Academics

Our VA Paid programs are integral to the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission, offering comprehensive training and educational opportunities for health professions trainees across various disciplines. These programs not only enhance the professional development of trainees but also significantly contribute to the quality of care provided to our Veterans.

Through these programs, trainees in Optometry, Social Work, Psychology, Pharmacy, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counseling (LPMHC), and Nursing Residency gain hands-on experience and specialized skills under the guidance of experienced VA professionals. This collaboration fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that our Veterans receive the highest standard of care.

The direct involvement of trainees in patient care activities helps address the healthcare needs of Veterans by increasing access to services, introducing innovative approaches to treatment, and promoting comprehensive, patient-centered care. The interdisciplinary nature of these programs encourages a holistic approach to healthcare, allowing for better coordination and integration of services.
Ultimately, our VA Paid programs play a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing the quality of healthcare for Veterans, as well as preparing the next generation of dedicated healthcare professionals committed to serving those who have served our country.

Our Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program offers new graduate nurses a supportive environment to transition from academic learning to professional practice. Through a structured curriculum, trainees develop clinical competencies, leadership skills, and confidence, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide high-quality care to Veterans. In addition to primary care, specialty rotations may include cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, gynecology, urology, orthopedics, pulmonology, sleep medicine, rheumatology, hematology/oncology, dermatology, podiatry, physical medicine and rehab, wound and ostomy, general surgery, hospital medicine, and urgent care.

Eligibility Requirements:
The ideal candidates for our Nurse Practitioner Residency Program are those who have excelled academically and come highly recommended by faculty and clinical mentors. These applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to patient-centered, team-based clinical care and be motivated to engage in practice-based learning and quality improvement. Successful candidates will exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to professionalism and ethical practice, and value interprofessional collaboration. 

Additionally, they should show engagement in leadership and leadership development while possessing a passion for primary care practice and a dedication to serving the Veteran population. We are especially seeking applicants who are eager to train and work in primary care and have a strong interest in caring for Veterans. This program is explicitly designed for nurse practitioner graduates who aspire to practice within the VA healthcare system and are committed to advancing high-quality primary care for Veterans.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Graduation within the last 12 months from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited master’s, post-master’s certificate, or doctoral nurse practitioner program.
• No prior employment as a nurse practitioner (the residency must be the applicant’s first NP position)
• Board certification in primary care as either a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP).
• Possession of an NPI number.
• A current, full, and unrestricted license as both a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner in any state, Commonwealth, or territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, before the program start date.
• U.S. citizenship.

Application Process:
The application cycle is rolling and will remain open until positions are filled. Preference will be given to graduates of local, affiliated nurse practitioner programs, including Washington State University and Gonzaga University. Interested candidates should submit all application materials in a single email to:
Sophia.Dunton2@va.gov 

Required materials include:
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Unofficial graduate school transcripts
3. Personal Statement (1–2 pages) addressing the following:

• What interests you about becoming a primary care nurse practitioner, and how have your personal, educational, or professional experiences prepared you for primary care practice?
• Your short- and long-term goals for the residency and how they align with your broader career goals and vision.
• Your interest in working with Veterans at the Spokane VA Medical Center, anticipated challenges, and what you hope to gain from working in a Veteran-focused primary care clinic within a hospital setting.
• How has your educational or professional journey been enriched through exposure to diverse people, places, or experiences, including specific examples.

Letters of Recommendation:

• One from the faculty or the program director of your graduate NP program.
• Two from individuals familiar with your clinical practice.

Program Benefits:

Residents will be eligible for full-time VA paid training and federal employee benefits

• Federal Employee Health Benefits (some plans include limited dental coverage).
• 4 hours annual leave and 4 hours sick leave biweekly.
• 11 paid federal holidays.
• No weekends, on-call, or night shift duties.
• Health Profession Trainees are not entitled to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), military leave, or Paid Parental Leave.

Program Contact Information:

Program Director

Sophia Dunton DNP, ARNP, FNP-C

Sophia.Dunton2@va.gov 

Deputy Program Director 

Sidney Trinka MSN, MN, ARNP, AGNP-C 

Sidney.Trinka@va.gov

Program Mailing Address:

Mann-Grandstaff VAMC

Primary Care NP Residency

4815 N. Assembly St.

Spokane, WA, 99205

The LPMHC program trains future counselors in providing mental health services to Veterans. Trainees receive supervision and experience in conducting individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and developing treatment plans, fostering the skills necessary for a successful career in mental health counseling.

Our Optometry program provides health professions trainees with comprehensive training in eye care. Trainees gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing a variety of ocular conditions, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide essential eye care services to our Veterans.

The Pharmacy program provides trainees with in-depth knowledge and practical experience in medication management. Trainees work closely with healthcare teams to ensure safe and effective pharmacotherapy for Veterans, enhancing their proficiency in clinical pharmacy practice.

Our Psychology program focuses on training future psychologists in both clinical and research settings. Trainees engage in evidence-based practices, including assessment, therapy, and intervention, to support the mental health and well-being of our Veterans.

The Social Work program offers trainees the opportunity to work with Veterans and their families, addressing a range of psychosocial issues. Trainees learn to develop and implement care plans, provide counseling, and connect Veterans with community resources, all while enhancing their clinical skills.

Are you interested in rotating at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center?

At Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, we offer valuable Without Compensation (WOC) academic experiences for health professions trainees. These opportunities provide hands-on experience and practical exposure in various clinical settings, fostering professional growth and development.

Trainees work alongside experienced VA healthcare professionals, gaining insight into the unique healthcare needs of Veterans. These academic experiences emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing clinical skills and comprehensive patient care knowledge.

Our commitment to educational excellence ensures that WOC trainees receive mentorship and guidance, preparing them to become compassionate and competent healthcare professionals while contributing to the high-quality care provided to our Veterans.

Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center 

Academics and Research 

4815 N Assembly Street, Spokane, WA 99205 

Phone: (ext. 7054) 

Email: SPOAcademics@va.gov