PIMA Medical Institute

I am looking for any type of feed back on this school. I have searched the internet and cannot find any. Is there anyone out there that can tell me if this school is worth going to? I am going in for my introduction interview in two weeks and want to be ready :o)

Did you ever find any info about Pima?

Good luck! There is a Pima in Denver that I was interested in since they start their PTA program sooner than the community college does. Do you know if it is a lot more tuition compared to others?
Thanks again!

The only thing about the PIMA PTA courses is that they are not accredited yet. I'm sure they will be eventually.

The program in WA is. It is being accredited this month.....thanks goodness.

Pima in Denver is also accredited.

You usually cant find a job. Places wont employ you if you graduate from an unaccredited school.

PTA in Bellingham, Washington said: The only thing about the PIMA PTA courses is that they are not accredited yet. I'm sure they will be eventually.

Did you go to Whatcom CC for PTA? I'm interested in their online/part-time courses for working folks.

Kathy

sdansby, PIMA in Denver is ~$24,000 for a 20 month program and Arapahoe Community College is ~$10,000 for 5 semesters over 2 yrs. I got some feedback from a PT clinic that hosts students from both colleges and they said ACC students are better prepared, but that was only one opinion.

Thanks for the info! I am in the process of filling out Arapahoes application so glad to see that this is the way to go.

Has anyone here ever went through the program in seattle at pima? Is it hard to get into the program?

oh yea... one more question. as far as financial aid, is the GI Bill going to be accepted at Pima?

according to their website, they are a canadiate for accredation.

Ivy, How is school going in the PTA program? do you recommend it?

Ivy in Seattle, Washington said: I am paying 25,000. I decided to go to PIMA instead of a comm college to avoid taking all of the prerequisites that a comm college requires. What was going to take 3 years at a comm college, is going to take me 20 months at PIMA.

How do you like PIMA so far, Im thinking of doing the same as you because I dont want to take the prereq classes. Do u think that was a good decision? And is the occupational degree the same as at a community college?

I just finished the first semester of the program. I really like it. The program is VERY accelerated and takes a lot of focus. The degree that you leave with is an associates and the same as what you would earn in a community college. The staff and all of the professors are very helpful! I would recommend the program to you.

Hope this helps!

Ivy in Kent, Washington said: I just finished the first semester of the program. I really like it. The program is VERY accelerated and takes a lot of focus. The degree that you leave with is an associates and the same as what you would earn in a community college. The staff and all of the professors are very helpful! I would recommend the program to you.

Hope this helps!

Hi, i'm interested in that program and want to take it at the same Pima as well. Do you think you can give a little insight on the selection process for admission? i'm scheduled for an orientation next month and was looking for a little more information beforehand. anything would be great. thanks so much!

Ivy in Seattle, Washington said: I have not been able to dig up anything bad on this school. Since posting this question, I have enrolled in their PTA program and will be starting in two weeks.

what have you found out about this program. is it accredited by apta? can you sit for the national board after completion? how do you feel about the education you are receiving? thanks for the help

Ivy in Kent, Washington said: I just finished the first semester of the program. I really like it. The program is VERY accelerated and takes a lot of focus. The degree that you leave with is an associates and the same as what you would earn in a community college. The staff and all of the professors are very helpful! I would recommend the program to you.

Hope this helps!

thats awesome that you are in the program already! how was the interview process? did you have to create a portfolio? and how many hours of exp. in a physical therapy setting was required?

Pima is cool. Rita is Garbage. People say Nancy is mean, no way! She is super nice. Rita is nerdy and thinks she's gods gift to physical therapy! But other than that, Pima seems legit.

Has anyone done the PTA program at the mesa, az campus? How hard was it to get in the program?

I have been accepted to the Mesa, AZ campus Pima Medical PTA program starting in Sept 2011. Qualifying was not difficult, although they do weed out the unprepared and those of below average intelligence. Brush up on basic math, writing, and communication skills before testing and interviewing. I'd also recommend researching the Wonderlic IQ exam just so that you know what to expect and what a good strategy is.

I'd love to speak with a recent graduate of the program. I'd like a students perspective on how to best prepare for the program, appropriate study strategies, time commitment required, and level of difficulty. Thanks in advance for posting back!

Reed in Mesa, Arizona said: I have been accepted to the Mesa, AZ campus Pima Medical PTA program starting in Sept 2011. Qualifying was not difficult, although they do weed out the unprepared and those of below average intelligence. Brush up on basic math, writing, and communication skills before testing and interviewing. I'd also recommend researching the Wonderlic IQ exam just so that you know what to expect and what a good strategy is.

I'd love to speak with a recent graduate of the program. I'd like a students perspective on how to best prepare for the program, appropriate study strategies, time commitment required, and level of difficulty. Thanks in advance for posting back!

I'm also interviewing to get into the PTA program at the mesa campus 2morrow! wish me luck!

