Top Scholarships for Nursing Students
Why are nursing scholarships necessary?
One of the most significant barriers for many individuals pursuing a nursing career is the cost of education. Nursing programs, whether at the associate, bachelor's, or master's level, can be financially overwhelming. Scholarships for nurses alleviate this burden by providing financial assistance for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. This financial relief not only encourages more individuals to pursue nursing but also significantly reduces the burden of student loan debt upon graduation. As a result, nurses are better able to focus on their profession and patient care rather than being weighed down by financial stress.
Promotes Diversity
Scholarships for nurses open the doors of higher education to a diverse range of students who might otherwise struggle to afford it. This inclusivity promotes diversity within the nursing profession, ensuring that healthcare providers come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. A diverse nursing workforce fosters improved patient care, as nurses who can relate to and understand various patient populations can provide more empathetic and effective treatment.
Reduces Nursing Shortages
The healthcare industry has been grappling with nursing shortages, particularly in critical care areas. Scholarships for nurses play a crucial role in alleviating this shortage by encouraging more individuals to enter the field. By easing the financial burden of education and offering support, scholarships attract a larger pool of talented and dedicated individuals to the nursing profession, ensuring a sustainable workforce to meet healthcare demands.
Scholarships for Nursing Students
Anyone with a nursing degree will tell you it’s not the long hours, the hard work, the intense memorization or the difficulty of working with ailing patients all day that makes it hard. It’s usually the student loans. Nursing is a vital and noble career, but achieving a degree is expensive work without the matching pay up-front. Here are 10 scholarships you can count on to help nurse your budget for your nursing degree.
1. Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award
Amount: $2,000
Eligibility: Application Form, Recommendations or references, Special requirements: Letter, Budget summary, Research abstract, Graduate Student or Early Career (within 4 years of graduation), Member of SHAPE America
Deadline: December 9, 2023
Description: From the Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) of America. This research award is for someone who has a developmental plan for future research in physical education, activity and public health.
2. ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Dental Hygiene Students Pursuing Academic Careers
Amount: $3,000
Eligibility: Enrolled in baccalaureate or graduate program in Dental Hygiene, ADEA Membership and Institution, Provide Transcripts, Letter of Recommendation, Personal Statement about experiences and influences
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Description: These scholarships support dental hygiene students who are pursuing education beyond an associate degree and who have an interest in academic careers.
3. Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Eligibility: Application Form, Transcript, Financial need analysis, Essay, Recommendations or references, Resume, Ethnic Minority and LGBTQ+ Preferred
Deadline: March 30,2024
Description: The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives established this scholarship in honor of Albert W. Dent, the first African-American Fellow of ACHE. This scholarship is offered to provide financial aid to racially/ethnically students in healthcare management graduate programs to help offset tuition costs, student loans and expenses.
4. Mary McMillan Scholarship Award
Amount: $3,000 - $5,000
Eligibility: Application Form, Essay, Recommendations or references, Enrollment form verification, Physical Therapy program, Graduation within One Year of Application
Deadline: December 1, 2023
Description: This award recognizes students within 12 months of completing all requirements for graduation who exhibit superior scholastic ability and potential for future professional contribution.
5. Charles Kunz Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship
Amount: $3,000 - $10,000
Eligibility: Nursing student, Registered with ENA, Approved by ENA, Application Form, Recommendations, Accredited Institution with Verification
Deadline: April 30, 2024
Description: The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Foundation and similar organizations offer funding and other help for those in the nursing profession.
6. NADONA Stephanie Carrol Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 - $5,000
Eligibility: Accredited Nursing Program, Long Term Care or Geriatrics, Application, Personal Essay, NADONA membership preferred
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Description: This scholarship has been established in memory of Stephanie Carroll, long-time valued NADONA employee.
7. Karla Girts Crest Oral B Memorial Community Outreach Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Eligibility: Commitment to Oral Health within the Geriatric Population, Undergraduate, GPA from 3.0 to 4.0
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Description: In memory of Karla Girts, BSDH, RDH, past president of ADHA and former Chair of ADHA Institute for Oral Health.
8. Medical Scrubs Collection Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Undergraduate, Pursuing Medical Field of Study including Nursing, GPA 3.0 or Higher, US Citizen
Deadline: December 15, 2023
Description: Medical Scrubs Collection is dedicated to recognizing the individuals who go above and beyond to help others every day. To show our appreciation for these hard working individuals, MSC has decided to Pay it Forward by creating an annual scholarship opportunity for students studying in any health or medical-related field.
9. DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Eligibility: Demonstration of Financial Need, Enrolled in Accredited Nursing School, Transcript, DAR Members may be Preferred
Deadline: January 31, 2024
Description: A one-time $2,500 award is given to three students who are in financial need and who have been accepted or is currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing.
10. Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Enrolled in Nursing Associates or Bachelor’s Program, Non-Traditional Student, at least 3 Year Gap between High School and College
Deadline: April 30, 2024
Description: The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, sponsored by B4 Brands, was founded in 2013 in loving memory of Barbara Rhomberg.
Conclusion
Scholarships for nurses are not just financial aid; they are the ultimate opportunity. By providing financial relief, fostering diversity, promoting specialized education, and improving patient care, these scholarships contribute significantly to the overall strength and resilience of the nursing profession. As we look towards the future of healthcare, investing in scholarships for nurses is a clear path to ensuring a highly skilled and diverse nursing workforce that can effectively meet the evolving needs of patients and communities around the world.
