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Last updated: January 30, 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: $1,000
Deadline: August 1, 2018
Region: National
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.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 10, 2018
Region: National
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.
Amount: up to $2,000
Deadline: May 1, 2018
Region: National
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.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: December 1, 2018
Region: National
The American Association for Nursing Anesthetists support student nurses pursuing their higher education with scholarships nominated by a sponsor.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 1, 2018
Region: National
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: $2,500
Deadline: November 30, 2018
Region: National
To apply, create a 30-45 second video sharing the importance of mental health. Must be uploaded to YouTube using the hashtag #mentalhealthscholarship.
Amount: up to $7,500
Deadline: Varies
Region: West
The Association of California Nurse Leaders offer annual scholarships, fellowships, and grants to support leadership excellence among California's aspiring nurses. Applicants are not required to be registered with the ACNL to apply.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Varies
Region: National
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: $5,000
Deadline: February 15, 2018
Region: National
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: $15,000
Deadline: October 16, 2017
Region: National
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: $250
Deadline: July 19, 2018
Region: National
Students must be an ASHA member to apply for this scholarship. GPA of 3.0 or higher and volunteer service are preferred. Previous ASHA winners are not eligible.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Varies
Region: National
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: $3,000
Deadline: March 31, 2018
Region: National
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.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: January 1, 2018
Region: National
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: up to $10,000
Deadline: September 20, 2018
Region: West
Student residents of the state of Washington are encouraged to submit a proposal for support towards their undergraduate degree through the Arc Trust Fund. The Board of Trustees will base their decision on applicants letter of intent, and grant proposal.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 1, 2018
Region: National
This sponsored scholarship is awarded each year to one non-traditional full-time student pursuing undergraduate study in nursing.
Amount: up to $5,000
Deadline: April 30, 2018
Region: National
Applicants must be enrolled in a nursing, counseling, psychology, social work, or treatment of substance abuse and other disorders. Must have a 3.2 GPA or above to qualify.
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: February 1, 2018
Region: National
LGBTQ+ students studying nursing are eligible to apply. Students demonstrating hardship, special circumstances, leadership, and academic achievement will be considered.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Varies
Region: National
This one-time award is given to students pursuing a degree in nursing. Financial need will be considered.
Amount: $600
Deadline: September 25, 2018
Region: Southeast
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: August 15, 2018
Region: National
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.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Varies
Region: National
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: November 1, 2018
Region: West
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: Varies
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Region: Northeast
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: $850
Deadline: March 1, 2018
Region: National
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: up to $3,000
Deadline: February 15, 2018
Region: Northeast
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: up to $2,500
Deadline: August 1, 2018
Region: Southwest
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 1, 2018
Region: National
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: up to $7,500
Deadline: January 12, 2018
Region: National
Students enrolled in an accredited nursing program are eligible to apply. Must be a U.S. citizen in pursuit of a degree in healthcare to be considered.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 14, 2018
Region: National
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 31, 2018
Region: National
One outstanding nursing student will be chosen for this award. Academic standing and financial need will be considered, as well as their ability to be a role model for their peers.
Amount: $500
Deadline: November 17, 2018
Region: Southeast
Students must be enrolled in a Mississippi university. Must be a member of the Mississippi nurses association to apply.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 20, 2018
Region: Southwest
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: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Region: West
Nursing students enrolled in a two or four-year undergraduate nursing program residing in Hawaii are encouraged to apply for this award. Financial need and academic standing will be considered.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 6, 2018
Region: National
Students pursuing a degree in healthcare are eligible to apply for this award. Recipients will be chosen based on the required essay prompt and financial need.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Region: National
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: April 15, 2018
Region: Midwest
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: $2,000
Deadline: Varies
Region: Midwest
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: Varies
Region: Midwest
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: February 15, 2018
Region: National
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: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Region: West
The Hawaii Community Foundation supports hundreds of student scholarships, as well as this scholarship specifically catered to student nurses residing on the Big Island. Must be a full-time student at an accredited university with a GPA of 2.7 or higher.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: January 18, 2018
Region: National
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: $2,500
Deadline: Varies
Region: National
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: $5,000
Deadline: Varies
Region: Northeast
Students pursuing a four-year nursing degree at an accredited college or university are eligible for this national scholarship opportunity. Must be accepted as a full-time student at an ICFNJ member college with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: June 15, 2018
Region: National
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: $500
Deadline: June 1, 2018
Region: Midwest
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: $1,000
Deadline: December 1, 2018
Region: National
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: $1,500
Deadline: January 1, 2018
Region: National
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: Varies
Deadline: September 15, 2018
Region: Southeast
Non-traditional students residing in the state of Louisiana who are involved academically, or within student government are eligible for this scholarship. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 31, 2018
Region: Midwest
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: Varies
Deadline: April 30, 2018
Region: National
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: 1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2018
Region: Midwest
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: Varies
Region: West
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: $500
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Region: National
Open to all high-school and undergraduate students pursuing a career in nursing. Must be a legal resident of the U.S.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: Varies
Region: National
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. Candidates must hold current certification through the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).
Amount: Varies
Deadline: August 1, 2018
Region: West
Emerging nurse practitioners of Oregon state are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. RN's are also eligible to apply. See website for more details and eligibility requirements.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: July 15, 2018
Region: National
Outstanding high school seniors and undergraduates demonstrating leadership, work experience, and pursuing a career in healthcare are eligible for this award. Must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 1, 2018
Region: Midwest
Registered nurses of Wisconsin are eligible for this award that provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate strong contributions within the community. Must be enrolled in a university in Wisconsin, and be a current WNA member.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May 12, 2018
Region: National
Students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited university, and have participated in community service to apply. Must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Applicants will be asked, "how do you see the nursing field evolve?"
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 4, 2018
Region: Northeast
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.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: June 1, 2018
Region: Southeast
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.
Amount: $500
Deadline: May 1, 2018
Region: Northeast
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: up to $10,000
Deadline: March 5, 2018
Region: West
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: $1,500
Deadline: January 1, 2018
Region: National
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: $5,000
Deadline: February 8, 2018
Region: National
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: $1,000
Deadline: May 12, 2018
Region: West
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: Varies
Region: Midwest
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: February 25, 2018
Region: Northeast
Students planning to enroll or who are already enrolled in a healthcare program and are permanent residents in the state of Maryland are eligible for this scholarship. Must be attending a university within the state of Maryland to apply.
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: February 6, 2018
Region: National
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: $1,000
Deadline: Varies
Region: Southeast
Students who have been Florida residents for at least one year are eligible for this nursing scholarship. Applicants are encouraged to apply directly through the Miami Foundation.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 15, 2018
Region: Southeast
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: March 30, 2018
Region: Northeast
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.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Varies
Region: National
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: $15,000
Deadline: February 20, 2018
Region: National
Applicants who have shown compassion and strong promotion to a peaceful world are eligible for this award. Must be a U.S. resident.
Amount: up to $10,000
Deadline: June 30, 2018
Region: National
Students who are residents of the United States, with at least one year remaining of their education, are eligible to apply for the various TYLENOL Future Care Scholarships. Must be a legal resident of the U.S., and have completed at least one year of undergraduate study.
Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: Varies
Region: Northeast
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: Varies
Region: Southeast
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 30, 2018
Region: Southeast
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: $2,500
Deadline: February 28, 2018
Region: West
Washington state residents pursuing a degree in STEM/Healthcare working towards a bachelor's degree are eligible for this award. Must be enrolled in a Washington State University, and plan to enroll as a full-time student. Financial aid will be considered.