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

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.