Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — DHR Health and Rio Grande Valley College celebrated the fifth graduating class of their Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program on September 3, 2026, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, marking a milestone for an initiative designed to help working nurses advance their careers.
Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health, welcomed graduates, families, educators, and healthcare leaders. She said the partnership has produced 53 registered nurses across five graduating classes.
The program allows licensed vocational nurses to pursue registered nurse credentials while continuing to work, combining classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience.
Anabel Salinas, vice president of DHR Health Women’s Hospital, told graduates that their previous nursing experience would remain essential as they assumed new responsibilities.
“Never forget where you came from,” Salinas said.
Salinas, who began her career as a licensed vocational nurse, described the sacrifices required to complete nursing education while balancing employment and family responsibilities. She also recognized relatives who supported the graduates.
Julian Alvarez, executive vice president at Lone Star National Bank and a former Texas Workforce Commissioner, discussed the program’s origins.
Alvarez recalled a 2019 meeting with Rio Grande Valley healthcare and education leaders about regional workforce shortages. He said those discussions helped establish a nursing apprenticeship model that would address financial and scheduling barriers.
“It all started from a conversation that took place in this very building,” Alvarez said.
Dr. Trisha Evans, an apprenticeship and training representative with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, described the combination of paid work and education as an important component of the program.
“You learned while doing, you earned while learning,” Evans told graduates.
Dr. Annabelle Palomo, chief executive officer and school director of Rio Grande Valley College, thanked DHR Health and participating educators for their partnership. She encouraged graduates to establish professional goals and continue pursuing educational opportunities.
Dr. Joel Ramos, a clinical associate professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and former apprenticeship program director at RGV College, discussed the program’s development and its effect on local employment.
Ramos said more than 90% of participating apprentices had chosen to remain employed at DHR Health.
He also addressed the program’s uncertain future, explaining that the fifth cohort was its final group for now.
“Although this is our final apprenticeship cohort for now, it is not the end of what we created,” Ramos said.
Dr. Manish Singh, chief executive officer of DHR Health, delivered closing remarks emphasizing patient care, teamwork and professional responsibility.
“We need people who know our communities, understand our families and want to help improve the health in this region,” Singh said.
The ceremony included a white coat and stole presentation recognizing the graduates’ transition into registered nursing.
DHR Health leaders thanked the Texas Workforce Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, RGV College, instructors and clinical mentors for supporting the program.
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