(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For Aaron Cancino, the Associate of Applied Science degree that he earned from the LVN to RN Transition Nursing program two years ago at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus was a turning point in his nursing career.
That milestone motivated Cancino to expand his medical expertise, and now he is pursuing a Family Nurse Practitioner postgraduate certificate at South College.
“I started my career as a vocational nurse in emergency services at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen,” the Harlingen resident said. “After I earned my associate degree from TSTC in 2023, I was promoted to a charge nurse in the same department.”
With the addition of his associate degree, Cancino furthered his education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capella University that same year, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing Education from the same university a year later.
He said his job at Rio Grande Regional Hospital includes overseeing the nursing staff in emergency services during the night shift and helping physicians ensure that day-to-day duties are facilitated.
Miguel Rodriguez is director of emergency services at the hospital.
“Aaron has a keen understanding of health care regulations and ensures that all staff are compliant,” he said.
Cancino credits TSTC’s Nursing program for his career success.
“I didn’t realize how different transitioning from a vocational nurse to a registered nurse would be,” he said. “The instructors prepared me to be a leader.”
Adrienne Reyes, TSTC’s LVN to RN Transition Nursing program team lead in Harlingen, said the program prepares students to thrive in today’s health care environment.
“We strive to cultivate communication, collaboration and cultural competence when caring for diverse patient populations,” Reyes said.
Cancino said he is excited about the next chapter of his career.
“I look forward to helping the community as a family nurse practitioner after I complete the program next year in January,” he said.
TSTC is accepting applications for the LVN to RN Transition Nursing program for fall 2025 through July 25.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at its Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. A Vocational Nursing certificate of completion is offered at the Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.
For more information, go to tstc.edu.