Making RGV History: UTRGV’s First DNP Students Earn Sigma Theta Tau Honors, both from Vitality Family Medical Group

By Vitality Family Medical Group ( Author: Albert Capistran)

What if I told you two homegrown Valley nurse practitioners just made history as the first UTRGV doctoral nursing students ever inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, one of the most prestigious nursing honor societies in the world? This milestone isn’t just impressive, it’s inspiring. While serving patients, leading a thriving clinic, and supporting families, Criselda Garza Molina and Omar Longoria have reached one of the highest achievements in nursing education. And now, they stand as the first doctoral students in the Rio Grande Valley to earn this honor.

Meet Our Trailblazers

Both Criselda and Omar grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, and their stories reflect the grit and heart of this community. After more than two decades of nursing, Criselda Garza Molina is a licensed nurse practitioner who has devoted her career to chronic‑disease management, preventive care, hospice and education. She spent years directing nursing staff for home‑health agencies and caring for women’s health and surgical patients before co‑founding Vitality Family Medical Group. Today she is still a hands‑on provider and mentor while pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)

Omar Longoria, a fellow partner and co‑owner, brings nearly two decades of diverse nursing experience, including emergency medicine, medical‑surgical care, gerontology and even managing South Texas’s largest COVID‑19 unit. He was the first NICHE program director for the region’s largest hospital system and has served as a nursing director. Like Criselda, he hasn’t stopped learning; Omar is also completing his Doctor of Nursing Practice at UTRGV.

These two providers represent the highest level of nursing education available at UTRGV’s DNP program and are living proof that advanced degrees aren’t limited to big cities or far‑away universities. Their stories remind patients and aspiring nurses alike that excellence can flourish right here in the Rio Grande Valley.

What Is Sigma Theta Tau and Why Does It Matter?

Sigma Theta Tau International, founded in 1922, is more than just a prestigious honor society, it is a worldwide network of nurses dedicated to advancing global health and celebrating nursing excellence. More than 100,000 active members in over 100 countries across roughly 600 chapters are part of Sigma. Members include clinicians, educators, researchers and healthcare leaders who share a vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare. Sigma’s mission is to “develop nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere”. This mission translates into support for professional development, research funding and networking on a global scale.

Membership is by invitation, and the criteria are rigorous. For graduate students, candidates must have completed at least a quarter of their nursing curriculum, achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Undergraduate and registered nurse students must rank in the top 35 percent of their graduating class and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Nurse leaders outside of academia may be invited if they demonstrate outstanding achievement and hold at least a baccalaureate degree. These stringent requirements mean that induction into Sigma is a public recognition of scholarship, leadership and service. New members are honored in formal induction ceremonies, where they receive distinctive honor cords and are welcomed into a lifelong community.

Sigma’s presence in the Rio Grande Valley goes through UTRGV’s Pi Omicron Chapter. The UTRGV School of Nursing describes Sigma’s mission as “to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service,” and its vision as becoming “the global organization of choice for nursing”. When Criselda and Omar were inducted, they didn’t just gain access to a network of nurse leaders; they put the Rio Grande Valley on Sigma’s map, highlighting the region’s growing educational prowess.

The Power of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

To appreciate the significance of Criselda and Omar’s journey, it helps to understand the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. UTRGV launched its DNP program in Fall 2022, welcoming the first cohort of 14 students during a special ceremony. The program makes doctoral‑level nursing education accessible to professionals who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing, an RN license or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification. According to Dr. Andrya Rivera‑Burciaga, the program coordinator, a DNP changes the trajectory of a nursing career because it prepares nurses for clinical leadership, organizational leadership and healthcare policy. A DNP practices at the highest level of nursing using evidence‑based research and a systems‑level approach to improve patient outcomes.