Hey guys, I am looking into the phys. therapy Ass.(PTA) at PIMA in Tucson,AZ. Does anybody know if they are accredited? Also I was reading on the website that if you have an Associates or higher you dont have to take the entrancd test or exam. Is this true just want to be sure. Lastly, does anyone know if theirs a waitlist for the tuscon,AZ PTA course? THANKS!!

Hey one more ? If I was to get into the Tucson Pima PTA program and graduate. Would I be able to work in California or would I need more courses or schooling.

Has anyone graduated from pima denver campus recently from the pta program. I found some bad review about the school being a scam can someone help please!!! www.complaintsboard.com/.../pima-medical-institute-c217426.html

billybob in Palm Desert, California said: what have you found out about this program. is it accredited by apta? can you sit for the national board after completion? how do you feel about the education you are receiving? thanks for the help

The school in Seattle is nationally accredited (state colleges are regionally accredited); however, the PTA program at PIMA holds APTA accreditation, the same as the community colleges. Where you may find challenges in the future is transferring to a regionally accredited program like University of Puget Sound to finish a Bachelors or go on to the PT program.

To those who have been accepted to PIMA PTA program: what was the interview process like? I have one next month and am wondering what I need to know/prepare for. What sort of questions were asked? Any advice? Any information at all would be greatly appreciated, thank you! :)

Hi, I am thinking about applying for the PTA program in Lehigh Carbon community college in PA. Is there anyone is or was going there? I want to change my career but my previous education has nothing to do with this area. I am worried about the possibility of acceptance. Its acceptance rate is only 50%. Lehigh is the only affordable school that close to where I live. Is it difficult to be accepted to the program for people like me? Also, I am a immigrant and my education is from other country. I have been in US for two years. Since the change of environment, I have been struggling thinking about what shall I do here. Finally I find interest in this program, but also find that I lack many courses that are requried by this program.

Ivy in Seattle, Washington said: I have not been able to dig up anything bad on this school. Since posting this question , I have enrolled in their PTA program and will be starting in two weeks.

Hello, How did you find the PTA program with PIMA, are you working now? I am thinking of going there too. thanks

Im currently in the process of applying for the pta program at Pima in Denver, Co. I know they run a background check and and recently I was charged with two misdemeanors one for Minor in possesion of alcohol and another for Drug paraphanelia. I was given a deal by the court that would remove these from my record as soon as I finish a month of probation. If my test scores are good and my interview goes well, can these offenses possibly mean automatic no entry into the program? Also, for those admitted into the program what is a healthy gpa to get accepted?

I have been reading A LOT of bad reviews of PIMA all across the board. I want to go to the DENVER location for PTA. Is is worth it? Has anyone here completed or about to complete the course?? I would like some insight please, so I don't waste my time and money

I am finishing up the first semester of the PTA program at the Mesa, AZ campus. Thus far the instructors have been great, the curriculum thourough, and learning resources plenty. I have no serous complaints. If someone is looking for a program that they can graduate while being lazy this is NOT it. If your school is accredited by CAPTE and you study your texts while also getting plenty of hands on experience I don't see how you could go wrong. I hope that helps and Good luck!

Has anyone heard about the Las Vegas Pima PTA program? I'm thinking of signing up. Does anyone have any feedback? It seems like its kind of competitive as they are only taking 26 people and it goes by points

The thing about PIMA in Las Vegas is that it's where the original Hangover movie was filmed, so you need to put "The Hangover" in the "plus" column. Also, World Series of Poker goes in the plus column, and those annoying people who hand out the brochures on the corners goes in the minus column. The Rio's seafood buffet = plus column. Dollar blackjack = plus column. Cirque du Soliel = plus column. Card counting = plus column. So it's looking to me so far like you should sign up. Good luck.

Does anyone know if Pima Las Vegas is going to be accredited in the PTA program?

Also, any input on the school itself would be a great deal of help...

Thanks.

FOr all of those asking about how hard it is to get into the physical therapy assistant program and the process in order to even be considered for it... It is a VERY selective process! When I first went in to the informations session it was jam packed of about 40+ people, and the was only ONE of FOUR informations sessions. They only take a total of 16-30 people. So right there I knew from the beginning I had to put everything I had into it, and this was just to be accepted into it! Here is the list of what they require you to do/get just to be one of the applicants. (I'm not sure if I am even supposed to post this lol but I know it will help those of you trying to get in) So here we go....

All of this is going to be put together into a nice, neat, professional looking portofolio.

1) When you go in for the informations testing you pass the Wonderlic and Math test. If you fail you have to wait a week to take it again and only have 2 other chances.

2) Provied an OFFICIAL copy of high school and college transcripts

3) National background check

4) Immunization records and TB test ( I could not find these so I had to go in and get it done)

5) Clinical Observation - Complete a MINIMUM of 10 hrs of observation hours in a PT setting. I obviously recommend doing more than 10 hrs (I did 25 hrs) Just to show you are committed and go above and beyond. ( I believe this alone helped me get accepted in)

6) Letters of recommendation - Provide ATLEAST TWO letters of recommendation. One personal, one professional (no letters from relatives) As far as me personally I ended up getting 12 letters, and professional I got 5. Again you need to show that you are wanting to go above and beyond, and not just do the minimum requirements.

