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Last updated: June 19, 2018
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: $15,000
Deadline: October 15, 2018
Students pursuing their doctorate in cancer nursing research are eligible to apply for this renewable scholarship. Students must demonstrate satisfactory progress in their doctoral programs in cancer nursing research.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 1, 2019
This award is for occupational or environmental health nurses dedicated to developing leadership skills, while furthering the occupational nurse profession as a whole. Must be a member of AAOHN to apply.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: January 1, 2019
This award is for one occupational or environmental health nurse dedicated to developing leadership skills, while furthering the occupational nurse profession as a whole. Must be a member of AAOHN to apply.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: January 1, 2019
This award is for occupational or environmental health nurses dedicated to developing leadership skills, while furthering the occupational nurse profession as a whole. Must be a member of AAOHN to apply.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: January 1, 2019
This award is for occupational or environmental health nurses dedicated to developing leadership skills, while furthering the occupational nurse profession as a whole. Must be a member of AAOHN to apply.
Amount: $600
Deadline: September 25, 2018
Any permanent legal resident who resides in North Carolina and has been accepted to or is enrolled in a 1 year Licensed Practical Nurse program or who is enrolled in a 2, 3 or 4 year program that leads to certification as a Registered Nurse is eligible for this scholarship.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2018
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: $1,000
Deadline: October 20, 2018
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: $2,500
Deadline: November 1, 2018
The Alaska Community Foundation offer this nursing fellowship to students committed to pursuing a career in the healthcare field in rural areas. Compassion, organization, academic leadership and community leadership will be considered. Must have a GPA of 3.0 to apply.
Amount: $500
Deadline: November 17, 2018
Students must be enrolled in a Mississippi university. Must be a member of the Mississippi nurses association to apply.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: November 30, 2018
To apply, create a 30-45 second video sharing the importance of mental health. Must be uploaded to YouTube using the hashtag #mentalhealthscholarship.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: December 1, 2018
The American Association for Nursing Anesthetists support student nurses pursuing their higher education with scholarships nominated by a sponsor.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 1, 2018
Students planning on enrolling, or who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program are eligible for this recurring scholarship. Applicants will be reviewed based on their essay submissions.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Registered nurses who are residents of Maine pursuing an advanced degree are encouraged to apply for this award. Must be a graduate student with a GPA of 3.0 to be considered.
Amount: $500
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Open to all high-school and undergraduate students pursuing a career in nursing. Must be a legal resident of the U.S.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Students seeking their undergraduate degree with the dream of becoming a practicing nurse or a nurse educator are eligible for this award. Nursing scholarship recipients are awarded quarterly.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: January 1, 2019
Current members of ANNA actively involved in nephrology nursing related healthcare services are eligible for the ANNA Scholarships. Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program in good academic standing.
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: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
This scholarship is for qualifying active duty students, who are accepted into a four year institution. Must maintain full-time student status for duration of program. Benefits include monthly living expenses coverage, full coverage of tuition, and a $20,000 signing bonus. See website for more details and qualifications.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
Students who live in Indiana and require financial need will be considered for this scholarship. Must have a GPA of 2.0 and be admitted to an Indiana university.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 1, 2018
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: $1,000
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Students of all levels of study pursuing academic work in hopes of working with the elderly are encouraged to apply for this award. Scholarship will be awarded based on essay and/or video submission.
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: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
The University of Alabama Binghamton sponsors scholarships that apply to students across the state of Alabama, specifically within the school of Nursing. Applicants should check the scholarship website for specific eligibility requirements.