NOE Database published an article referencing 101 nursing school related scholarships. Although, original article was published March 2008, many scholarships are still active. Have you applied?
101 Little Known Scholarships for Nurses
For anyone pursuing a career in a medical field, the reality of the high cost of education can take a heavy toll, especially for those juggling their career goals with the needs of their children and family. With a shortage of nurses making many hospitals and healthcare centers across the nation desperate to hire well-qualified and trained nurses, nursing has become a stable and profitable career option for many. Those looking to tap into this veritable smorgasbord of job opportunities can help offset the initial educational costs through a variety of grants and scholarships offered through private organizations, corporations and even the government.
Here are 101 different scholarships that are out there designed just to help those entering the nursing and healthcare professions. With the cost of education taken care of or reduced, students will be able to concentrate on becoming a caring and competent nurse without the heavy financial burden to distract them.
General Undergraduate Scholarships
If you’re unsure of a specialization or just want to get a little extra help towards tuition, check out these scholarships.
- American Quarter Horse Foundation Nursing Scholarship: Future nursing students who are members of the AQHA can get a little help with their tuition through the scholarship program offered by the organization. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, academic merit, equine involvement and civic activities. Students will be able to pursue their interest in nursing while staying true to their love of horses.
- Health Occupations Students of America Scholarships: For students looking to get their basic training or advanced degrees in health care, HOSA offers them financial assistance. Students must complete an application form and supply letters of reference and transcripts to be eligible for the award. Students who engage in leadership activities in their communities and fields will be given preference for the award.
- Miriam Fay Furlong Grant: Members of the Alpha Tau Delta Professional Fraternity for Nurses can apply for this award. Payouts are usually around $1,000. To be considered for the grant a student must be a current nursing student in their junior or senior year of study.
- Lydia’s Professional Uniforms Scholarship: This leading supplier of health care apparel offers students the chance to get additional financial assistance through a partnership scholarship with the AACN. Students in their junior year of study in a BSN program can submit a short essay, GPA requirements, and an application to be considered for this $2,500 scholarship.
- Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution: Undergraduate students in a nursing program can apply to win one of ten $500 scholarships from the DAR. The awards are renewable for all four years the student is in attendance. Students must not only complete an application but also get the endorsement of their local chapter of the DAR.
- Global Scholarship Alliance Nurse Leaders for America Scholarship Program: This program offers students the chance to enter into a work/study program. Applicants can be U.S., Canadian and international registered nurses with at least one year of experience, and must be in need of a fully funded BSN or MSN scholarship. Work must be completed at accredited U.S. nursing schools with multi-year employment at U.S. health care institutions. Upon graduation, students must complete a period of service. The award covers all expenses, fees and books as well as a laptop computer.
- Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Scholarship: The FNSNA offers many different scholarships for nursing and pre-nursing students including those from minority and underrepresented groups. Scholarships range from $1,000-$2,500 and the selection is based on academic merit, financial need, involvement in nursing student organizations and work in community health care activities.
- Western Governors University WGU Future of Nursing Scholarships: Nursing students looking to attend many of their classes online can benefit from this scholarship from WGU. Applicants must currently hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and be interested in getting higher level degrees in the field of nursing. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the financial need of the student, and can be spread out over the duration of study.
- Campus RN Scholarship Fund: Students in any state with a CampusRN site can apply for a scholarship through this program. One nursing student with a financial need for assistance will win a $1,000 scholarship on the anniversary of the launch of that state’s site. So far, 27 states are included in the program.
- The Louise Held Nursing Award: This grant program is available to students who are working towards their BS degree in nursing. The initial grant amount is $2,500, but can be renewed to total up to $12,500. To apply, students must complete an application and submit an essay, letters of recommendation and an offer of employment from select LA area medical centers.
- American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Family Scholarship Program: This $2,000 renewable scholarship is awarded to 13 promising high school seniors each year. To be eligible, students must be a child or dependent grandchild of an AFSCME member. Students must also complete an essay, submit ACT scores, high school transcripts and letters of recommendation.
- CrossLites Scholarship Contest: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students can apply for this scholarship from CrossLites founder Dr. Parker. Students must submit an essay based on one of Dr. Parker’s quotes which will be scored by a panel and then opened up to public voting. The winner will get a $1,500 scholarship to put towards their education.
