AltaMed and Partners Launch New Nursing Program to Address Workforce Needs
On October 30, 2025, AltaMed Health Services unveiled its new initiative to bolster the healthcare workforce by establishing the AltaMed Health Services School of Nursing. This program is the result of a collaborative effort involving Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) and the Annenberg School of Nursing. The launch event featured a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school's new location on AltaMed's East Los Angeles campus.
Training Future Healthcare Heroes
The creation of this nursing school is designed to address the continual need for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) within the community. AltaMed’s President and CEO, Cástulo de la Rocha, articulated the vision behind this initiative, stressing the importance of nurturing a nursing workforce that mirrors the diverse communities served by AltaMed. He stated, “From the very beginning, our vision has been to build a nursing workforce from within, one that reflects the communities we serve and carries forward the AltaMed mission.”
The new nursing school aims not only to equip individuals with the necessary skills for nursing careers but also to tackle the pressing shortage of culturally competent and bilingual healthcare professionals. This commitment is vital in providing effective healthcare services to a population that increasingly values inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
A Commitment to Quality Education
With plans to graduate over 24 nursing students within its inaugural year, the AltaMed School of Nursing endeavors to expand its curriculum according to evolving healthcare needs. Dale Surowitz, President and CEO of Los Angeles Jewish Health, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the long-term benefits of such educational initiatives. He remarked, “This program helps to create a culture where nurses in training learn to better understand the backgrounds, language, and lived experiences of their patients.”
The school is poised to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of healthcare providers, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the nuanced requirements of diverse patient groups. AltaMed is already known for its comprehensive services, including primary care, pediatrics, dental care, HIV/AIDS services, and mental health support across Los Angeles and Orange County.
Expanding Health Services
Currently, AltaMed serves over 700,000 individuals at more than 60 locations. The establishment of the nursing school aligns seamlessly with AltaMed’s overarching mission to provide high-quality health services to all, regardless of their financial means. As articulated by de la Rocha, the initiative underscores commitment to improving health outcomes in underserved communities, marking over five decades of service since the organization’s inception in 1969.
About the Collaborative Entities
The partnership that gave rise to the AltaMed Health Services School of Nursing brings together extensive expertise and networks from all involved entities. Los Angeles Jewish Health, known for its comprehensive senior healthcare services since 1912, serves approximately 4,000 individuals annually. Their experience in senior care and community-based services strengthens this initiative, ensuring that nursing education is relevant and impactful.
In collaboration, AltaMed and LAJH aim to foster a healthcare environment that prioritizes cultural responsiveness, empathy, and quality care. This initiative marks an important stride in addressing the healthcare challenges facing many communities today.
Conclusion
The launch of the AltaMed Health Services School of Nursing is not just a response to workforce shortages but a bold step toward a more inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes the unique needs of the communities it serves. As the program evolves, it promises to produce well-rounded, culturally aware healthcare professionals ready to take on the challenges of the modern medical landscape.
Training Future Healthcare Heroes
The creation of this nursing school is designed to address the continual need for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) within the community. AltaMed’s President and CEO, Cástulo de la Rocha, articulated the vision behind this initiative, stressing the importance of nurturing a nursing workforce that mirrors the diverse communities served by AltaMed. He stated, “From the very beginning, our vision has been to build a nursing workforce from within, one that reflects the communities we serve and carries forward the AltaMed mission.”
The new nursing school aims not only to equip individuals with the necessary skills for nursing careers but also to tackle the pressing shortage of culturally competent and bilingual healthcare professionals. This commitment is vital in providing effective healthcare services to a population that increasingly values inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
A Commitment to Quality Education
With plans to graduate over 24 nursing students within its inaugural year, the AltaMed School of Nursing endeavors to expand its curriculum according to evolving healthcare needs. Dale Surowitz, President and CEO of Los Angeles Jewish Health, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the long-term benefits of such educational initiatives. He remarked, “This program helps to create a culture where nurses in training learn to better understand the backgrounds, language, and lived experiences of their patients.”
The school is poised to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of healthcare providers, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the nuanced requirements of diverse patient groups. AltaMed is already known for its comprehensive services, including primary care, pediatrics, dental care, HIV/AIDS services, and mental health support across Los Angeles and Orange County.
Expanding Health Services
Currently, AltaMed serves over 700,000 individuals at more than 60 locations. The establishment of the nursing school aligns seamlessly with AltaMed’s overarching mission to provide high-quality health services to all, regardless of their financial means. As articulated by de la Rocha, the initiative underscores commitment to improving health outcomes in underserved communities, marking over five decades of service since the organization’s inception in 1969.
About the Collaborative Entities
The partnership that gave rise to the AltaMed Health Services School of Nursing brings together extensive expertise and networks from all involved entities. Los Angeles Jewish Health, known for its comprehensive senior healthcare services since 1912, serves approximately 4,000 individuals annually. Their experience in senior care and community-based services strengthens this initiative, ensuring that nursing education is relevant and impactful.
In collaboration, AltaMed and LAJH aim to foster a healthcare environment that prioritizes cultural responsiveness, empathy, and quality care. This initiative marks an important stride in addressing the healthcare challenges facing many communities today.
Conclusion
The launch of the AltaMed Health Services School of Nursing is not just a response to workforce shortages but a bold step toward a more inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes the unique needs of the communities it serves. As the program evolves, it promises to produce well-rounded, culturally aware healthcare professionals ready to take on the challenges of the modern medical landscape.
Topics Health）
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