Located within the School of Nursing at the University of Alaska Anchorage, RRANN's purpose is to increase the number of Alaska Natives and American Indians graduating with an Associate of Applied Science or Baccalaureate of Science Degree from UAA. In 1996, Alaska Native/American Indians made up only 1.5% of the nursing workforce in Alaska, contrast to their being 16% of the population - confirming the fact that Alaska Native/American Indians are substantially unrepresented in Alaska's workforce. Although there is still a nation-wide shortage of nurses working in hospitals and clinics, the shortage is near crisis in Alaska and especially in the rural and more remote communities.
RRANN is dedicated to encouraging personal growth, within an academic setting that recognizes individual strengths and cultural diversity. Alaska Native and American Indians interested in enrolling at UAA and seeking a degree in nursing are eligible to receive college preparation counseling from RRANN.