- Elizabeth Garde Nursing Scholarship: The Danish Sisterhood awards this scholarship to one of their members, or the son or daughter of a member, who seeks to maintain and preserve Danish traditions for the future. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college at the undergraduate or graduate level to be eligible to receive this $850 scholarship.
- International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons Health Careers Scholarship: The IOKDS is dedicated to training its members for a life of Christian service. This scholarship encourages students to do this service through nursing or another health care field. Applicants to the program must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study to qualify for the $1,000 award.
- Putting Nurses First Rue Education LPN to RN Scholarship: This community outreach program is designed to help busy working nurses earn their ASN or BSN degrees. The program aims to help students ease the financial burden of education and maintain a steady income. The scholarship will cover most of the student’s expenses and ranges from $4,250 to $7,225 depending on the needs of the student.
- Health Careers Foundation: The Health Careers Foundation provides financial assistance to students pursuing studies in nursing and other health care fields. Students should be advised that the awards come as both scholarships and loans depending on the situation.
Graduate Study Scholarships
Higher level nursing education can be more affordable than you thought with these great scholarships and grants.
- Nurses’ Educational Fund: This nonprofit organization gives out a variety of funds to RNs who are looking to earn a graduate degree. To qualify for the awards, students must be currently working registered nurses, a member of a professional nursing association, a US citizen and enrolled in an upper level nursing education program. Award amounts vary by recipient.
- Monster Healthcare/AACN Nursing Faculty Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students who are enrolled full-time in a doctoral nursing program and intend to pursue nursing faculty careers. Upon graduation, recipients are required to serve in a teaching capacity at a nursing school for a minimum of one year for each year of support received. The $25,000 award is substantial and provides part-time employment and health benefits as well.
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Foundation Scholarship and Grant Program: Members of the AANP who are currently enrolled in a Master’s or doctoral program in nursing can qualify for a scholarship or grant through this organization. MS students can win up to $1,000 towards their education and post-MS students $1,500.
- American Nurses Association Minority Fellowship Program: This program provides recipients with an annual stipend and tuition assistance for three to five years. The amount differs according to each student. The fellowships are available to minority students who are looking to pursue advanced degree programs in nursing. Applicants must be an ANA member and be working in the treatment and prevention of mental illness and substance abuse.
- Philippine Nurses Association of America: Current members of the PNAA can apply to win one of these $1,000 scholarships. Students must be pursuing a nursing degree at the Master’s, Post-Master’s or Doctoral level and be of Philippine descent.
Minority Scholarships
For those who are members of just about any minority group, there are numerous programs available to help ease the financial burden of pursuing a nursing career.
- National Black Nurses Association Scholarship: African American nursing students who are current members of the NBNA and have at least one year of school remaining in their BSN, ADN, diploma or LPN/LVN nursing programs qualify for this scholarship. Applicants will need to complete an essay, provide transcripts and get letters of recommendation to apply for the award.
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Scholarship : This scholarship provides undergraduate and graduate aid for Alaska Native/American Indian students pursuing an education in the health care field. To be eligible, students much be a full-time student and a permanent Alaskan resident. Scholarships are worth $5,000 and students must submit transcripts to be considered.
- ExceptionalNurse.com Scholarship: For nursing students with a disability, this site will provide a $250-500 award. Both graduate and undergraduate students can apply and must have demonstrated a desire to work with others who have disabilities.
- Minority Nurse Magazine Scholarship Program: Nursing students of racial and ethnic minorities who are US citizens and in their third or fourth year of an BSN program, or students in an otherwise approved accelerated program, are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students can expect awards to fall between $500 and $1,000.
- National American Arab Nurses Association Scholarship: Through this organization, scholarships are available to students who are currently pursuing a nursing degree, working nurses, or students who are looking to transfer into a nursing program. Students must submit applications and will be judged by a panel in order to win. Scholarships are awarded in $500 and $1,000 values.
- Indian Health Service Scholarship Program: Through this program, undergraduate and graduate nursing scholarships are offered for full and part-time American Indian and Alaska Native students who are members of a federally recognized tribe. Students can get scholarships in specialties like psychiatric, geriatric, women’s health, pediatrics, nurse anesthetist and nurse practitioner. Nurses currently employed by the IHS are given priority. Upon graduation, recipients must agree to serve one year in an IHS facility.
