How to Get Nursing Scholarships

Registered nurses are currently the largest health care occupation in the United States, employing 2.5 million individuals. And the government predicts an additional 587,000 new nursing jobs to be added in the next several years (see Resources below). But many people looking to become nurses need financial help. Fortunately, there are many scholarship and grant opportunities for those interested in becoming nurses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Sometimes nursing candidates can qualify for grants from the U.S. Department of Education. Filling out the FAFSA will allow the government to determine if you qualify for grants to attend nursing schools (see Resources below).

2. Search the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) scholarship opportunities. The AACN is a great scholarship resource and offers extensive information about nursing careers. At this website, there are postings for nursing scholarships, grants and other funding options for prospective nursing students (see Resources).

3. Target the specific colleges of interest to you. If you have several colleges you would like to attend, talk with a career councilor. Because individual colleges have special sources of funding, including alumni and professional groups. Making an appointment with a career councilor can make you aware of those opportunities.

4. Target specialized nursing organizations. Gaining volunteer experience in specific areas, such as an oncology office, may open up additional scholarship opportunities. Organizations such as the Oncology Nursing Society offer scholarships to nursing students that demonstrate a commitment to the specialty (see Resources below).

5. Invest time in your scholarship essay. Most nursing scholarship applications require an essay. This piece of work can give you a competitive edge over the competition. Compose thoughtful, inspiring responses and keep your answers personal, so they reflect your individuality. Make sure to have friends and family proof the essay for grammar and spelling errors.

Tips & Warnings

• Search for nursing scholarships annually. As you progress through your nursing program, more scholarships and funding options may be available to you. For example, some scholarships are only offered to upper class nursing students.
• Don't forget to check out your parents' professional organizations. Often employers, professional and social organizations your parents belong to offer scholarships.

Resources

• Apply for a FAFSA Here
• Nursing School Scholarships and Grants
• Government Statistics on Nursing Careers
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Oncology Nursing Society

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Thinking about getting your degree? Find financial aid from top online colleges and find the perfect program that meets your needs.
• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.