Northwest Early College senior makes history with acceptance to TTUHSC Accelerated Nursing Program
Northwest Early College senior makes history with acceptance to TTUHSC Accelerated Nursing Program
Northwest Early College High School senior Joselyn Ontiveros is ready to trade in her high school graduation cap for a set of scrubs.
The soon-to-be graduate is already charting a bold new path in healthcare and making school history along the way. Ontiveros has become the first student from NWECHS to be accepted into the prestigious Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
To earn her spot, the driven 17-year-old had to meet stringent requirements: complete 55 hours of prerequisite college coursework through El Paso Community College (EPCC), finish her associate degree before her high school graduation, maintain a minimum 3.0 college GPA, score at least an 80 on the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exam and secure a minimum ACT score of 22.
Her reward will be a bachelor's degree in nursing by age 20.
“This opportunity means everything to me,” said Ontiveros. “I’ve always known I wanted to help people and being accepted into TTUHSC’s program makes me feel like all the long nights and early mornings were worth it. I’m proud to represent Northwest in this way.”
Her path to success was fueled not only by academic excellence but by deep personal inspiration. Ontiveros credits her older sister, an operating room nurse, as a major influence on her decision to pursue nursing.
“I look up to my sister so much,” Ontiveros said. “Watching her care for patients and be such a strong presence in the OR made me realize I wanted to be part of that environment. My goal is to work at University Medical Center as a perioperative nurse.”
With her BSN in hand before the age of 21, Ontiveros will enter the healthcare field earlier than most, a testament to the rigor and unique design of the NWECHS program, which allows students to earn college credits while still in high school.
NWECHS Principal Frank Clark said Ontiveros’ achievement is more than a personal milestone, it’s a symbol of what the school strives for.
“Joselyn’s acceptance into the TTUHSC Accelerated BSN program is a shining example of what’s possible when hard work meets opportunity,” said Clark. “Our students are challenged academically and supported every step of the way. The rigor of Northwest Early College High School is designed to prepare students like Joselyn for exactly this kind of success.”
As she prepares to enter this new chapter in her life, Ontiveros remains grounded in her purpose.
“I’m excited to keep learning, keep growing and one day be the kind of nurse patients and families can depend on. This is just the beginning.”