Nurses are in high demand today. Because of this, more and more scholarships and grants are being made available to those who wish to enter this medical field. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of “free” money that will help fund an invaluable medical education.
The first step in any application process is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In doing so, you will find out which grants you qualify for. This form will need to be updated and resubmitted each year so that you can continue to receive financial assistance. Funded by the federal government, there are over one thousand grant programs worth $400 billion. Additionally, application to the FAFSA will quicken the process of application to additional grants. Oftentimes when schools receive FAFSA information they can immediately begin to consider you for any nursing grants the school may offer.
Since new nursing grants become available throughout the year, it is prudent to set aside a regular time every week in which you research any new opportunities that may become available. This requires a persistent effort on your part. One place to check would be with your school’s career center. Another is your school’s Office of Financial Aid. Those who work here will be up-to-date with the latest changes or additions of nursing grants and you should be able to gather all the information you need.
Perhaps your most important resource for nursing grants is the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). At AACN.nche.edu you will find a wealth of information on nursing careers as well as announcements on nursing grants, scholarships, and fellowships. As you continue in your education, do not neglect to continue to search for nursing grants. As you progress in your career, your new levels of education may qualify you for new grants. Inquire about funding at any schools you apply to. Oftentimes, alumni of the school of other professional groups offer scholarships exclusively available to students of that school.
Finally, you can work on increasing your eligibility and chances of receiving nursing grants by becoming involved in extracurricular activities in your school and community. Volunteer work especially looks great in grant application essays and displays your well-roundedness. Involvement in these activities will also put you into contact with teachers and organizational leaders who can recommend you for additional grants and scholarships and whom you can list as recommendations in your applications.
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