Nursing Pathways: Growing Our Own at AltaMed
California is facing a dire shortage of nurses with a predicted shortfall of 44,500 full-time RNs by 2030.
AltaMed is leading the solution to this crisis by creating the AltaMed Nursing School Collaborative—a program that provides students access to an affordable, world-class nursing education in a community health setting.
Meet Some 2025 Graduates
Nurses are the backbone of the health care system. They do much more than provide medical care; they are involved in prevention, education, advocacy, and research, all while helping to improve and protect the health and well-being of their patients.
Niki Calderon, Michelle Campos, and Alicia Alvarez are just a few of the talented medical professionals we have supported with scholarships, academic help, and mentorship, enabling them to pursue advanced education and move forward in their careers.
Niki Calderon graduated from the associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program. Formerly a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) at AltaMed, he has provided care at over 10 clinic sites. As a registered nurse (R.N.), Niki has the skills and confidence to provide more complex care for his patients.
“Honestly, without financial support, I wouldn’t be an R.N. today,” said Niki. “It’s very competitive to get into nursing school in California. This program made that process more attainable.”
Michelle Campos has a long history with AltaMed. As a young girl, she spent a lot of time taking her mom to doctor visits at her local AltaMed clinic. She started her career as an LVN 10 years ago and has been with AltaMed for the past five years.
She aspired to continue her nursing education but couldn’t afford the cost of going back to school. Through the AltaMed Nursing School Collaborative, she finally had the financial support to earn her ADN. “The nursing program helped me develop resilience and a strong mentality,” said Michelle. “There were times I wanted to give up, but I learned to overcome these challenges and not to abandon my dream.”
For Alicia Alvarez, a first-generation nursing student, the AltaMed Nursing School Collaborative has been instrumental in helping her advance in her career. She completed the LVN Advanced Training Program, which provides LVN students in their final year of school with the resources to graduate and find employment. Working as a medical assistant for the past 10 years, Alicia now looks forward to beginning her next chapter as an LVN at AltaMed. Alicia said, “I’m proud to serve my community and be there to support my patients in their most vulnerable moments.”
Elevating Education - The AltaMed Nursing School Collaborative
The AltaMed Nursing School Collaborative is part of a vision to bring medical education to historically underserved communities, building a future where we can uplift nurses with the support they need to pursue their education while working and raising families. Click here to learn more.
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