The need for DNP‑prepared nurse practitioners is particularly acute in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Data from the Texas Workforce Commission, as cited by UTRGV, shows that nurse practitioners are the second‑fastest growing occupation in Texas, with a 10‑year growth rate of 47.7 percent; by 2026, the state is expected to have 11,707 new jobs for nurse practitioners. The Rio Grande Valley is no exception: there were about 404 nurse practitioners employed in the region in 2018, and that number is projected to increase to roughly 539 by 2028. This growth is driven by the expanding need for primary and preventive care, particularly in underserved rural and border communities. Leaders like Dr. Linda Nelson, a DNP holder and senior director of clinical operations for the UTRGV School of Medicine, note that nurse practitioners with a DNP are “highly sought after in the Valley" because they can provide comprehensive care and fill gaps in a region that faces significant health disparities.

What Makes the DNP Unique?

While a Master’s degree prepares nurses for advanced practice, a Doctor of Nursing Practice is distinguished by its emphasis on evidence‑based practice, quality improvement and systems leadership. DNPs translate scientific research into practical interventions and often lead initiatives that transform healthcare delivery. They may design and evaluate programs, influence policy at local or national levels and mentor other nurses to adopt best practices. In essence, the degree empowers nurses to think beyond individual patient encounters and to address population health—a critical skill set for regions like the Rio Grande Valley that grapple with chronic diseases, limited access to care and socioeconomic challenges.

UTRGV’s DNP program also embodies local accessibility and flexibility. It is delivered primarily online, can be completed in 2.5 years and is designed for working nurses who cannot leave their clinical roles for extended periods. This format allows people like Criselda and Omar to continue providing care while advancing their education.

Bringing Excellence Home to the Rio Grande Valley

Criselda and Omar’s induction into Sigma and their pursuit of the DNP are more than personal achievements; they symbolize a new era for healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley. Historically, our region has struggled with limited access to healthcare, high rates of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, and a shortage of healthcare providers. By elevating their education and joining Sigma’s global network, Criselda and Omar are bringing cutting‑edge knowledge and leadership back to the community.

At Vitality Family Medical Group, you may have already felt the difference. These providers have always prided themselves on giving patients the time and attention they deserve, explaining conditions in plain language and building care plans that respect cultural values.

Now, armed with doctoral‑level expertise, they can:

• Implement evidence‑based interventions that go beyond traditional treatment. For instance, DNP‑trained providers like Criselda and Omar are trained to design programs targeting chronic conditions prevalent in our community—such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity—using state‑of‑the‑art research.

• Advocate for systemic change. A DNP curriculum includes leadership and policy courses that empower nurses to influence healthcare policy and resource allocation. As Sigma members, Criselda and Omar have access to global networks that share best practices and support advocacy initiatives.

• Mentor the next generation. In Sigma, mentoring is both an expectation and a benefit. Our providers can guide students and aspiring nurses through academic challenges, helping them meet the stringent membership criteria of Sigma—such as maintaining a GPA above 3.5 for graduate students.

• Expand healthcare access. With the DNP, nurses can open their own clinics or lead care teams. Texas still requires collaboration with physicians, but the program equips nurses with the skills to manage clinics efficiently and to innovate new service lines.

By combining DNP‑level practice with Sigma’s ethos of love, courage and honor—reflected in the Greek words from which Sigma takes its name, Criselda and Omar are building a clinic that doesn’t just treat illness but inspirits wellness and community empowerment.

Why Their Achievement Should Inspire You

Seeing two familiar faces from our community achieve national recognition and the highest academic honors can ignite a spark. Here are a few reasons why their story matters—and why you should consider following in their footsteps:

1. Local Roots, Global Impact: Criselda and Omar grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and remain committed to serving here. Their success demonstrates that you don’t have to leave home to make a global impact. Sigma’s network spans more than 100 countries, and the DNP credential is respected worldwide. When locals enter these spaces, they bring the Valley’s unique perspective to the global stage.

2. Challenging the Status Quo: Many people assume doctoral education is out of reach. Yet UTRGV’s DNP program is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing working nurses to continue their practice while studying. Criselda and Omar’s journey shows that you can balance career, family and academics—and that the investment pays dividends for your patients and community.