- Adolph Van Pelt Scholarship: The Association on American Indian Affairs offers this scholarship based on need and merit. Award amounts are between $500 and $800 and can be renewed for up to four years. Recipients must be of American Indian or Native Eskimo descent .
- Chi Eta Phi Sorority Aliene Carrington Ewell Scholarship: African American students who are working on their undergraduate degree in nursing are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students will have a chance to win a part of $50,000 that is given away annually to qualified students.
- Japanese American Citizens League Scholarship Program: Members of the JACL can apply for health care based scholarships through this funding program. Applicants must be planning to attend, or currently attend college and must fill out an application form, personal statement, test records and a letter of recommendation.
- A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship: The American Indian Science and Engineering Society offers this healthcare scholarship in honor of chemical engineer A.T. Anderson of the Mohawk tribe who founded the organization along with seven other leading Native American scientists. The scholarship is awarded to students who are of Native American or Alaskan descent who plan to pursue studies in medicine or other science related fields. The award amount varies and recipients are decided based on GPA and academic merit.
- BET /Emerge Publications Scholarship: African American students with at least one year of school remaining in their B.S.N., A.D., Diploma or L.P.N./L.V.N. nursing program can apply for this award. Because the award is issued in partnership with with NBNA, students must be a member of a local chapter, if one exists. Applicant must have at least one full year of school remaining and be in good academic standing to qualify for this $2,000 award.
- Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Awards: Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic is dedicated to helping those who have difficulty reading standard print get the resources they need. Through this organization, students who are high school seniors and who have documented learning disabilities can get funding for their nursing education.
- American Assembly for Men in Nursing Scholarship: The AAMN and Johnson & Johnson’s Campaign for Nursing’s Future have partnered to create this scholarship to encourage men to enter the field of nursing. Men who are seeking a pre-RN licensure or graduate degree in nursing can apply for this $1,000 scholarship.
- Abe and Ester Hagiwara Student Aid Award: This award is given out each year to a student that has a great financial need for scholarship assistance. Students must be Japanese American to be eligible for the award.
- Hispanic Nurses Association Scholarship: Students who are of Hispanic origin can apply for this nursing scholarship award. Students must submit their test scores and transcripts to be considered, and the monetary amount of each award varies by student.
Government and Military Scholarships
If you have to pay taxes, you might as well get something back from it in the form of these government sponsored scholarships and grants.
- Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources: Students working towards their BSN or MSN degrees can get financial assistance through the PHS Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern programs. Eligible students will be in their final year of nursing school and will be required to fulfill a service obligation to the Public Health Service. Award amounts vary widely depending on the student and the circumstances.
- Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions Nursing Scholarship Program: Full or part-time nursing students who are currently enrolled or accepted into any level of nursing program can apply for this award. Students must U.S. citizens or nationals and be willing to commit to at least two years service at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses. The award will cover the costs of tuition, fees, books and give students an additional monthly stipend.
- Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps Nursing Scholarships: The US Air Force offers enlisted students three and four year scholarships to pursue degree programs in health care. In order to qualify for the award, recipients must serve 45 days of active duty in the Air Force while on scholarship and one the degree is obtained the student must serve one year of active duty for each year of scholarship support received. The scholarship usually covers the cost of tuition, fees, and books and gives students a monthly allowance to help cover living expenses.
- Army Nurse Corps Nurse Anesthetist Scholarships: Those looking to pursue careers in anesthesiology might be able to benefit from this program offered through the army. The scholarship requires a 54-month active duty service obligation but will provide students with full tuition plus full army pay.
- Army ROTC Nurse Program Scholarships: U.S. citizens who are willing to enroll with the campus division of the ROTC can earn a two, three or four year scholarship for undergraduate nursing study. The amount each student will get varies, but the scholarship covers tuition, books, fees and some living expenses.
- Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps: The Navy provides scholarships to students pursuing a BSN degree at an approved NROTC college or university. In exchange for a scholarship that covers tuition, books and some living expenses, students must work as commissioned as officers in the Navy Nurse Corps. Students must be between the ages of 17 and 23 and be no older than 27 when the degree is completed.
- Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program: This privately funded scholarship is intended to benefit those who are veterans who were disabled in the line of duty or who are the sons or daughters of a veteran who died or was disabled. Additional circumstances apply, including those who lost family in the September 11 attacks. In order to be eligible, students must be enrolled at a Maryland college as a full time undergraduate or graduate student. The scholarship provides students with an $8,000 award.
