WHITTIER – Throughout the spring, 16 students in their first year of Río Hondo College’s Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program volunteered at the El Monte City Drive-through COVID-19 testing station, lending a hand to efforts to combat the health crisis that immobilized much of the world.

Students began volunteering in April and continued throughout May, rotating through stations to work with nurses from Greater El Monte Community Hospital to instruct community members on testing, distribute testing materials, collect samples and educate patients.

“We applaud our students for their passion for their chosen field of study, for taking the initiative to serve our community and for demonstrating the incredible character that is a hallmark of our Río Hondo College students,” Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes said.

Río Hondo College’s two-year ADN program prepares students for employment as registered nurses. The program is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates receive an Associate of Science Degree of Nursing and are qualified to take the examination leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse. In addition to the ADN program, the College offers a transitional pathway for licensed vocational nurses to receive their ADNs.

The program has 40 students in its fundamental course, 80 students in the first year and 80 in the second year.

“For any student, donating time and services is rewarding. For a nursing student, these experiences can provide unique insights into specialized topics and everyday experiences, including ethics and clinical judgment,” said Catherine Page, dean of Health Science and Nursing. “Employers look for these experiences.”

RHC_ADN_1-2: Río Hondo College Associate Degree of Nursing students volunteer at a COVID-19 testing station at the San Gabriel Valley Airport in El Monte.