Native American Health Sciences
About Us
Since 1995, Washington State University Spokane has been active in recruiting Native Americans students to health care fields through these two programs – a student recruitment and retention program, and a two-week summer institute for Native American high school students.
Na-ha-shnee Summer Institute
Each summer, WSU Health Sciences Spokane hosts Native American high school students for a week or more to introduce them to the health sciences programs on campus and the potential careers they can pursue. Learn More
Student Spotlights
Learn about some of our Native students!
Grace McPhail
Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Stacey Lynds
WSU College of Nursing
Michael Pham
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Native American Recruitment and Retention Program
The Native American Recruitment and Retention Program (NARR) was implemented at WSU in 1995 to increase the number of Native American nurses. The program successfully contributed to the graduation of more than 60 nurses during its first 18 years, and had recruited Native American students to pursue the highest levels of nursing degrees available (Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing). After graduation, most nurses returned to their tribes or went to work in clinical settings that predominately serve Native Americans.
Today, the NARR program has expanded its focus to increase the number of Native American students entering all health science careers.
Board Members
Learn about the Native American Health Sciences Advisory Board.
News:
Flour Sacks: A Memoir
By Naomi Bender for Washington State Magazine
Good medicine
By Brian Clark for Washington State Magazine