What is it really like to work in pediatric nursing and how do you get started in a healthcare career? 

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

What if one scan could change someone’s life? 

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.

What does a radiologic technologist do, and how does radiography shape patient care? 

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.

What does it take to start a career in healthcare without becoming a doctor or nurse? 

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.

Voices of Vital Care is a podcast dedicated to allied health; the essential professionals delivering quality care and helping sustain the future of healthcare. Through real conversations with students, educators, and industry leaders, the show goes beyond job titles to explore the skills, pathways, and workforce powering modern care. Whether you're considering a career in healthcare or thinking about the future of the industry, Voices of Vital Care connects purpose with practicality. highlighting the measurable impact allied health professionals have on patients, communities, and outcomes.

 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.