Nursing Students to Begin Apprenticeship Program

Pharr, Texas: RGV College proudly celebrated the commencement of its inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program with a white coat ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the co-hort of 12 nursing students. Endorsed by the Texas Board of Nursing, this program signifies a groundbreaking initiative for RGV College. The event was held on July 12 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.

Following today’s ceremony, the cohort of students will commence their professional journey through paid, on-the-job training at DHR Health. This innovative program not only addresses the critical shortage of nurses at both state and national levels but also provides essential support to new professionals by enabling students to pursue their educational aspirations while fulfilling clinical requirements with compensation.

“Today marks a monumental milestone for RGV College and our partnership with DHR Health. This apprenticeship program has successfully bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, producing skilled, compassionate, and innovative nurses to make a significant impact on healthcare. To our students, your dedication, resilience, and passion have truly set you apart. You will face challenges with determination and emerge as highly skilled and empathetic professionals. Your journey will be a testament to your strength and unwavering spirit. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our faculty and staff for their mentorship, and to our partners at DHR Health for their invaluable collaboration. Together, we have established a new standard for nursing education,” said Dr. Annabelle Palomo, Chief Executive Officer of RGV College.

A white coat was given to each of the registered nursing apprenticeship students which symbolized their transition into the clinical phase of their education. Many special guests were in attendance including, City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, a physician, who was thrilled that RGV College, part of the City of Pharr, will have this partnership and DHR Health.

“There is no greater educational model than hands-on learning and development, and this innovative mentor-apprenticeship program is a monumental step to address nursing shortages in our area while “growing our own” and retaining skilled nurses here in the Rio Grande Valley. I applaud all partners on this remarkable achievement, and congratulate the inaugural cohort as they continue their journey and professional development in their careers as nurses,” said City of Pharr Mayor and DHR Health Physician Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez.

DHR Health, serving as the foundational employer/sponsor for the nursing apprenticeship program, anticipates the program will yield a highly skilled workforce, mitigate turnover, and enhance productivity.
“We are committed to serving our community, which drives us to seek innovative solutions. The demand for nurses is high, and this collaboration provides a unique opportunity for aspiring nurses to gain valuable hands-on experience alongside their education. Together, we are fostering workforce development and paving the way for a new generation of healthcare professionals,” Dr. Manish Singh, DHR Health Chief Executive Officer.

In addition to their white coats, the students ceremoniously signed agreements to begin their journey as nursing apprentices, with DHR Health.

The first co-hort of RGV College registered nursing apprenticeship students were as follows: Brenda Cantu, Ebony Fields, Javier Larraga, Jose Martinez, Arturo Moreno, Kimberly Puente, Luzellyn Rodriguez, Radames Rodriguez, Anita Saenz, Wendy Schell, Ryan Serna, and Enrique Servin.