Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González / Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas — The DHR Health Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program celebrated its fifth graduating class on September 3, 2026, marking the completion of an educational initiative that has prepared 53 registered nurses through a partnership with Rio Grande Valley College.
During the ceremony at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, Dr. Joel Ramos, clinical associate professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, reflected on the program’s development, accomplishments, and uncertain future.
The initiative gave licensed vocational nurses a chance to advance their education while keeping their jobs and receiving supervised clinical training.
Discussions about the partnership began in August 2023, when DHR Health contacted RGV College about developing a curriculum that would combine academic instruction with practical nursing experience.
The proposed program required meetings with the Texas Board of Nursing to explain its educational structure and clinical training requirements.
“We met, and we met, and we went in front of the Board of Nursing,” Ramos recalled, describing how the initiative was established.
The partnership coordinated classroom instruction with clinical assignments, allowing participants to apply their education directly in healthcare settings.
Apprentices also received scheduled study time and academic support as they prepared for nursing licensure exams.
The arrangement addressed challenges faced by working nurses who wanted to advance professionally without leaving their jobs.
According to Ramos, more than 90% of the apprentices chose to remain employed at DHR Health after completing their training.
The program also attracted additional applicants interested in pursuing registered nurse credentials through the apprenticeship model.
However, continued funding remains a challenge. The fifth graduating class represents the final apprenticeship cohort for now, although additional opportunities could become available if funding is secured.
“Although this is our final apprenticeship cohort for now, it is not the end of what we created,” Ramos told graduates.
The ceremony also marked a leadership transition at RGV College. Ramos, who previously directed the nursing program, accepted a full-time position as clinical associate professor at UTRGV.
The college identified Dr. Florence Chabolla as its new nursing program director.
The graduation included a white coat and stole presentation recognizing the participants’ transition from licensed vocational nurses to registered nurses.
Dr. Melinda Rodriguez, DHR Health Chief Nursing Officer Miriam Haddad, and Assistant Chief Nursing Officer Clarisa Cerda were invited to participate in the presentation.
Graduates were recognized for completing demanding coursework, clinical assignments and professional responsibilities while balancing family and personal commitments.
The partnership brought together healthcare professionals, educators and administrators to develop a training pathway intended to support the Rio Grande Valley’s nursing workforce.
“You are not simply completing a program. You are carrying its legacy forward,” Ramos said.
The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the graduates and recognition of the faculty, clinical mentors, and healthcare leaders who supported their education.
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