White Coat Milestone
Seventeen Future Nurses Begin Journey to Transform Health Care at Texas Tech Health El Paso
Hunt School of Nursing's Summer White Coat Ceremony Marks Milestone for Students Entering Only 16-Month Accelerated Program in Our Borderplex
The moment Clarissa Sanchez of El Paso slipped on her pristine white coat, embroidered with the Hunt School of Nursing seal, her childhood dream crystallized into purpose.
Sanchez joined 16 fellow nursing students on Tuesday, June 3, at Texas Tech Health El Paso's Hunt School of Nursing Summer White Coat Ceremony, celebrating their entrance into the school’s nursing program. This 28th cohort steps forward into the region's only 16-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program amid a critical health care workforce shortage.
The Eastlake High School graduate, whose great-grandparents migrated from Mexico seeking better opportunities, now stands ready to begin her academic journey into the nursing profession.
“After I finished my B.S. in psychology at Grand Canyon University, I felt drawn to this accelerated program.” Sanchez shared.” I’ve always been interested in working with people. The program allows me to become a nurse in the shortest time possible.”
When she completes the program, Sanchez aims to provide compassionate care to the same Borderplex community that shaped her empathetic spirit.
Addressing our region’s needs
Texas faces a staggering challenge with an anticipated shortage of 60,000 registered nurses by 2030, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. This deficit threatens health care access across the state, particularly in medically underserved border regions where specialized bilingual care is essential.
The Hunt School of Nursing addresses this urgent need through innovative education that emphasizes both clinical excellence and cultural competency. Since 2012, the school has graduated more than 1,500 nurses, with many remaining in our Borderplex region to serve communities spanning Texas, New Mexico and Mexico.
The White Coat Ceremony represents more than tradition — it symbolizes transformation. Originally designed as laboratory apparel in the late 19th century, the white coat evolved from medicine's dark imagery to embody cleanliness, purity and scientific advancement. For these nursing students, the garment serves as a visual commitment to ethical patient care and professional excellence. The white coats are sponsored by generous individuals and groups, several without direct ties to the university, who demonstrate their belief and trust in our future health care leaders.
“This ceremony marks a sacred transition where our students embrace both the science and art of nursing,” said Jené Hurlbut, Ph.D., R.N., Interim Dean of the Hunt School of Nursing. “These future nurses will carry forward our mission of providing exceptional care while addressing the unique health challenges facing our border communities.”
Each student received a stethoscope alongside their white coat, creating powerful symbolism. The stethoscope represents scientific precision and diagnostic capability, while the white coat embodies compassion and healing presence. Together, these tools form the foundation of comprehensive nursing practice.
Dedicated faculty
The accelerated program attracts learners from throughout Far West Texas, with half the students under age 24 and many entering directly from high school. This rapid pathway enables graduates from advanced placement programs like Silva Magnet High School to complete nursing degrees just 16 months after graduation, addressing workforce shortages with unprecedented speed.
“Our accelerated program uniquely positions graduates to meet urgent community needs while maintaining the highest educational standards,” Dr. Hurlbut added. “These students will soon provide essential care across our region, from rural clinics to major medical centers.”
Hunt School of Nursing faculty work tirelessly to support student success through personalized mentoring, comprehensive clinical experiences and state-of-the-art simulation training. This partnership approach ensures students develop both technical competencies and critical thinking skills essential for modern health care delivery.
The school's commitment to excellence shows in objective outcomes. In 2024, Hunt School of Nursing students achieved a 93% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), demonstrating solid preparation for professional practice. This performance reflects the program's rigorous academic standards and dedicated faculty support.
Although her nursing journey has just begun, Sanchez is already planning for her future. Graduate school is certainly on her horizon, and so is the possibility of attending medical school.
As the ceremony concluded, Sanchez and her 16 cohort peers, resplendent in white coats, celebrated with family and friends. Their success will ripple across West Texas, providing skilled nursing care where it's needed most while advancing health equity across the U.S.-Mexico border region.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 counties in West Texas and is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care heroes. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a uniquely innovative destination for medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.
With a focus on excellence in health care education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,600 professionals over the past decade, and will include dental graduates beginning in 2025. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.