Scholarship News

A nursing scholarship can make your dream of becoming a nurse much more obtainable. Currently, there is a considerable shortage of nurses across the country, and that shortage is only expected to increase as the baby boomer’s reach retirement age over the next 10 to 15 years.

This situation presents an opportunity not only for new high school graduates, but also for anyone who would like a career change. The increasing demand for nurses should also provide an increase in scholarship opportunities to help fill these critical positions. Many of those who do not have the financial resources of their own for a nursing education will now have a second chance to pursue their dream by applying for a scholarship.

The first place a student should inquire is with the nursing school they plan to attend. While not all schools will have scholarships available directly through them, this is a good place to start. Those that do may require additional qualifying documentation in order to apply for the scholarship. As an example, some may require the applicant to have had a GPA of at least 3.0 while in high school. An applicant may have to submit a written essay on why they would like to study nursing. A letter of recommendation from their high school guidance counselor may be required, in addition to documentation regarding their families financial status, citizenship, and race.

Do some research on the possibility of finding scholarship, or grant programs that are sponsored by their state, or the federal government. A little diligence in the search should provide educational options that will allow the student to pursue a nursing degree.

The advantages of a grant or a scholarship are obvious. Unlike a student, or personal loan for educational expenses, a scholarship or grant does not have to be paid back. However, there may be conditions to this such as requiring the nursing graduate to work at least two years in a hospital or clinic chosen by the lending institution.

Here are a few examples where aspiring nursing students may apply for a scholarship to pay for nursing school.

The first is the Bureau Of Health Professions (BHPR), which is a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. A great many students are successful in getting scholarship assistance from this office due to the governments awareness regarding the shortage of qualified nurses across the country.

Another is the American Health Care Association Long Term Care Nursing Scholarship (AHCA). Started in 1989, this fund and has been able to help hundreds of students pursue their dream. While not as large an organization as the BHPR, they will award at least 20 or more scholarships per year to those whom they feel are most deserving.

A third suggestion would be the National Black Nurses Association. This association is designed to assist African Americans in their efforts for a better future. However, funds are limited, awarded on a case-to-case basis, and usually range from $500 to $2000.

In the corporate sector, one company that is helping to promote the nursing profession is Johnson and Johnson. They offer a specific scholarship program called Discover Nursing. Information on this program can be found at their website DiscoverNursing.com.

These few suggestions are to get you started with your scholarship search. There are many private organizations that understand the need for nurses across the country. With a little research the serious nursing candidate should be able to find numerous opportunities to apply for assistance with the funding of their nursing education.

Nursing scholarships are available, you just have to make the effort to obtain one.

Copyright 2007 Carl DiNello

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet’s most popular topics.

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