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Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute - San Marcos, CA
Pima Medical Institute is an employee-owned, accredited medical career college with roots going back to 1972. Founded in Tucson, Arizona by Richard and JoAnn Luebke, the school was built around a straightforward mission: give students the best value in healthcare career education. More than five decades later, that mission hasn't changed.
Today, Pima Medical operates 16 campuses across the western United States, offering certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs across more than 30 healthcare disciplines - from nursing and radiography to dental hygiene, veterinary sciences, and beyond. Online and hybrid learning options are also available for students who need flexibility.
A Legacy Built on Student Success
With more than 175,000 graduates, Pima Medical’s hands-on approach to education is designed to produce graduates who are ready to contribute from day one - prepared with the skills employers expect and the confidence to thrive in their chosen field.
Part of the Family
When students enroll at Pima Medical Institute, they join an institution that treats them as more than a number. Faculty and staff are respected professionals in their fields, committed to supporting student success not just in the classroom but beyond graduation.
Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant certificate program prepares students for an entry-level role as a valued member of a dental care team. The program covers the clinical, administrative, and communication skills needed to assist during treatment procedures, support patient comfort, and keep the dental office running smoothly.
The program takes approximately 9 months to complete and is available at 15 campuses across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington.
What Dental Assistants Do
Dental assistants work alongside dentists and other dental professionals in a variety of settings. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue roles such as dental assistant, orthodontic assistant, oral surgery assistant, and surgical dental assistant. Career opportunities exist across solo practices, group practices, hospital dental clinics, dental school clinics, and specialty practices.
What the Program Covers
The curriculum builds foundational knowledge and hands-on skills across all core areas of dental assisting, including:
- Anatomy, physiology, and terminology
- Anatomy and pathology of the head, neck, and oral cavity
- Fundamentals of dentistry and chairside assisting
- Dental radiography
- Dental equipment and materials
- Dental office administration and charting
- Dental therapeutics and emergency procedures
- CPR and first aid
Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant certificate program prepares students for an entry-level role working alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Because the responsibilities of a medical assistant span both clinical and administrative functions, the program is designed to develop a well-rounded skill set that supports high-quality patient care across a variety of settings.
The program takes approximately 9 months to complete and is available at 16 campuses across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington.
What Medical Assistants Do
Medical assistants support the daily operations of healthcare facilities by handling both patient-facing clinical tasks and behind-the-scenes administrative work. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in physicians' offices, hospitals, clinics, and outpatient medical facilities, with additional opportunities in administrative support and office management roles.
What the Program Covers
The curriculum progresses through a structured sequence of coursework covering both the clinical and administrative sides of medical assisting, including:
- Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- Medical office management and professional documentation
- Insurance, billing, and coding fundamentals
- Physical examination techniques and surgical procedures
- Pharmacology, medical law, and ethics
- Phlebotomy and laboratory procedures
- Medical specialty procedures and office communication
Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician certificate program prepares students for an entry-level role supporting pharmacists and patients in a variety of pharmacy settings. The program combines hands-on lab training with professional skill development, covering everything from prescription preparation and drug inventory management to customer service and patient safety.
The program takes approximately 9 months to complete and is available at 12 campuses across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington.
What Pharmacy Technicians Do
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with the preparation and dispensing of medications while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a positive patient experience. Graduates are prepared to work as pharmacy technicians, pharmacy clerks, and IV-certified pharmacy technicians across a range of environments including hospitals, retail and mail-order pharmacies, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.
What the Program Covers
The curriculum builds both technical knowledge and practical skills across all core areas of pharmacy practice, including:
- Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- Pharmacy math across multiple levels
- Pharmacology and drug classifications
- Inventory maintenance and drug supply management
- Pharmacy laws, ethics, and patient safety
- Prescription preparation and pharmacy technician duties
- Customer service principles
- Pharmacy computer applications and laboratory skills
Students also train on PioneerRx Pharmacy Software, a real-world pharmacy management system used in the field.
Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant certificate program prepares students for an entry-level role supporting veterinarians and veterinary staff across a range of clinical and administrative functions. The program covers both the hands-on and operational skills needed to care for animals in a professional setting.
The program takes approximately 9 months to complete and is available at 14 campuses across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington.
What Veterinary Assistants Do
Veterinary assistants work alongside licensed veterinarians and technicians to support animal care from exam room to recovery. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as veterinary assistant, laboratory animal caretaker, and animal care or service worker in settings including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, and zoos.
What the Program Covers
The curriculum develops both clinical knowledge and practical skills across all core areas of veterinary assisting, including:
- Veterinary anatomy, physiology, and terminology
- Clinical laboratory procedures
- Animal life stages, nutrition, and husbandry
- Animal nursing and radiography
- Pharmacology
- Aseptic technique and surgical assisting
- Veterinary office procedures
- CPR and first aid
111 Campus Way
San Marcos,