. I was known to be a productive tech but it did come with a little hiccup at times. My quality would suffer when I got too far ahead of myself. After a few years of running a RT truck, our Deer Park (TX) office needed a new Dispatcher. The same Operation Director who hired me asked if I was interested in that position. Yes, it would put me on salary but I would be losing all of the OT I was making out in the field. It was a raise if I worked 40 hours a week but I usually worked 50 to 100 hours a week making it a pay cut by the end of the year. My role as a Dispatcher was to supervise the staff, scheduling them and keep them working, since some were on call. I had to be the interface between the Clients and IRISNDT as well as other small logistical duties.
There are levels to each nondestructive testing method. Level I technicians are typically the assistants, who potentially just started their careers. Level II technicians are the inspectors who perform the testing method, perform system calibrations, write the NDT reports, interpret and evaluate the findings. Level III technicians are the professionals of the inspection method. They make sure the company is in conformity with its governing parties such as ASNT, ASME, API and AWS to mention a few, establishing the qualification and certification manual, writing the work procedures, establish the training program, and they also assist with meeting the requirements to hold ISO and NADCAP certifications. IRISNDT’s Quality Manager offered me an opportunity to test for my level III certification. I will tell you, it was not easy at all! That was the hardest test that I have ever taken. Not only do you test to be a professional in that method but still have to show knowledge in every testing method along with knowledge in materials and processes.
Thinking that dispatching was the height of my career, I thought wrong. After 5 years of dispatching, I was promoted to Regional Quality Manager for IRISNDT. My stress level has never been so high with all of my responsibilities, but I love what I do. I have great rapport with the staff. Upper management treats me well and continues to offer me great opportunities. Who would have thought I could reach so much potential within my first 10 years at IRISNDT?
Naomia Rivera, U.S. Air Force, Pima Medical Institute
, While researching Pima Medical Institute’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, I could not find one bad review. One day while feeling brave, I enrolled in the OTA program.
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I served in the U.S. Air Force for over 12 years working in biomedical engineering and after medically retiring, I continued in the biomedical field working up to director level. But, I found myself feeling unfulfilled. While in the Air Force I had been injured and received occupational therapy (OT) for almost two years. Long story short, I was an OT patient who fell in love with OT … so I decided to take the risk of a career switch.
While researching Pima Medical Institute’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, I could not find one bad review. One day while feeling brave, I enrolled in the OTA program. The instructors were amazing, they all brought different perspectives and their breath of experience added so much value. The way they handled us educationally was very OT like; lots of empathy, flexibility, individualized learning, and challenge. By the end of my very first day of field work, I knew I had found my place and was meant to be an OTA. Finding a job was a seamless process; I had choices and I was able to leverage my previous experience into a nice entry level salary. I am currently an OTA in Prescott Valley, AZ at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that specialized in neuro and spine and I just love my job!
My parents taught me the value of community involvement so I have been actively involved in both our state and national OT professional associations and I serve on a justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion national committee. Recently, I was surprised and honored to receive the Arizona OTA of the Year Award. I received a quality education from amazing instructors at Pima Medical Institute. My daughter is currently enrolled in their OTA program and that’s about the best endorsement a mom could give!
While researching Pima Medical Institute’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, I could not find one bad review. One day while feeling brave, I enrolled in the OTA program. The instructors were amazing, they all brought different perspectives and their breath of experience added so much value. The way they handled us educationally was very OT like; lots of empathy, flexibility, individualized learning, and challenge. By the end of my very first day of field work, I knew I had found my place and was meant to be an OTA. Finding a job was a seamless process; I had choices and I was able to leverage my previous experience into a nice entry level salary. I am currently an OTA in Prescott Valley, AZ at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that specialized in neuro and spine and I just love my job!
My parents taught me the value of community involvement so I have been actively involved in both our state and national OT professional associations and I serve on a justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion national committee. Recently, I was surprised and honored to receive the Arizona OTA of the Year Award. I received a quality education from amazing instructors at Pima Medical Institute. My daughter is currently enrolled in their OTA program and that’s about the best endorsement a mom could give!