7) Personal statement - Provide a concise, succint summary of why you are seeking entrance into the profession of PT.

Now all of that is going to be put into your portfolio which you will turn in. AND THEN they will call you to set

*Post continued*

AND THEN they will call you for a final interview with the PT instructors. Everyone gets the chance to do this, not just the ones accepted in. At the end of the interview they hand you 2 papers with 1 question on each which you must fill out in writing while they are all sitting there pretty much watching you LoL it was kind of nerve wracking but wasn't a big deal. I took up the whole page to answer the question. I can't really recall the exact question. But it was something along the lines, why do you feel like you should be accepted into the program etc etc.

I ended up getting a letter in the mail, which i didnt even know was the letter saying I got into the program. Then a few days later ALSO got a call saying Congratulations you have been accepted into the program! Ahhhh I remember that day, I was soo excited! :)

Then they set you up to come in to talk the financial aid etc. (must bring $150 as well) Then from there you start the VERY HARD VERY INTENSE classes!

It is NOT easy and if you think you will just float by and still have a social life, and party, and work full time.. Well you are sadly sadly mistaken my friend!

You must remember they are packing in pretty much 3 years of school into 18-20 months.

You will expect to do ATLEAST 2-4 hrs of studying EVERY SINGLE DAY! Now thats minimum. There were some days I did 6-8 hrs of studying.

If your going to even take the first steps to trying to get into this program you need to know all that. You will have no life for those 18 months. You need to put ALL of your focus, time and energy into this PTA program. There is no ifs ands or buts about it! Bottom line! YOU MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM GRADE AVERAGE OF 77%! REMEMBER THAT!!
Its a great program, a great career and a great school with great instructors! (atleast at the seattle campus) good luck to everyone

Honestly I haven't experienced that with them everything so far has been totally legit at the Las Vegas campus...

Yeah, they are expensive, but it was either the PTA program or the PT program at UNLV, 26K for 18 months or 30k a year for 3 years....

I didnt want to be in the hole 90k out of school when PT'S make only 8k more a year than PTA's...

How difficult is the program if you haven't taken math or science in over 10 years.

PTA is actually one of the easier degrees to obtain. There's pretty much NO math, and the science is basic anatomy and physiology. Don't let the people on these forums scare you.

I actually got accepted to pima for PTA starting Oct 17th. i had to take a pre-algebra test(no time limit) and a wonderlic test (12 minutes). afer that you do a group interview with other student who are interested and turn all the required paperwork (unofficial transcripts, two different places of obersevation hours....etc)and go from there.

I was thinking of doing the PTA program in Pima Las Vegas. But haven't heard back from them yet. Are there still spots left

Britt said: I was thinking of doing the PTA program in Pima Las Vegas. But haven't heard back from them yet. Are there still spots left

i not sure if there are any spots left because when i applied just 2 weeks ago they said there were only 3 spots left so yeah but you should give them call n check

My wife went to PIMA in Denver a few years back. Watch out if English is your second language. They will do their best to pressure and weed you out if you show the slightest bit of difficulty in being able to follow along, even if you've paid all your entrance fees, loans have been disbursed, etc. The administrators show little sympathy once the teachers start putting the pressure on to drop out, as it seems to be "unspoken" standard procedure. We learned the hard way and lost money in the process. Wish the recruitment officer had been more up front about their acceptance/tolerance of foreign born students.

I'm in the process of applying to Pima. I wanna know if the wonderlic and math tests are hard? and if you find out your scores after you take them or do they wait to tell you? Any information on the interview and application process would be great too!!

Gumby in Denver, Colorado said: Sunbuddy,
I'm just funnin'.
I like how PIMA doesn't waste any time. It's expensive ... that's all.

We have a guy that was in Aur or arap PTA class and left them because of the instructors was kinda ragging on him because he is a male. No PIMA will not take you if you do not pass by the PTA director. She is very picky. It does take ALL of your time studying. I know the recent class that just Grad.. are all working from what I heard from a student. Im in my 2nd sem. at PIMA in Denver and it does kick my A@# half the time.

saml3 in Aurora, Colorado said: Im currently in the process of applying for the pta program at Pima in Denver, Co. I know they run a background check and and recently I was charged with two misdemeanors one for Minor in possesion of alcohol and another for Drug paraphanelia. I was given a deal by the court that would remove these from my record as soon as I finish a month of probation. If my test scores are good and my interview goes well, can these offenses possibly mean automatic no entry into the program? Also, for those admitted into the program what is a healthy gpa to get accepted?

I had a possession charge and still got in. They say there's a possibility for a drug test during individual affil's though. I never was. Good program.

I want to go to pima in colorado springs for there ultra sound program does anyone know if u can get jobs after you graduate is it accredited?