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.
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.
How to Qualify to be a Nurse
1
Complete a Nursing Degree Program
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.
2
Choose a Specialty
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.
3
Obtain Licensing
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.
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.
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.
How to Pay for College
1
Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarships for nursing students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
2
Grants
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.
3
Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
4
Student Loans
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.
5
Federal Work-Study Program
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.
States and universities have different application requirements regarding prerequisite classes needed for admission into BSN programs. Check university websites for information on specific requirements needed prior to acceptance.
Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your high school education to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Although there are scholarship opportunities that aren’t merit-based, it’s valuable to take the SAT or ACT standardized tests in case it’s a scholarship qualification.
Your scholarship essay is what will bring attention to your application out of the pool of applicants. That’s why it’s important to craft a stand out piece that attests to your experience, adheres to the scholarship guidelines and most importantly, highlights your true personality.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or bosses, so that they can speak to your qualifications. You may also want to provide them with a resume that outlines your achievements and goals as well.
Nursing Scholarships
Instructions:Click through the dropdowns below to sort by the region you reside, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid.
Academic Education Scholarships
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
Annette Haag Leadership Scholarships
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
Liberty Leadership Scholarships
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
Professional Development Scholarships
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
AHNA Research Committee Grant
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
February 15, 2020
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.
Elizabeth J. Davis Scholarship
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.
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
First generation college prospective students who are underrepresented, low income, and passionate about pursuing a career in health related fields. Students are not required to be U.S. citizens, but must have a 3.5 GPA to be considered.
The Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Future Nurse Leader Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 30, 2020
The Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Future Nurse Leader Scholarship exists to provide scholarships to students demonstrating leadership skills in their pursuit of a nursing degree. Funds are for full-time nursing students in an accredited BSN program in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Anna N Dosen Serbian Educational Fund
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
March 31, 2020
Graduating seniors and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for this award. Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and pursue a degree in health related fields. Preference to students of Serbian heritage.
A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Amount: up to $2,000
Deadline:
March 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to college students who are AISES members of American Indian or Alaskan Native ethnicity, and are pursuing a degree in engineering, medicine, natural resources, math, and other sciences. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Native American and Alaska Natives are preferred.
Exceptional Nurse Scholarships
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.
Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF)
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
June 1, 2019
Kentucky residents pursuing a higher education in healthcare and who plan on enrolling in a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester are eligible for this scholarship. Recipients must work full-time in Kentucky for one-year post their graduation.
Nursing Incentive Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 3, 2019
Legal residents in the state of Delaware enrolled in a healthcare degree program are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and plan to be a full-time student.
Josh Gottheil Memorial Bone Marrow Transplant Career Development Awards
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.
Express Medical Supply Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline:
June 30, 2019
Must be currently enrolled in accredited university. Applicants are asked to tweet a picture that represents the heart of your hometown to be considered for this scholarship.
VDH Nursing Scholarships
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.
Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP)
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
July 15, 2019
Applicant must be an Ohio resident and enrolled in or be accepted for enrollment approved nurse education programs in Ohio colleges, universities, hospitals, or vocational schools. Must show academic excellence.
Michigan Nurses Foundation Scholarship
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.
2018 Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
August 1, 2019
Nursing students enrolled in their undergraduate studies with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this scholarship. Students will be asked an essay question for submission.
Emergency Nurse Association Scholarship
Amount: up to $2,500
Deadline:
August 1, 2019
The Emergency Nurses Association offer a range of scholarships to support residents of the state of Texas who are pursuing a degree in Nursing, but especially emergency nursing. Applicants must be a TXENA member, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply.
Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
July 20, 2019
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.
Naomi Brack Scholarship
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.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
October 1, 2019
Applicant must be enrolled in an associates degree, first bachelors degree, or nurse diploma program at an eligible Ohio or Pennsylvania institution with a maximum household income of $96,000.
Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships
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.
American Indian Nurse Scholarship Awards
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.
ANNA Career Mobility Scholarships
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
Indiana Nursing Scholarship Foundation
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
Nebraska Health Care Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
South Dakota Department of Health scholarship
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.
Undergraduate Education Nursing Scholarship
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.
WOCN Society Accredited Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
November 1, 2019
Scholarships are accepted twice annually to participating members of WOCN Society Accredited Nursing Education Program. Individuals demonstrating strong academic achievement are preferred.
The Recovery Village® Health Care Scholarship
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.
