Navajo Technical University

Crownpoint, NM – Navajo Technical University announced the launch of the Registered Nurse Program on January 14, 2025, including the Program Orientation afternoon session for RN students.

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, the Higher Learning Commission, and the NTU Faculty. 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 registered nurse (RN) program marks the beginning of training designed for future registered nurses. Mr. Anson Etsitty, Sr. from Many Farms, AZ, offered a traditional blessing. He began the ceremony with a cleansing prayer inside the hospitality building. The event also included songs, prayers, and a lunch for attendees.

In recent years, Dr. Michelle Kahn John, now serving as the RN Program Consultant, along with the administration, faculty, and staff at Navajo Technical University, has 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 & Leadership (HEAL). Dr. Begay worked for the Indian Health Service for 21 years, initially at 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 (AI/AN), focusing on increasing the pipeline of AI/AN students who can return to their communities to provide care.

Successful program graduates will be eligible to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Registered Nurses (RN).

Congratulations to all future nurses!
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Interested in pursuing a Nursing Assistant Certificate and/or pre-requisites for an associate degree in nursing?

For more information, contact:

Geraldine Slim
Administrative Assistant, RN Program
E: gslim@navajotech.edu

Navajo Technical University continues to honor Diné culture and language while educating people for the future.

Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
dmorgan@navajotech.edu

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Registered Nursing Blessing Ceremony

Registered Nursing Blessing Ceremony