Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
HARLINGEN, Texas – Driven by a deep passion and lifelong commitment to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community, South Texas College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) alumna Vanessa Munoz has built a career that goes beyond therapy, creating lasting change in the lives of nursing home residents.
As the newly appointed operations manager at Golden Palms Rehabilitation & Retirement Center in Harlingen, Munoz is focused on driving meaningful change, transforming lives and enhancing the quality of care for the community she serves.
“My first clinical rotation at STC changed my life forever. I was assigned to a nursing home and while it was intimidating at first, it became a turning point in my career,” the 42-year-old shared. “That experience ignited a deep passion for improving the lives of the elderly and helping them regain independence. It was the moment everything clicked for me, and since then, nothing has been the same.”
Munoz’s path to health care began by chance. After graduating from San Benito High School, she came across an ad in the newspaper for a receptionist position at a pediatric clinic, and that opportunity marked the start of her career.
As the years passed, Munoz worked at the same clinic for seven years, gaining experience in various roles, from receptionist and medical records coordinator to physician liaison. However, it was physical therapy that captured her deepest interest.
Eager to fast track her entry into the field, she made the bold decision to leave her job and pursue a two-year degree at STC to become a PTA.
“Many people recommended the program to me, but making the decision wasn’t easy,” she shared. “I had never attended college. I was 27 years old and a mother of two young children, but I was determined.”
Choosing to pursue the program was a leap of faith for Munoz. She knew it would require a great deal of sacrifice and effort, but she was motivated by the potential to change her future and provide a better life for her family.
“This program is rigorous and strict, but it prepares you like no other. There’s a reason why the program has celebrated a 100% pass rate for 25 years,” she added. “It teaches you real-life situations that you directly apply in the workforce. It shaped me to be more responsible, more structured and rightfully so. In our profession, if we don’t get it right, we can harm people. In the end, it was the best decision I could have made.”
Munoz graduated in 2011 and soon began working at skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which provide specialized care for patients who require rehabilitation or long-term care.
Veranda Rehabilitation and Healthcare became her second home, where she began as a PTA. Through her dedication, she advanced through the ranks, and in 2018, she was named director of rehabilitation, an accomplishment that surpassed even those with advanced degrees and doctorates, proving that passion and commitment can often stand out more than formal education.
“One factor that might have helped me stand out is that I have always placed myself in situations where I can keep learning and make a difference,” she shared. “I’m incredibly grateful to work for a company that believes in me, entrusting me to lead and continuing to support me along the way.”
With six years of leadership experience, Munoz was promoted to operations manager in August 2024 by the clinic’s sister site, Golden Palms.
This new role also marks her return to STC, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Medical and Health Services Management. Upon graduating, this degree will enable her to earn a nursing rehab administrator license in the years to come.
“When I learned that STC offered this opportunity, it was a no-brainer. Why would I go anywhere else? It’s my alma mater and it’s right here at home,” she said. “Earning my bachelor’s degree will empower me to continue doing what I love – improving the quality of life for our elderly residents and strengthening our community. I’m excited to make a lasting difference in this position, where I have the ability to make a significant impact.”
Only one semester into her bachelor’s degree, Munoz is looking forward to overseeing improvements at Golden Palm, including remodeling projects.
One of her top priorities is enhancing the rehabilitation center and gym.
“In this position, everyone looks up to me to make change happen. It’s a big responsibility, one that I take very seriously. And all of this would not have been possible if it weren’t for STC,” she added. “I’m truly grateful for having had the privilege of being in the PTA program. It’s top-notch. It pushed me to my limits, but being well-prepared set me up for where I am now. Today, STC continues to give me a bright future through the bachelor’s program, and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities.”
For more information on STC’s bachelor’s programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/
