Texas Southmost College Celebrates Milestone Achievements for 2025 Graduates
In a shining example of academic prowess and career-readiness, Texas Southmost College (TSC) proudly celebrated its Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program’s 2025 graduating class, which achieved a remarkable 100% passing rate on their professional exams and 100% job placement prior to graduation. This news not only underscores the quality of education at TSC but also marks a significant development for local job markets in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
Outstanding Outcomes for TSC Graduates
Announcing the achievements at a ceremony last month, Dr. Ariel I. Villanueva, Program Director for the DMS program, attributed the success to the rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty. “Our students leave TSC workforce-ready, highly skilled, and already in demand,” he commented. As the only Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited DMS program in the Valley—and south of Corpus Christi—TSC provides significant advantages to its students, including immediate eligibility to challenge the ARDMS certification exams, crucial for sonography employment.
Comprehensive Training Across the Rio Grande Valley
The success of TSC’s DMS program can be largely credited to the comprehensive training and hands-on experiences offered through clinical rotations in varied healthcare settings across the RGV, from Brownsville to Edinburg. Over 18 months and four semesters, students hone their skills through real-world clinical experiences, preparing them for the complex demands of the healthcare field.
Jose Velasco Jr., one of the successful graduates, now a cardiac sonographer at Valley Regional Medical Center, shared his experience: “The program’s hands-on approach and the close-knit support from the faculty were instrumental in our success. We were not just studying; we were actively learning how to contribute to patient care every day.”
Community Engagement and Service
Beyond academic instruction, the DMS program at TSC is deeply rooted in community service. Since 2004, the program has offered complimentary sonograms to pregnant women in the community, allowing students to practice their craft while providing a valuable service. Dr. Villanueva explains, “Our initiative creates a win-win scenario; students get practical training, while our community enjoys access to essential healthcare services.”
Expectant mothers interested in this program can contact Janet Hernandez at (956) 295-3731 or via email at janet.hernandez@tsc.edu to schedule services, which are also coordinated through the program’s Facebook page.
Implications for the Local Community
For the RGV community, the achievements of TSC’s DMS program bring promising implications. By enhancing the local job market with well-prepared healthcare professionals, TSC contributes to both economic growth and improved healthcare services in the region. Dr. Villanueva noted, “By consistently producing top-tier graduates, we ensure that our local healthcare institutions have access to skilled professionals, thereby elevating the standard of care available in the Valley.”
Commissioner Raul Ortiz, a supporter of education-driven community development, expressed his excitement, “Programs like TSC’s DMS not only empower students with viable career paths but also fortify our communities by filling essential roles in our healthcare systems. The ripple effect benefits all Valley residents.”
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the celebration, challenges surrounding sustainable growth and maintaining high educational standards remain. Balancing expansion with quality training is essential to continue meeting the demands of the evolving healthcare landscape. As TSC’s DMS program gears up for its intake of the 2026 class, with applications closing at the end of May, the focus remains on preserving these excellent outcomes.
With such successes, TSC sets a benchmark for educational excellence and community service, underscoring the transformative power of focused skill development and strategic academic-community partnerships. This milestone is a testament to the potential that comprehensive, locally-oriented education has in shaping the future of the RGV.
Getting Involved and More Information
Parents, students, and community members interested in learning more about TSC’s programs and its impact can connect through various platforms. For more details on the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, visit TSC’s academic page, or stay engaged via social media for real-time updates.
As TSC continues to forge pathways that directly benefit Valley residents and contribute to local impact, its commitment to educational excellence remains unwavering, offering a beacon of hope and progress for South Texas communities.
