Cheering, fist-pumping traditional celebrations seem like a thing of the past for graduates.

In some cases, students have had to celebrate virtually or be forced to give a quick wave from the passenger seat of a car as a way to ceremonialize their academic achievements.

But staff at Pima Medical Institute’s Phoenix Campus got creative with space at its recent graduation.

Families were able to watch the graduation from the comfort of their vehicles while graduates lined up with their respective program. A livestream video of each program event was available for those unable to attend in person.

“Our team worked hard to come up with a way that we could safely provide an environment where our students, their family and friends and our faculty and staff could celebrate the accomplishment that is graduation,” said Stacey Nottingham, campus director, Pima Medical Institute, Phoenix campus.

“This day was a great example of the tenacity of our faculty and staff as well as the dedication of our students, who despite much uncertainty completed their programs,” Ms. Nottingham said.

The 274 graduates were able to walk across an outdoor stage and accept their degrees.

Nicole Glashoff, who received her degree as a sterile processing technician, said she was grateful for the experience.

“With so many other graduations moving to online, virtual or not at all, I love the fact that I could walk on the stage with the pomp and circumstance,” Ms. Glashoff said.“It was great, the effort and work the campus put into this. We earned it and it was great to be able to celebrate that.”

Pima Medical provides hands-on learning opportunities with instructors who are focused on preparing students for success in a real-world medical career.