BNACTEP-STEM
The Native American Career and Technical Education (NACTEP-STEM) Program at Blackfeet Community College supports students and community members in achieving their future goals. It consists of three key elements: Criminal Justice/Legal Studies, Hydrology, and Records Information Management. The program also includes a Career Center located on the BFCC campus.
Supported Degree Programs
Health Careers
Program of Study
This program of study prepares students to provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally responsive nursing care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. The program combines nursing theory, classroom instruction, laboratory and simulation experiences, and clinical practice to develop the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment needed for professional nursing practice.
Students will study the foundations of nursing, holistic health assessment, pharmacology, essential nursing care, and medical-surgical nursing. The curriculum also includes specialized areas of nursing such as maternal and newborn care, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, care of vulnerable populations, population health, and acute and complex care of adults. Students will have opportunities to apply their knowledge through laboratory, simulation, and clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings.
The program emphasizes holistic and patient-centered care while recognizing the importance of culture, traditional health practices, diversity, and individual beliefs in healthcare. Students will develop skills in communication, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, teamwork, leadership, and ethical decision-making. Community and population health are also emphasized, preparing graduates to recognize healthcare barriers, address social determinants of health, advocate for patients and communities, and promote health and wellness.
Upper-level nursing courses build upon students' clinical knowledge and prepare them for professional practice through leadership and management, nursing research and ethics, policy and advocacy, professional growth, and empowerment. NCLEX preparation is incorporated into the curriculum to support students as they prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
The health careers program provides students with the education and clinical preparation necessary to enter the nursing profession and serve patients, families, and communities with professionalism, compassion, cultural awareness, and a commitment to quality care.
Instructor: Misty LaFranier, MSN, RN.
Criminal Justice/Legal Studies
Associates of Science & One Year Certificate
The Legal Studies A.S. Degree is designed to prepare students for a career as a Tribal Legal Advocate. Students will develop the skills necessary for legal research and writing; gain an understanding of the basics of federal, state, and tribal law; gain an understanding of Native American legal issues; and gain hands-on experience through experiential learning. In addition, students will study the Blackfeet Tribal Code to help prepare them to pass the tribal bar exam. This curriculum is designed to preserve the cultural traditions and heritage of the Blackfeet people through the integration of the Blackfeet worldview.
Instructor: David Gordon Ext. 2239.
Hydrology Technician
Associates of Science & One Year Certificate
This program provides students with the entry-level skills for a career in hydrology. Hydrologic Technicians work closely with Professional Hydrologists and/or Professional Engineers. The curriculum is designed for students to understand the major theories and practices of Hydrology. As well as to be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of essential technical and computational skills in surface and groundwater qualification and quality. Students will gain knowledge of the basic principles of hydrological processes sufficient to evaluate data, collected for accuracy; determine variances, and applicability of data to meet organizational hydrological goals and objectives.
Instructor: Cliff Hall Sr. Ext. 2807
Program Stipends
You are likely eligible for a stipend at the end of each semester if you major in one of the following programs of study:
- Hydrology Technician A.S. Degree
- Hydrology Assistant One-year Certificate
- Criminal Justice Legal Studies A.S. Degree
- Blackfeet Legal Studies One-year Certificate
- Health Careers
Career Center
The Career Center welcomes students, alumni, and community members to come in and receive valuable knowledge and skills as it pertains to relevant employment experiences. The resources that are offered in the Career Center are:
- Access to computers
- Scholarship help
- Internet
- Printing
- Application support
- Employment-focused workshops for job skills
- College Transfer Assistance
- Resume/ Cover letter help
- Career/ Job search
- Montana Career Information System (MCIS)
Annual Career Fairs
Our career fairs empower students to connect education with meaningful employment. These events facilitate valuable interactions with potential employers, aiding students in navigating career paths and making informed professional decisions. The efforts of our program aim to make a life changed for the better, a family transformed, a community uplifted, and a nation made stronger.
Staff Directory
Rachel Wells - Hoyt
BNACTEP Director
406.338.5441 ext 2242
rachel.wh@bfcc.edu