Voices of Vital Care

Behind Every Prescription: The Critical Work of Pharmacy Technicians

What does a pharmacy technician really do? Most people think of counting pills and filling prescriptions, but the reality is far more critical. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, certified pharmacy technician and instructor Ben Montoya shares how pharmacy technicians help prevent medication errors, protect patient safety, prepare life-saving IV medications, and support healthcare teams every day.  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.

Breaking Stereotypes in Healthcare | Men in Medical Assisting & Dental Assisting

Ahead of Men’s Health Month, Voices of Vital Care sits down with Aiden Bender and Maurice Gabriel to talk about why more men are needed in healthcare, the realities of stepping into female dominated medical fields, and how empathy, confidence, and human connection can change lives.  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.

Veterinary Assistant Career: Animal Rescue, Shelter Medicine & Community Pet Care

What does it really take to work in veterinary care beyond the exam room?  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.

Healthcare Jobs in Under 12 Months? Admissions Experts Explain the Real Options

Do you really need a four year degree to start a meaningful healthcare career? 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.

Inside Nursing School: Life, Pressure & Purpose | Nurses Week

What happens when a patient stops breathing… and everyone in the room looks to the nurse? 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.