Pharr, Texas: Rio Grande Valley College and DHR Health proudly recognized the accomplishments of 11 aspiring nurses who recently completed the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program, marking another milestone in strengthening the local healthcare workforce. Graduates were honored during a special ceremony held December 18, 2025, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, where each apprentice officially received their white coat.
This celebration marked the graduation of the program’s third cohort, continuing a growing partnership between Rio Grande Valley College and DHR Health focused on developing skilled, job-ready nurses. Throughout the program, students completed intensive, hands-on clinical rotations at DHR Health facilities while being paid—allowing them to gain real-world experience while preparing to enter the profession.
The registered nurse apprenticeship program, developed in collaboration with the Texas Board of Nursing and the Texas Workforce Commission, was created to respond to the nationwide nursing shortage. By combining classroom education with immersive clinical training and professional mentorship, the program equips future nurses with the confidence, skills, and support needed to transition directly into the workforce.
"RGV College and DHR Health are proud to have celebrated the graduation of its third cohort of apprenticeship students,” said Dr. Joel M. Ramos, director of nursing at Rio Grande Valley College. “The event recognized the dedication and perseverance of students who successfully completed the program.”
The third graduating class of the Rio Grande Valley College Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program, includes: Adam Collins, Amy Flores, Brianna Fuentes, Frida Lopez, Janine del Castillo, Kassandra Ojeda, Lauren Callister, Marcos Guerrero, Miriam Reyna, Natasha Porras, and Sarah Olivarez.
“Through this apprenticeship model, graduates gain hands-on clinical experience and transition directly into the workforce,” Ramos added. “This program is helping address the ongoing nursing shortage while strengthening the region’s healthcare system.”