3. Leadership and Influence: Induction into Sigma isn’t simply a nice line on a résumé. It provides access to leadership programs, research grants and networks that can elevate your career. DNPs, meanwhile, hold the qualifications needed for roles like chief nursing officer, healthcare administrator and policy advocate.

4. Closing the Health Gap: The Rio Grande Valley faces high burdens of chronic disease and limited access to care. Nurse practitioners with advanced training are uniquely positioned to address these disparities, whether through community clinics, telehealth or policy initiatives. As the Texas Workforce Commission projects, nurse practitioners will continue to be in high demand.

Tips for Aspiring Nurses

If reading about Criselda and Omar sparks your interest in nursing or higher education, consider these steps:

• Start with a solid foundation: Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and excel academically. Sigma requires that undergraduate students rank in the highest 35 percent of their class and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.

• Seek mentorship: Connect with local nurses, nursing faculty or Sigma members. Mentorship can help you navigate course selections, clinical rotations and professional development.

• Pursue graduate education: If you’re already a nurse, explore master’s programs (such as a Master of Science in Nursing) that prepare you for advanced practice. Keep your GPA high—Sigma’s graduate membership criteria require at least a 3.5 GPA.

• Join professional organizations: The UTRGV School of Nursing hosts a Student Nurse Organization and encourages students to engage with Sigma and the Texas Nursing Association. These organizations provide leadership opportunities, community service projects and scholarships.

• Focus on service: Sigma values leadership and service as much as scholarship. Volunteer in community health initiatives, mentor younger students and look for ways to lead quality-improvement projects in your workplace.

Our Commitment to Community Health

At Vitality Family Medical Group, we believe that great healthcare begins with community. We work, live and raise our families here. By investing in education and professional development, we’re also investing in you—our patients. But excellence in education is only part of the equation. Great healthcare also requires partnership between patients and providers.

Here are a few ways you can be part of this journey:

• Stay informed. Read articles, attend community health events and ask questions during your visits. The more you understand about your own health, the more empowered you become.

• Partner with your provider. If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, schedule regular visits and work collaboratively on a care plan. DNP‑trained providers like Criselda and Omar integrate the latest evidence into personalized treatment strategies.

• Invest in your wellness. Incorporate preventive measures—healthy eating, exercise and stress management—into your daily routine. The Rio Grande Valley has ample parks, trails and farmers’ markets to help you live well.

• Encourage others. Share this story with friends, family or students who might be considering a career in healthcare. Inspiration is contagious!

A Friendly Reminder

While our blog aims to inspire and inform, it does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your health or starting new treatments. Each individual’s health situation is unique, and working closely with a provider ensures that your plan is tailored to your needs.

Call to Action

Explore UTRGV’s DNP program, seek mentorship, join organizations like Sigma and, most importantly, believe that you can achieve greatness without leaving home. If you’re one of our patients or neighbors, celebrate this milestone with us and enjoy the benefits of having DNP‑prepared, Sigma‑honored nurse practitioners caring for you.

Ready to take control of your health? Contact Vitality Family Medical Group to schedule your next visit. Whether you need preventive care, chronic disease management or simply a partner in wellness, we’re here to help. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger Rio Grande Valley, one success story at a time.

Vitality Family Medical Group

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References

Sigma Theta Tau International. (n.d.). Student membership criteria. Sigma. https://www.sigmanursing.org/why-sigma/sigma-membership/apply-now/student-membership-criteria 

Sigma Theta Tau International. (n.d.). Sigma organizational fact sheet. Sigma. https://www.sigmanursing.org/why-sigma/about-sigma/sigma-organizational-fact-sheet 

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. (2022, August 31). UTRGV now offering Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The Newsroom. https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2022/08/31-utrgv-now-offering-doctor-of-nursing-practice-degree.htm 

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing. (n.d.). Nursing organizations. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. https://www.utrgv.edu/nursing/resources/nursing-organizations/index.htm 

Vitality Family Medical Group. (n.d.). Medical providers. Vitality Family Medical Group. https://www.vitalityfamilymedicalgroup.com/medicalproviders