Nursing students can receive funding from numerous sources.
Nursing school students can receive educational funding through grant and scholarship programs. Private foundations, nursing associations and government agencies provide student aid for graduate and undergraduate nursing students. Eligibility guidelines vary, depending on the funding program, and can require candidates to hold professional association memberships, follow a defined course of study, meet academic requirements, or make post-graduation commitments to a specified field of nursing. Grant and scholarship recipients can use funds to help offset the cost of tuition, books, school fees and living expenses.
National Gerontological Nursing Association
The National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA) awards the Mary Opal Wolanin Scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students who hold NGNA memberships. Candidates must have an average grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above and plan to work in gerontology after graduation. As of 2010, the program awards $500 to graduate students majoring in geriatrics or gerontology who enroll in a minimum of six hours of coursework. Undergraduate applicants can enroll in part- or full-time coursework for awards up to $500. All applicants must enroll in an accredited program at a school of nursing in the U.S. Candidates must submit an application, a school transcript, a statement explaining educational and professional goals, and two recommendation letters, including one from a nursing faculty member who can verify the applicant's potential as a gerontology nurse. NGNA announces scholarship awards at its annual convention and recipients also receive a one-year membership to NGNA.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) provides educational funding for critical-care nurses through the Continuing Professional Development Scholarship program. Candidates must explain how their educational goals can help bridge knowledge gaps in their current education and skills. Applicants must hold membership with AACN and develop professional goals based on their knowledge gaps. Candidates must present a budget plan with their application and recipients can use funding to pay for tuition, housing and incidental educational expenses. As of 2010 the scholarship program pays up to $3,000 per student per year.
MiTio Foundation
Medical Interpreting and Translating Institute Online (MiTio) awards $1,000 scholarships, as of 2010, to students enrolled in health-care programs through the MiTio Foundation. Eligibility guidelines require applicants to have fluent, bilingual language skills in English and at least one other other language. Candidates must submit a letter of enrollment or acceptance from an accredited college or university and an essay explaining how they can use their bilingual skills in a health-care career. Applicants must provide proof of language proficiency, such as TOEFL, ELPT, or MELAB scores for English proficiency and ACTFL oral exam scores for other languages.
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) awards educational funding through the Accredited Nursing Education Scholarship program. Candidates must plan to work as a nurse in the field of wound, ostomy, and continence care and provide proof of enrollment or acceptance in a program accredited by WOCN. Scholarship recipients must submit proof of completion to WOCN after completing their programs.
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