- M.D. “Jack” Murphy Memorial Nurses Training Fund: Missouri residents under the age of 21 who are studying to be nurses can apply for this award. Applicants must be unmarried and have a relative who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard for at least 90 days to be eligible. The award is for $750 and is renewable.
- Marguerite McAlpin Memorial Scholarship for Nursing: This foundation gives out one scholarship to a graduate or undergraduate student who is training in the field of nursing. In order to qualify for the award, the applicant must be the child or grandchild of a veteran or have served in the Armed Forces. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of character, financial need, scholastic history, reference letters, and a statement expressing applicant’s desire for education.
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute: The US Department of Energy supports these scholarships designed to give Hispanic students financial assistance in attending an accredited college. Awards are available for current college students or those still in high school.
Organ and Disease Specific Scholarships
For those who know where their interests lie in nursing, these programs can provide some extra cash to help reach those goals.
- American Cancer Society Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree Scholarships in Cancer Nursing: Those interested in pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in cancer nursing can earn additional funds towards their education with this scholarship program from the ACS. Master’s students can win up to $10,000 for two years and PhD students up to $15,000 for four.
- American Legion Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Nursing Scholarship Fund: This $2,500 award is available to RNs who are pursuing advanced degrees in nursing supervision, administration or teaching. In order to be eligible, nurses must have full-time employment prospects in a position directly related to lung and respiratory control upon graduation.
- Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. RN General Education Scholarship: This scholarship is for students pursuing education to become an RN and they must currently be enrolled full-time in an accredited nursing program. Scholarship is given as a $2,500 reimbursement after successful completion of the fall term. Students must have a good GPA and submit letters of recommendation and transcripts to be considered.
- Oncology Nursing Society Foundation- Masters and Post-Master Nurse Practitioner Certificate Scholarships: Licensed RNs who want to pursue a career in oncology nursing and who are currently enrolled in or applying to a master’s degree nursing program or post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate program can apply for this award. The prize is $3,000 and two scholarships given each year go to minority students.
- American Nephrology Nurses Association Career Mobility Scholarships: ANNA members who are pursuing a BSN or advanced degree in nursing should give winning this award a shot. To be eligible for the $2,000 prize, the nurse must be an ANNA member for at least two years and be currently employed in nephrology nursing.
- Oncology Nursing Society Foundation- Oncology Nursing Certificate Corporation Bachelor’s Scholarship: For those interested in pursuing a nursing career specializing in cancer patient care, this scholarship can help provide undergraduate students with additional funding. Students must currently be enrolled in a BSN nursing program to be eligible for this $2,000 award.
Specialty Scholarships
Those with a particular interest in a specialty nursing field can check out some of these helpful scholarships.
- American Health Care Association Long Term Care Nurse Scholarship: The James D. Durante Scholarship provides students with a means to advance their careers in nursing. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply an 20 scholarships will be awarded. To be eligible, students must work for an AHCA/NCAL-member long term care facility.
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses Educational Advancement Scholarships: AACN members can take advantage of this scholarship program to work towards their BSN or graduate degrees in critical care nursing. Funds supplied by the scholarship vary on an individual basis. To be eligible, students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and be currently enrolled in a degree program. Half of the scholarship funds are set aside for those of minority groups and any award money can be used towards books, supplies, fees and tuition.
- American Association of Neuroscience Nurses- Neuroscience Nursing Foundation Scholarship: Students working towards their undergraduate or graduate degrees in nursing with a specialization in neuroscience can get up to $1,500 in tuition assistance through this program. Students must be currently registered nurses to be eligible
- National Association of School Nurses Scholarship: Members of the NASN will be eligible to win one of these scholarships each year. A $500 Lillian Wald Research Award is given out to a nurse who is pursuing study in the field of school health practice, education of school nurses, or the study of school nursing.
- Dr. Hildegard E. Peplau Scholarship: This scholarship is offered through the APNA and is open to students and RNs who are currently enrolled in an NLN- accredited program in nursing. To apply, 3 essays must be submitted on topics which are chosen by the board. Minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
- American Academy of Nursing/John A. Hartford Foundation: This program helps to provide pre-doctoral scholarships for nurses who want to pursue careers in geriatric nursing. Applicants must be RNs, U.S. citizens or permanent residents and identify a mentor with whom they will work. The award is substantial at $50,000 a year for up to two years.
