Nursing Futures Begin
87 Future Nurses Begin Their Journey at Hunt School of Nursing White Coat Ceremony
Fall 2026 cohort enters region’s only 16-month accelerated nursing program at Texas Tech Health El Paso
Eighty-seven future nurses took an important first step in their healthcare careers on Tuesday, Sept. 1, as they received their white coats during the Hunt School of Nursing Fall 2026 White Coat Ceremony at Texas Tech Health El Paso.
The event welcomed the Fall 2026 cohort into the Hunt School of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The 16-month program, the only one of its kind in the region, prepares students for nursing careers in hospitals and clinics.
The students are expected to graduate in December 2027 and enter the workforce to help alleviate a regional and national nursing shortage.
During the ceremony, each student received a white coat embroidered with the Hunt School of Nursing seal. The coat serves as a reminder of the importance of humanism, compassion and professionalism in patient care and community service.
Jené Hurlbut, Ph.D., R.N., interim dean of the Hunt School of Nursing, said seeing the 87 students begin their professional journey represents both an important moment for the students and a glimpse at the future of nursing in the region. Hurlbut said the size of the Fall 2026 cohort makes its potential impact particularly significant.
“This is the biggest class since I’ve been here, so they’re going to be a tremendous force when they enter the community,” Dr. Hurlbut said. “I have great aspirations that they’ll impact the health of our population and individuals, whether they choose community nursing, hospital nursing or wherever they are.”
Sponsored by individuals and community groups, the white coats give each student a tangible reminder of the community supporting their nursing journey.
White coat recipient Naomi Serrano said she was inspired to become a nurse many years ago, when her younger sister was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age 1. Serrano and her family spent considerable time in hospitals, where she saw firsthand how nurses could help families navigate frightening and uncertain moments.
“They were all very kind and sweet to us because it was a moment that we didn’t imagine,” said Serrano, who was born and raised in El Paso. “They helped us understand what she was going through and how we would be able to help her. They were very compassionate toward us as well, and I want to be part of that.”
Serrano said she is emotional but excited to begin the intensive training at the Hunt School of Nursing. The vision of helping other El Paso families in their time of need motivates her to succeed.
“I hope to become a nurse that patients can trust and confide in so I can help them,” Serrano said. “It would mean a lot to me to serve this community because, like I said, my sister is sick. I want to be able to help those kids like the nurses helped my family.”
Since opening, the Hunt School of Nursing has graduated more than 1,800 nurses. The vast majority of graduates stay in the Borderplex to pursue their careers, helping bring compassionate care to a region in need of registered nurses.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso serves West Texas and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. 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.
Focusing on excellence in healthcare education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated more than 2,600 professionals over the past decade. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.