Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
In a groundbreaking moment for the Rio Grande Valley and the state of Texas, South Texas College and DHR Health have officially launched the nation’s first registered nursing apprenticeship program to be registered and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Funded by a $1 million grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), this historic initiative marks the dawn of a new era in health care education, in which nursing apprentices can now earn compensation while gaining hands-on clinical experience.
“We are incredibly proud to be the first to offer such a unique and groundbreaking opportunity. Through this partnership, we are transforming higher education and shaping the future of health care, particularly in nursing, one of the most sought-after fields,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “This milestone perfectly reflects what STC stands for – delivering high-quality education and exceptional opportunities.”
Eighteen students from STC’s Registered Nursing program were recently celebrated in a meaningful ceremony, where they received their white coats, marking the start of their transformative journey as part of the very first cohort.
This pioneering program, designed to address the critical shortage of health care professionals in Texas, provides students with one-on-one mentorship from experienced skilled nurses at DHR Health while earning no less than $14 an hour.
“STC is creating meaningful opportunities and helping to meet the growing demands of our community. This occasion symbolizes more than just a partnership, it represents our shared commitment to addressing the critical need for more nurses in our region,” said Dr. Manish Singh, DHR Health chief executive officer. “To the students, you are the future of health care. Your journey begins here, and every step you take will have a lasting impact on the lives of the patients and families you serve. Embrace this learning experience fully, and know that you have the full support of DHR Health.”
For Alexandra Mendoza, a student starting her second semester in STC’s nursing program and as part of this new cohort, this opportunity is invaluable to make a difference in the community.
“I’m so excited to be part of history. I’m the first in our family to become a nurse, which is an accomplishment in itself, but to be part of this historic cohort is truly amazing,” she said. “I’m excited to serve the community and to help grow the nursing workforce, which is so desperately needed. I’m excited to help teach the community how to take better care of themselves, relieve pain and help people feel better.”
Similarly, student Wilson Mutia, who follows a family legacy in nursing, is eager to begin his clinical experience and care for others through the apprenticeship program.
“Since I was little, I watched my mom care for others with such compassion, and that inspired me to take this path,” he said. “I’m excited to carry on her legacy and am thankful to STC for providing these opportunities, allowing more people to pursue the nursing profession. It’s a beautiful career.”
Over the course of several years, this apprenticeship program has been carefully designed and approved through collaborations among educators, state elected officials, and organizations such as the Board of Nursing.
This apprenticeship represents a groundbreaking “earn-while-you-learn” model that is now seen as a replicable model for nursing programs nationwide. The nurse apprenticeship program will not only produce a highly skilled workforce, but also reduce turnover, increase productivity and strengthen the health care sector overall.
Former Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Representing Labor and U.S. Department of Labor Ambassador to Apprenticeship, now Executive Vice President and Director of Community Relations for Lone Star National Bank, Julian Alvarez, spearheaded the initiative. He expressed his pride in seeing this major opportunity emerge from the RGV.
“This is a national accomplishment, created by our people here in the RGV for our very own,” he said to the nursing apprentices. “The training you’ll receive here at DHR Health and at STC is second to none, no one can compete. We are unique in the country. We hope you’ll share this experience with your colleagues and look back, knowing this is one of the best opportunities you could have ever had.”