- American Holistic Nurses Association Charlotte McGuire Scholarship Program: The amount of this award varies depending on the available funds but all AHNA members who are pursuing additional education can apply to win. Students must be currently enrolled in a degree program and must be focused on holistic nursing as a career to be eligible
- Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships: The ENA offers various undergraduate and graduate scholarships to nursing students who have been ENA members for at least one year through there are some scholarships that are open to nonmembers as well. The award ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the student and circumstances.
- American Association of Homes for the Aging Nurse Education Scholarship: the AAHA awards 16 scholarships each year to nurses who seek further education toward LPN, RN, or BSN status. In order to qualify, nurses must work in an AAHA member facility and pledge to work for one year in the field of long-term care nursing after completing their education.
- American Association of Occupational Health Nurses: Occupational and environmental health professionals are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Award amount vary from $1,000 to $1,500 and have different sponsors like Bristol Meyers Squibb and Edwards Medical Supply. Candidates must currently be employed in the occupational or environmental health fields and plan to continue a career in that specialization.
- Bethesda’s Developmental Disabilities Scholarship for Lutheran Nursing Students: Sophomore students can apply for this award which is designed to help encourage Lutheran nursing students to pursue careers in developmental disabilities. To be eligible for the award, applicants must be members of a Lutheran church, have achieved sophomore status at an accredited school or completed one year of study in a two-year ADN program. The award is $1,500.
- Charles Kunz Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship: This ENA related scholarship is designed to help and encourage students to pursue study in the field of emergency health services. The scholarship is awarded to a nurse (RN, LPN or LVN) who is pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing and is given out in the amount of $4,000.
- Journal of Emergency Medical Services Elsevier Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to EMTs and EMT-Paramedics who want to pursue a nursing degree. The scholarship winner will also be awarded a complimentary one-year ENA membership. The scholarship is given out in the amount of $5,000.
- American Journal for Nurse Practitioners Student Scholarship Award: The AJNP sponsors this scholarship grant in collaboration with ACNP. The recipient receives a year-long membership in ACNP as well as a $1,000 scholarship. The recipient will also receive a complementary registration to the Annual National Clinical Symposium and a maximum of $750 to defer travel and lodging expenses so that the student will be able to travel to receive the award.
State Scholarships
Nursing students can get a little help from their home state for educational funding with these generous scholarship programs.
- The California Endowment/AACN Nurse Faculty Scholarship: Students from underrepresented minority groups who have entered into graduate programs in nurse education may qualify for this award. Additionally, applicants must be California residents accepted or enrolled at a school that will agree to provide at least a 25% match of the student’s tuition. Graduates who receive aid must agree to serve in a teaching capacity at a nursing school in California for a minimum of one year for each year of support received. The award provides up to $18,000 plus leadership training.
- Maria Dolores Hernandez Fund: Applicants to this program must have an existing associate’s degree or diploma in nursing, as well as licensure as a registered nurse in California, and be eligible for admission to CSUF as a nursing major. In order to apply for the scholarship, students must undergo a nomination process, provide references, and meet individual criteria. The award provides tuition reimbursement for 4 full-time semesters or 7 part-time semesters including a book or computer stipend.
- Delaware Nursing Incentive Program: This program is open to Delaware residents who are full-time nursing students in a RN or LPN program. This is a loan, renewable for up to three years, and which cannot exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Student do not have to repay this load in they are willing to work at a state-owned hospital or clinic for one year for each year they were given a loan.
- Kansas Board of Regents Nursing Service Scholarship: This award is for Kansas residents who are accepted or enrolled in a Kansas nursing program as a full-time student. To get the award, students must agree to practice as an RN or LPN in Kansas upon graduation. Additionally, applicants must find a sponsoring health care facility to provide some scholarship funding and full-time employment after graduation.
- Maryland Higher Education Commission State Nursing Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant: This scholarship is for both full-time and part-time students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate nursing programs in Maryland. Applicants must be Maryland residents and must agree to serve as a full-time nurse in Maryland upon graduation. Awards will cover some tuition and living expenses costs.
- Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning Nursing Education Loan Scholarship Program: This award provides scholarships for nursing students pursuing BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN or PhD degrees and who are Mississippi residents attending a Mississippi school. Recipients must agree to work as a nurse in Mississippi upon graduation. There is also an additional Nursing Teacher Stipend Program for graduate students who agree to teach at an accredited nursing school in Mississippi.
