Indigenous Health Outreach Initiative

The Indigenous Health Outreach Initiative is both an admissions opportunity as well as a clinical rotation priority in Tribal and Indian Health Services (IHS) sites. In order to show commitment  to Indigenous health, we will extend invitations to interview to the top five scoring Indigenous Health Outreach applicants each year. While this does not guarantee admission, it is an acknowledgment of our dedication to Indigenous Health.

In order to qualify for the Indigenous Outreach Health Initiative, a prospective student must have a strong connection to Indigenous populations and have active plans to return to Indigenous Healthcare to practice as a PA.  The strong connection may be shown by one or more of the following: lived experience in a tribal community or tribal health,  work history in tribal or IHS sites, or membership in an indigenous community.

Admitted students will complete their didactic phase in Hillsboro, Oregon, with the rest of the incoming class.  Students in the Indigenous Health Outreach Initiative will have preference for the available clinical rotations in tribal and IHS sites. Rotations are subject to availability. Pacific University continually seeks out rotation sites which will provide students with quality experiences and networking opportunities.

There is no separate application for the Indigenous Health Outreach Initiative. Students are initially identified through their application materials and their stated commitment, on the Supplemental Application, to return to tribal or IHS sites following graduation to work as a PA. Please contact Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.