Students in the registered nursing program at Navajo Technical University proudly enjoy the welcoming hospitality room at the university’s main campus in Crownpoint, New Mexico.

Navajo Technical University (NTU) announced recently the launch of the Registered Nurse Program. During an orientation, Dr. Cristina Carpenter, the interim director of the RN program, introduced herself and several new faculty and team members in the hospitality room. The nursing program at NTU has faced challenges in maintaining operations, which include securing approval from the New Mexico State Board of Nursing and the Higher Learning Commission. The 87-credit program is designed to be completed over four to five semesters, after which students will be prepared to serve their communities.

The nursing program faculty presented nursing kits to the students who had already been admitted. Enrollment in the program marks the beginning of training designed for future registered nurses. Mr. Anson Etsitty Sr. from Many Farms, Arizona, offered a traditional blessing. He began the ceremony with a cleansing prayer inside NTU’s hospitality building. The event also included songs, prayers, and a lunch for attendees.

In recent years, Dr. Michelle Kahn John, now serving as a consultant for the program, along with the administration, faculty, and staff at NTU, have worked diligently to reopen the nursing program. Nurses play a vital role in our nation’s healthcare system and in supporting the well-being of our communities. Notably, only 0.4% of registered nurses are Native American. Since few tribal colleges offer nursing programs, this initiative is necessary and unique.

Dr. Carpenter introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Adriann Begay, who spoke about the importance of healthcare. She is mentoring fellows based in the Navajo Nation through health, equity, action and leadership (HEAL). Dr. Begay worked for the Indian Health Service for 21 years, initially at the Salt River Clinic under the Phoenix Indian Medical Center and then for four years as a primary care provider. She also served as an urgent care physician and administrator at Gallup Indian Medical Center for 17 years. Her career is dedicated to improving healthcare for American Indians and Alaskan Natives, focusing on increasing the pipeline of Native students who can return to their communities to provide care.

Successful program graduates will be eligible to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.