- National Health Service Corps: Graduate-level nursing students who are enrolled or accepted into a family nurse practitioner or nurse-midwifery program can apply for this award. Upon graduation, recipients must agree to serve in a health professional shortage area identified as having the greatest need for at least two years.
- North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority Nurse Education Scholarship-Loan Program: To apply for this award, students must go through the financial aid offices of participating North Carolina colleges and universities offering nurse education programs at the LPN or RN level. Students have the option of repaying the loan with cash or by providing service to the state of North Carolina as a nurse.
- Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program: Papa Ola Lokahi, Inc provides this scholarship which gives financial support to Native Hawaiian students pursuing careers in selected health professions. Upon graduation, recipients must provide one year of full-time service to Native Hawaiian populations of greatest need for each year support was given. Scholarships cover all educational expenses and provide an additional monthly stipend.
- State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana Nursing Scholarship Fund Program: Indiana residents who are financially needy full- or part-time students attending a participating nursing school in Indiana will be eligible for this award. Additionally, students must agree to work in an Indiana health care setting for at least two years after graduation.
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Professional Nursing Scholarships: Applicants must be Texas residents who are attending a Texas college or university in a nursing program. Students must register for the Selective Service or be exempt from this requirement to apply and some scholarship funds are targeted to students from rural communities and graduate students.
- Albert E. and Florence W. Newton Nurse Scholarship: This scholarship provides financial assistance to those wishing to pursue degrees in nursing. It is a renewable scholarship open only to Rhode Island residents who are licensed RNs seeking baccalaureate or graduate nursing degrees; juniors or seniors in baccalaureate nursing programs; second or third year students in a three-year nursing program; or students in a two-year associate degree nursing program at a Rhode Island school.
- Good Samaritan Foundation Scholarship: To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must be enrolled at a nursing program in Texas, be a Texas resident and agree to work in the state of Texas as a nurse after graduation.
- Marsha’s Angels Scholarship Fund: Scholarship applicants for this award must demonstrate the desire to help others and for quality patient care. Scholarships will be awarded to students entering their first year of an accredited nursing program. Those living in Sedgwick County, Kansas may use the scholarship to attend a nursing program anywhere in the United States. Those living elsewhere in the United States may use the scholarship to attend a nursing program in Sedgwick County or to attend St. Luke’s College in Kansas City, Missouri, Marsha Yarnell’s alma mater.
Pediatric and Neonatal Scholarships
For those interested in working primarily with children and babies, there are many scholarships out there that can help you to do so.
- American College of Nurse-Midwives Foundation Basic Midwifery Student Scholarship: This scholarship is available to members of the ACNM who are enrolled in an basic midwifery education program. To be eligible, the student must have successfully completed one academic or clinical semester/quarter or clinical practice.
- National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Foundation McNeil Rural Scholarship: This scholarship can be awarded in amounts up to $40,000 and is available to RNs accepted into a master’s or post-master’s pediatric nurse practitioner program. Applicants must have at least one year of previous work experience in pediatrics, be a member of NAPNAP and agree to practice in an undeserved rural setting for the first two years after completion of studies.
- Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Scholarship: The AWHONN awards education fellowships to nurses who have been full or associate member for at least one full year prior to the year of application, and who are pursuing a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing. Fellowship amounts vary depending on the student and their degree program.
- March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarships: This scholarship program is open to currently working RNs who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs in maternal-child nursing. Applicants must be a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses or the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses to be considered. Awards are valued at $5,000.
- Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society Scholarship: Those looking to further their studies in endocrine and growth disorders, nursing research, and current issues in nursing can apply for this award. Applicants must be PENS members and must submit an article for publication to the organization. The awards are $1,000 each.
- OVATION Neonatal Nursing Career Path Scholarship: In partnership with OVATION pharmaceuticals, the NANN offers these scholarships to help students pursue education in neonatal nursing. Two scholarships are awarded each year which can be put towards any educational costs.
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Nursing Commitment to Employment and Study Program: The Children’s CHANCES scholarship provides tuition assistance to qualified candidates interested in a career in pediatric nursing. Applicants must be accepted into a nursing program and will be committed to work as a RN for Children’s for 18 months for each academic year of support received. Recipients will full tuition coverage up to $16,000 per year, for up to two years.
