Last updated: April 23, 2019
Registered nurses are among the most in-demand jobs of our generation. The American Nurses Association (ANA) projects that with new job growth, higher median salary rates and growing employment rates of RNs, nursing ranks as the occupation with the most annual job openings between 2012 and 2022. Considering population growth, the need for nurses is expected to contingently rise which will make nursing students more than just occupationally secure, but in a global sense, necessary.
Are you considering pursuing a career in nursing? If so, you’re among the over 3 million Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in the U.S. working towards a healthier population. The road to becoming an RN involves both classroom and hands-on experience, which help prepare you to become the best nurse you can possibly be. Use our guide to learn more about how you can qualify to be a nurse and how you can fund your college education with financial aid opportunities and nursing scholarships.
How to Qualify | How to Pay | Application Prep | Nursing Scholarships | All Scholarships
The more prepared students are within their field of study, the more they are capable of giving back to their community in the form of jobs in hospitals, nursing care facilities, physicians offices, outpatient care centers, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, residential facilities, and more.
“By 2022, Nursing employment rates are projected to increase by 20%, with over 3.5 million jobs available.”
— American Nurses Association (ANA)
Nursing employment opportunities are only expected to rise over the next few years, but before students are ready to apply to a nursing program, first they must learn how to qualify to become a nurse.
Registered nurses typically choose between three types of degree programs: obtaining a diploma in nursing, an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) which includes practical training in the field. Choosing a more advanced and intensive course load offers more possibilities for employment within a variety of post-graduate nursing careers such as teaching, administration, consulting, and various healthcare settings.
Nurses can receive credentials in pediatrics, ambulatory care, advanced practice nurses such as midwives, practitioners, and anesthetics, among many other specialized fields. The requirements for declaring specialties vary by state, but generally require at least a Master’s degree.
All states require registered nurses to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is a 6-hour test that assesses students understanding of the nursing practice. Requirements for this license may vary by state.
This app provides study questions for the NCLEX-RN licensing test. This is a valuable tool for nursing students preparing for the exam.
This app is helpful for healthcare students and professionals, because it allows users to search pills by common, physical features.
Students working to memorize names of bones and muscles of the human anatomy have this app available to them to help with memorization and identification.
This resource for student nurses has information on jobs, news, events, awards, and a blog that offers tips on ways to become the best caretaker of not only patients, but of themselves.
This website provides free training exercises and clinical decision support aids using simulation-based training elements.
Resources and tools are available through this site that are recommended by RNs practicing in the field, with everything from scholarships, to practice tests.
A site that combines the power of Twitter with Registered Nurses worldwide, offers a place to connect and share stories to publicly discuss topics pertaining to the nursing field.
This site offers a simple way to study and learn more about the nursing industry, complete with free modules, videos, tests, and more.
There are hundreds of scholarships for nursing students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by the region you reside, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid.
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: February 1, 2021
LGBTQ+ students studying nursing are eligible to apply. Students demonstrating hardship, special circumstances, leadership, and academic achievement will be considered.
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: February 2, 2021
Students pursuing a bachelor degree in strong academic standing are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students who are passionate about becoming a "change agent," and demonstrate strong community service and leadership. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Amount: $100,000
Deadline: February 6, 2021
Applicants must be enrolled in either a Masters or Doctoral program for nursing, with an interest in advancing the science and technology of the healthcare industry. Students must submit a proposal for review.
Amount: $2,700
Deadline: February 10, 2021
The scholarship awards students studying Christian ministry/youth ministry, teaching, Christian counseling, nursing or medicine. Students must graduate from a public or private high school in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades or Lee County. All High School Seniors, Undergraduates, and Graduates are eligible to apply.
Amount: up to $3,000
Deadline: February 12, 2021
Home care professionals of Vermont seeking full-time degrees are eligible for this scholarship. Students must be pursuing their RN or LPN, occupational therapy or social work to apply.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: February 15, 2021
The Good Samaritan Foundation sponsors students in good academic standing for their pursuit of a career in nursing. Applicants are asked to submit their transcript and letter of recommendation to apply.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Members of AHNA of at least one year and are working in pursuit of holistic healthcare are eligible for this award. Students will be accepted based on a research proposal.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Two students of high scholastic standing and character who have been accepted into a course of study to become a medical doctor are eligible to apply. Pre-med, veterinarian or physician assistant are not eligible. Females applicants are preferred.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: February 15, 2021
This one-time award is given to students pursuing a degree in nursing. Financial need will be considered.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 1, 2021
Nurses currently enrolled in or about to egin graduate school are eligible to apply.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 8, 2021
The Nebraska Healthcare Foundation (NHCF) awards a variety of long-term support for students pursuing degrees in nursing. Check the scholarship website for specific eligibility requirements.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 31, 2021
Undergraduate students residing in Kansas and pursuing a nursing degree are eligible. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and provide three letters of recommendation.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: April 9, 2021
The Alaska Community Foundation offer this nursing fellowship to students committed to praticing as a nurse/RN in a small community within the state of Alaska for a minimum of one year. Compassion, organization, academic leadership and community leadership will be considered. Must have a GPA of 3.0 to apply.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 15, 2021
This scholarship is endorsed by donors accredited to the film "A Nurse I Am." Winners of this award call attention to the immense dedication, compassion, intelligence and skill that nurses and other healthcare professionals demonstrate every day. Applicant must be a student who is currently enrolled in an accredited LVN/LPN, RN degree (ADN or BSN), diploma, or RN-to-BSN program.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 30, 2021
Applicants for the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program must be enrolled in a professional nursing degree program in the U.S. Must be free from overdue federal debt. Must have GED or high school diploma to apply.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 29, 2021
Students must be a resident of South Carolina, pursuing an undergraduate degree in healthcare in good academic standing. Financial need will be considered.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 30, 2021
To apply for the Minority Fellowship Program, you must be an American citizen that identifies as an underrepresented minority, enrolled full-time. Must have a Masters degree or have taken 9 credits involving mental health and/or substance abuse.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: July 15, 2021
This scholarship program is available to prelicensure students enrolled at member AACN schools.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 20, 2021
Students worldwide are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students, majoring in a science related field such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and molecular biology, are encouraged to apply. Must have a 3.0 GPA to be considered.
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