Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González / Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas — DHR Health Assistant Chief Nursing Officer Clarissa Cerda praised the perseverance and dedication of the first graduating cohort of the DHR Health and South Texas College Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program, describing nursing as both a profession and a calling.
The ceremony recognized 10 nurse apprentices who completed what leaders described as the nation’s first federally recognized traditional registered nursing apprenticeship program. The initiative was developed through a partnership among DHR Health, South Texas College, and the Texas Workforce Commission to help address nursing shortages in the Rio Grande Valley.
Cerda, who serves as assistant chief nursing officer at DHR Health, congratulated graduates for balancing coursework, clinical training, long shifts, and personal responsibilities while completing the program.
“Nursing is not an easy profession,” Cerda said. “It demands compassion, sacrifice, resilience, critical thinking and heart, but each of you answered a calling to serve others in some of the most vulnerable moments of their life.”
Cerda said the apprenticeship model represents an investment in local healthcare talent and reflects what can be achieved when healthcare providers and educational institutions work together to prepare future nurses.
“At DHR Health, we strongly believe in investing in the future of nursing and supporting the development of local talent within our community,” Cerda said. “This apprenticeship program represents innovation, collaboration, and opportunity.”
She also acknowledged the role of faculty, mentors, preceptors, and families in helping students complete the program and encouraged graduates to maintain compassion as they enter the profession.
“Nursing is a calling,” Cerda said. “It is the ability to provide comfort during fear, hope during uncertainty, and healing during difficult moments.”
Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health and master of ceremonies for the event, described the graduates as pioneers in a program designed to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce.
“Today we celebrate the grit and commitment of our future nurses,” Castañeda said. “This morning is about you.”
Castañeda also emphasized the significance of the graduating class as the first cohort of the apprenticeship initiative.
“You are part of history,” she told graduates. “You’re setting the tone. You are the example for so many in this community.”
Rodney Rodriguez, vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs at South Texas College, said the program was the result of years of planning and collaboration among state agencies, educators, and healthcare providers.
“It was a long path,” Rodriguez said, noting that discussions to establish the apprenticeship program began several years ago. He credited DHR Health, the Texas Workforce Commission, and South Texas College leadership for advancing the initiative.
Rodriguez congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed South Texas College’s commitment to continuing the partnership.
“South Texas College is just so proud of all the accomplishments that you’ve done,” Rodriguez said. “We want to make sure that we continue on this path forward.”
The ceremony concluded with a white-coat presentation for graduates and recognition of preceptors and mentors who supported the apprentices during their clinical training.
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