Last updated: January 07, 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: $3,000
Deadline: January 21, 2019
Full time students enrolled in a healthcare program are eligible to apply for this award. Student’s training must be in a field related to intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: February 5, 2019
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: $5,000
Deadline: February 4, 2019
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: $5,000
Deadline: February 15, 2019
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: up to $3,000
Deadline: June 30, 2019
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: Varies
Deadline: February 15, 2019
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: $15,000
Deadline: February 20, 2019
Applicants who have shown compassion and strong promotion to a peaceful world are eligible for this award. Must be a U.S. resident.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 31, 2019
This sponsored scholarship is awarded each year to one non-traditional full-time student pursuing undergraduate study in nursing.
Amount: $850
Deadline: March 1, 2019
The Danish Sisterhood of America offers this renewable scholarship to one nursing student annually. Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time nursing program and maintain a 3.0 GPA to be considered.
Amount: $2,750
Deadline: February 24, 2019
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 $10,000
Deadline: March 1, 2019
The state of Oregon offers over 500 government funded scholarships to student nurses pursuing higher education. Financial need will be considered for these scholarships.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 15, 2019
Applicants who are pursuing careers in surgical nursing or surgical services, including nursing, technology or any other surgical-related field are preferred for this scholarship. Must be enrolled for 12 credit hours, and maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher to apply.
Amount: $500
Deadline: May 1, 2019
Any Maine individual enrolled in a Maine accredited BSN or MSN nursing bachelor's degree program with an overall grade point average of “C” or better in current program are eligible to apply.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 12, 2019
Students enrolled in Oregon state pursuing a degree in Nursing are eligible for this award. Applicants will be reviewed on commitment to furthering career in Oregon state, leadership abilities, and financial need.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 1, 2019
These scholarships are available to students studying nursing, who are either studying to work with patients with disabilities, or have a disability of their own. Applicants must be full-time students to be considered.
Amount: $500
Deadline: March 31, 2019
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: $2,000
Deadline: June 15, 2019
Students who are currently employed as a non-advanced practice level nurses working in bone-marrow transplantation are encouraged to apply. Students spending more than 75% of their time working are preferred. Must have two or more years remaining in nursing practice prior to applying.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 30, 2019
The Nursing Scholarship Program is for students in a practical nurse program (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN) program and who are accepted or enrolled a school of nursing in the State of Virginia. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 to be considered.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 31, 2020
Nursing students currently enrolled in a Michigan college or university in good academic standing are encouraged to apply. Candidates must demonstrate progress towards degree completion.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2019
The OADN Association sponsors this scholarship to second year students enrolled in a nursing program in North Dakota. Students must have a 2.5 GPA to be considered.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2020
Hawaii Community Foundation is providing a wealth of financial support to qualified students throughout Hawaii. With over 250 scholarships, Hawaii students can surely find a scholarship that applies to them.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: June 1, 2019
Candidates must be at least 1/4 American Indian and enrolled in a tribe, or able to prove direct tribal ancestry. Candidates must be enrolled an undergraduate or graduate nursing program are eligible.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: February 15, 2019
This one-time award is given to students pursuing a degree in nursing. Financial need will be considered.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 1, 2019
Illinois high school seniors in pursuit of a nursing degree are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Must prove satisfactory academic record. Priority will go to students who are the dependent of a veteran.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 1, 2019
The South Dakota Board of Nursing sponsors this scholarship for students who have resided in the state for at least one year, and are pursuing a career in nursing. RN and LPN candidates will be considered.
Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: June 1, 2019
Students currently enrolled in a nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and are residents of Rhode Island are eligible to apply. Must demonstrate clinical proficiency, enthusiasm, and motivation within their studies.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30, 2019
A $1,000 award will be given to a student pursuing a health-related degree program. Areas of study that will be considered include, but are not limited to, counseling, social work, emergency medicine, pre-med, nursing, psychology (with a focus on addiction counseling or a substance-abuse related field). Applicants must submit an essay no more than 500 words describing why they are passionate about health care, with a focus on substance abuse and mental health. Essays can draw from personal or professional experience.