Nursing is a growing career in high demand, and paying for school can be possible with the help of nursing scholarships. Several scholarships are available for students wanting to pursue a major in nursing, an exciting field that is continually growing. Many of these opportunities are not focused on race, religion, sex, but are open to minds ready to engage in the adventurous field of nursing. One recommendation is to become a member of nursing associations, blogs, etc, because many places will offer additional scholarships to the members of their particular organizations. Remember, most awards are given on an annual basis and must be renewed each year, so re-apply every year, be involved in extra curricular activities within your field, keep your gpa up, and build that “scholarship resume”. Letters of recommendation are always a plus, look to advisors, counselors, professors, people in the field of medicine and nursing to write a good word or two.

Scholarships Available to Nursing Students

One particular scholarship specifically targeted for nursing students is the SGNA RN General Education Scholarship. This award is open to full-time students working toward becoming a licensed registered nurse. This is an annual award for the amount of $2500, and the deadline for application is July 31st of each year. The requirements for this nursing scholarship are as follows: full-time nursing student with a minimum 3.0 gpa, complete application must include an essay, 2 letters of recommendation, and official transcript. This award is provided by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc located in Chicago, Illinois. For more information on the application process and how to apply you may contact the SGNA at (800) 245-SGNA or their site.

Another awesome scholarship opportunity for future nurses is the one provided by the HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This is a nursing scholarship program to help aid in the critical shortage of nurses in select areas in the United States. In exchange for at least 2 years service at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses, the Nursing Scholarship Program pays your tuition, eligible fees, other reasonable costs, such as books, clinical supplies/instruments, and uniforms. In addition to all of this, you will also receive a monthly stipend of approximately $1,200, ($1,289 for the 2011-2012 school year). In order to be eligible for the scholarship program you must be a U.S. citizen, national , or lawful permanent resident, enrolled or accepted in a professional registered nursing program at an accredited school of nursing in a U.S. state or territory, begin classes no later than September 30, free from any federal judgment liens, free from existing service commitments, and not delinquent on a Federal debt. Selection criteria for the scholarship if preferential to qualified applicants with the greatest financial need enrolled in a full-time undergraduate nursing program. Do not get discouraged, in the fiscal year 2010, 458 applicants were selected to receive the scholarship. First preference is given to applicants who have an Expected Family Contribution on the FAFSA (federal application for student aid) of zero and are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate nursing program as a full-time student. The application process opens every spring and the deadline is typically June 1st. The scholarship for the 2012-2013 year has not yet opened, but this is an annual award and you may refer to the 2011-2012 application for further details. This one requires a little give and take, but is well worth it.

If you are not a member of Campus RN, you need to logon on become one now. This site offers six $2500 scholarships annually by region. Although this scholarship requires an essay, it is open to all nursing students, just become a member (it is free) of Campus RN, which you may do at the time of scholarship application. This is a great site to be a member of for additional benefits as well, it provides additional nursing information and is a resource database for job availability. Once you complete the application, you may check to see if your school is registered with the site, if it is not, speak to your advisor regarding the matter; because your school must be registered with Campus RN in order for you to be eligible for the award. Deadline for application is April 1st and is based upon need and merit.

Remember, most scholarships will require essays and that your are currently enrolled in an accredited nursing degree program or have been accepted to an accredited nursing degree program; so have all of your “ducks in a row”. If you have not yet applied to a school, apply, get accepted; then worry about tuition. If you are unable to pay, you don’t have to attend, but without the acceptance into a program you definitely won’t get funding. The acceptance into an accredited nursing program is the key to funding. You need to also visit FAFSA and complete the federal application for federal student aid, this is based upon need, but can get you grant (free) money and many scholarships are based upon need, and this verifies your need. Show initiative and several doors to nursing scholarships will open along your journey.