Nursing Grants

The demand for qualified nurses has skyrocketed in recent years.  Increasingly complex medical technology and aging of the nursing population are two factors that contribute to the need for nursing professionals.  Many organizations have recognized the need to train more nurses and have responded by providing grants for students who are training to enter the field.  If you are considering a career in nursing, be sure to use the following tips to see if you qualify for a grant.

A great resource for those looking for nursing grants is the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).  This organization provides a list of available grants and scholarships at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education/financialaid.htm.  In addition, this website is a good tool for information on different nursing programs and for nursing job information.

You should also check with the nursing school that you are attending to see if there are any grant programs available.  Many programs are college specific, so check with your program to head to see what your school offers.  For example, Wilmington University in Delaware received $55,000 from The Health Resources and Services Administration to use for nursing grants for the 2010-2011 school year.

If you are still in school, be sure to utilize your school counselor or scholarship officer to search for grant information.  These counselors are well aware of grant programs and can help match you with the best nursing grant for your specific goals.  Once you have met with your counselor and discussed your education plans, the counselor can also let you know when new grants become available.

Finally, do a search for nursing grants on www.grants.gov.  This is the federal website that provides a searchable listing of all available grants.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services often lists nursing grants on this website.

You will need to fill out an application for each grant that you want to apply for.  Be prepared to supply basic background and identification information.  In addition, nursing grants often require essays about your life and career goals.  Some applications require references from managers, teachers or professors.  Be sure to contact any potential references before beginning the application process so that you can quickly return all of the required paperwork.

The good news for potential nursing students is that the high demand for nurses has made grants widely available.  Research early and often for grant opportunities and you are likely to find many grants that meet your needs.  Take the time to craft a thorough application, and you should be well on your way to receiving a nursing grant.