Nursing School Grants

In spite of the high demand for nurses worldwide, there remains a significant shortage of qualified professionals in the nursing industry. Given the high costs of obtaining a “regular” college education–let alone one that will lead you to a medical profession–it would appear that the biggest hurdle to producing well-trained nurses is financial difficulty.

This would perhaps partially explain why many developed countries are turning to other countries–in South East Asia in particular–to fill the need.

Things aren’t much better in these other countries either, as the costs of a nursing education is beyond the reach of only the relative few that can afford it. In fact, it is quite ironic that the very countries that the United States, Canada and Germany among others, would have such difficulty in providing solid quality education for aspiring nurses.

In the United States, a number of measures have been implemented in order to encourage more students to enter the nursing profession. Numerous college grants and scholarship programs for nurses are being offered currently, with particular focus being given to providing these benefits to students from underprivileged cities all over the country. Few opportunities have been afforded students from these areas, but it is hoped that the college grants and scholarship programs outlined below may help mitigate the situation somewhat.

1. Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students.
This is a scholarship program funded by the federal government, and it is offered to students that wish to take up nursing related courses, but are unable to do so due to financial need. This program is also offered to students who intend to enroll in any health related field of study. Such programs may include veterinary medicine, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, and even social health care. Students may apply for this scholarship program through the financial aid office of their school.

2. Nursing Scholarship Program.
This program awards as many as 200 scholarships and college grants to deserving students every year. One of the requirements of this program is that the scholar should work in a specified health care institution for at least 2 years after graduating from the nursing program. In exchange, the student will receive full coverage for tuition and other expenses, and an allowance of $1,000, which is given every month. This benefit is usually awarded to students that are already enrolled in a nursing program.

3. Nursing Education Loan Repayment.
This is another program implemented by the federal government, and it is intended primarily to address the need for qualified nursing professionals in certain areas. In the pursuit of this goal, the program offers students a 60% repayment off their outstanding student loans if they agree to work at a high need area for a minimum of 2 years.

If they agree to work in a similar area for 3 more years, funds for the program will be used to pay off an additional 25% of the student loan, resulting in a significant chunk of the loan being paid. In order to qualify for this program, applicants should have a good record of payment of student loans and must be able to prove financial need.