- Foundation for Neonatal Research and Education Scholarships: Six scholarship opportunities will be awarded to neonatal nurses who are officially admitted to a college or school of higher education for one a BSN, MSN or Doctoral program in neonatal nursing. Applicants must be a working neonatal nurse and must not have received an FNRE scholarship or grant in the past five years. Awards amounts vary.
Anesthesia and Surgical Scholarships
The training required to work in surgery and anesthesia is often quite complicated. Students can get the financial burdens taken off their minds with these scholarships.
- Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Foundation Career Mobility Scholarship Award: Students who have been a member of AMSN for at least one year and are currently enrolled in a LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, BSN-to-MSN or MSN-to-doctorate program can earn this award. It is given out in $500 amounts.
- American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses: Nurses who have been working as PeriAnesthesia specialists with at least two years of ASPAN membership and who want to go back to school can apply for this award. It can be awarded to those seeking BSN, MSN and doctoral degrees and gives students $1,000 to put towards educational expenses.
- Association of Operating Room Nurses: The AORN provides a variety of scholarship opportunities for perioperative nurses who are enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree programs. Applicants must also have been an active AORN member for at least one year though smaller dollar amount awards are available to non-members.
Corporate and Business Scholarships
Get a little back from these corporate and business sponsored scholarship programs.
- MediCorp Health System Health Career Scholarship Program: This program is open to seniors beginning their final year of an accredited BSN or CRNA program. Recipients must agree to a two-year work commitment with MediCorp Health System after graduating but will receive money for tuition, fees, housing and books.
- Anthony J. Janetti Nursing Scholarship: To be eligible for this award, applicants must have been RNs employed for at least one year with a Banner Health facility in a full-time position. They must also be accepted into a related degree-granting program in an accredited institution, either part-time or full-time, and must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The student must be willing to commit to working one year at a Banner Health facility following award of the scholarship.
- Pfizer Postdoctoral Fellowship in Nursing Research: Research is expensive, but post-doctoral nursing students can get a leg up with this program from drug giant Pfizer. Research must be performed at an educational institution, a private research facility, or government agency in the US with a mentor. The award grants students $65,000 a year for up to two years.
- Tylenol Brand Health Professionals Scholarship Fund: Applicants to this scholarship program must be pursuing an undergraduate course of study. Awards are doled out in the amounts of $10,000 and $1,000.
- American Mobile Healthcare Annual Scholarship Program: In partnership with RN.com, AMH offers these scholarships to BSN and MSN students. Candidates must be current travel nurses with American Mobile Healthcare who have completed 26 assignment weeks with the company and be pursuing a BSN or MSN degree. Applicants must also provide letters of reference and complete an essay to win this $2,000 award.
- Christiana Care Health Systems Scholarship: This scholarship program offers financial assistance to students currently enrolled in nursing and select health programs. Scholarships cover tuition and textbook costs and are offered in return for a commitment to work for Christiana Care after graduation. It does not apply for students working towards a BSN or MSN degree.
- Clinique Nursing Scholarship: Clinique has partnered up with select nursing schools to offer tuition assistance to students entering the nursing field. Student who receive the scholarship will be required to work at least part time with Clinique following graduation. The award is given out in the amount of $6,000.
- HCR Manor Care Nursing Scholarship Program: Up to 60 scholarships are awarded each year to students through HCR Manor Care, Inc. recipients of the awards will be expected to work part-time for HCR Manor Care while attending school full-time. Funds are awarded based on the cost of tuition and lab fees and will vary by student. Upon graduation, the student is required to work for HCR Manor Care for a period of time that will be specified beforehand.
- Inova Special Nursing Career Scholarship Program: Inova employees who show high potential can earn the chance to win one of these scholarships. The program is open to college juniors and seniors, students enrolled in specially designated nursing programs, and Inova nurses working on an advanced degree. The scholarships will cover all tuition costs for the student in exchange for a two-year, full time, work commitment at Inova Health system upon graduation.
- Norton Healthcare Scholar Program: This scholarship program is designed for nursing students who are studying full time in either an Associate or a Bachelor degree program in nursing. To receive the award which is used to cover tuition, books and living expenses, students must work in a Norton Healthcare hospital after graduation. For every $500 received in scholarship, the student must work one month following graduation.