The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) McAllen Campus is marking a decade of service to the Rio Grande Valley—ten years defined by workforce development, community engagement, and expanded access to healthcare education.
Andrea Hernandez has been part of that journey from the beginning. After nine years as Director of Education, she stepped into the role of Campus President this year, guiding the institution as it celebrates a major milestone. The anniversary year also brought national recognition. CHCP McAllen was named Career Colleges & Schools of Texas, School of the Year for the second time in its history. The first honor came in 2017; the 2025 award aligns with the campus’s 10th year in operation.
For the team, graduation day best reflects the campus’s impact. “Seeing students walk across the stage with their families cheering them on—that’s when it all comes together,” Hernandez said. “Many of our students are first-generation college students. We serve a population that is about 80 percent Hispanic females. We don’t just provide an education; we help students elevate their lives. For many, the diploma is just the beginning of their career journey.”
Since opening its doors, CHCP McAllen has graduated more than 3,000 students, preparing them for careers in high-demand healthcare fields. According to Hernandez, more than 83 percent of graduates are placed in jobs within their field of study.
“Winning CCST School of the Year recognition is really about the community we serve, our students, graduates, and the healthcare employers who trust us,” she said. “We’re credentialing skilled professionals and strengthening the local healthcare workforce at the same time.”
That trust is reflected in CHCP’s partnerships across the region. The campus maintains affiliations with major hospital systems and clinics throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, many of which regularly contact CHCP for staffing needs. “Building that reputation as a reliable source of well-trained healthcare professionals takes time,” Hernandez said. “It’s something we’ve earned through consistency and results.”
CHCP McAllen currently offers eight career-focused programs designed to align with regional workforce needs. The campus is continuing to grow, with an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology scheduled to launch in January 2026. Decisions about expansion are driven by both student interest and labor market research, Hernandez explained.
“If we identify an in-demand program that’s feasible and truly serves the community, we explore it,” she said. “Our priority is ensuring students are gainfully employed and properly credentialed. That, combined with the ongoing demand for skilled healthcare providers, is what guides our growth.”
Hernandez credits a stable and experienced faculty and staff as a key factor in the campus’s success. “Our instructors are licensed and certified medical professionals with real-world experience,” she said. “They understand both healthcare operations and educational pathways, which allows them to guide students effectively. Our collaborative culture attracts professionals who share a commitment to student success and excellence.”
CHCP’s Volunteer Spirit
Community engagement is a defining part of the CHCP McAllen mission. Through volunteer initiatives and student-led service, the campus extends learning beyond the classroom while addressing local needs.
“Our mission reaches into the neighborhoods and lives of the people we serve,” Hernandez said. “Service is not an add, it’s who we are.” Students regularly participate in health fairs, park cleanups, back-to-school events, and food bank initiatives. CHCP also hosts free health services, including 4D ultrasound events that allow expecting parents to connect with their unborn children.
The campus has partnered with local animal shelters, providing physical and emotional care for animals and supporting community events such as 5K runs that include pet vaccinations.
“Just recently, our students volunteered at the food bank and helped prepare more than 6,000 meals,” Hernandez said. “Through these experiences, students gain hands-on training while giving meaningful service, without expecting anything in return.”
As CHCP McAllen looks ahead to its next decade, Hernandez says the focus remains clear: student success, community impact, and meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
“Our goal is simple,” she said. “To continue changing lives by building careers and strengthening the communities we serve.”
