Anna Martinez may not have imagined what coming home would mean for her and her 8-year-old daughter. Born and raised in Weslaco, Martinez and her family moved to Houston when she was in fourth grade. The years that followed were difficult. When Martinez became a teen parent, depression and anger sent her on a downward spiral. Then Martinez’s parents separated, adding to her pain. Three years ago, Martinez decided to…
South Texas College is starting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, according to officials at a special event Nov. 25. Among those in attendance were the inaugural cohort of student nurses clad in green scrubs. Dr. Christie Candelaria serves as program chair of both the Associate Degree Nursing Program and the new BSN program. “I would treat this just like having a family,” Candelaria said about the start…
South Texas College is the recipient of a $75,000 grant by Texas Workforce Commission for high-demand job training in its Associate Degree of Nursing program. The grant provides funding for equipment to eligible educational institutions for developing programs. These programs can be career and technical, leading to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree. The Jobs and Education for Texans grant is part of an initiative by TWC. It supports TWC’s efforts…
It’s not about the type of beer that fills your glass; it’s all about the process. Just ask Steve Padilla. Owner of Big River Brewery in Pharr and alumnus of UTRGV legacy institution UT Pan American, Padilla says that whether you prefer stouts, lagers or seasonal sours, his authentic Valley brews came from ideas fermented in the science classroom. Padilla got a degree in nursing in 2008. As a nurse and anesthetist,…
South Texas College’s Nursing and Allied Health Campus hosts its open house March 30. During this time, the public may tour the facilities, as well as explore the career pathways in the medical field. Advisors will be on site to discuss information regarding the Texas Success Initiative Assessment. Those who have interest may also register for the fall 2019 semester. “The goal is to really make sure that attendees have…
The Texas Board of Nursing unanimously granted Texas Southmost College initial approval to establish a new Associate Degree Nursing education program. The program will begin with the upcoming fall semester. “The re-opening of TSC’s ADN program was one of the priorities of the college and the board of trustees, and we’re excited to have achieved it,” said TSC Board of Trustees Chair Adela Garza. “TSC’s nursing program has a long…
Rio Grande Valley College in Pharr is now offering a new Associate Degree in Nursing LVN to RN Bridge Program. Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and RGV College CEO Annabelle Palomo joined together in the public announcement, confirming the approval from the Texas Board of Nursing. “Congratulations to RGV College, we are excited about this announcement that will offer students more opportunities to seek healthcare careers here in the Rio Grande…
The sign outside reads Mid Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation. “I see it as a hotel,” said Alice Roel, the licensed nursing facility administrator for the Mercedes facility. “You register and have housekeeping, meals, activities, laundry and transportation provided round the clock with exceptional customer service.” The state-of-the-art complex, which Touchstone Strategies opened in November 2016, aims for a homey, hospitality ambiance rather than a medical or institutional atmosphere, Roel said.…
The Texas State Technical College nursing division in Harlingen is celebrating its second consecutive 100 percent national exam pass rate for its vocational nursing program. The milestone is a mark of distinction for the department working to relieve a shortage of nurses in the Rio Grande Valley and across the state. “We hold all of our students to a high standard,” said Heather Sauceda, TSTC vocational nursing program director. “Here…
State Bill Hopes to Fuel Select Fields State Bill 2118 is now official, permitting community colleges to offer certain baccalaureate programs. These programs include those in the fields of applied technology, applied science and early childhood education, as well as nursing. As a result, South Texas College plans on offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program by fall 2018. The announcement was made by STC and Valley lawmakers June…