Knowledge Hub

Scholarships and Grants for Nurse Practitioners in the US

Learn More about the Private Scholarships and Government Grants for Nurse Practitioners

This article is part of Pulse Uniform's Knowledge Hub - a newly launched resource center for American healthcare professionals.

For nurses in the US who are looking for comprehensive information on available nursing scholarships and grants to advance your career, here's the definitive guide for you brought to you by Pulse Uniform.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends that the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) becomes the new training standard for APRNS (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.

That's why many nurses now who are working in the US want to pursue higher training. Some nurses are aiming to pursue their DNP while some want to complete their master's level of NP (nurse practitioner).

Time and money are crucial elements in order to pursue an advanced education in nursing. But with the limited compensation for US nurses and the expenses of supporting a growing family, most nurses don't have the means to fund higher education.

Fortunately, there are a lot of scholarships and grants that are available for working nurses in the US through a wide range of private and government providers.

To make it easier for you, Pulse Uniform compiled the list or available nursing scholarships and grants for nurse practitioners in the US.

List of Top US Scholarships for Nursing Practitioners

The nursing scholarships on this list represent a small percentage of the scholarships available to nurses as we shortlisted only the opportunities for nursing practitioners.

This list doesn't include the scholarships for full-time nursing students. As such, this is not a comprehensive list, but rather a selection of the academic grants that may be available for nurse practitioners in the US.

Most of the scholarships we have included here are sponsored by foundations, private companies, and government agencies.

Take note that scholarships tend to update their programs so be sure to regularly check the program website by clicking on the Scholarship Name in the list below.

Downsides of Pursuing Nursing Scholarships

Before you sign up with any scholarship agreement, it is highly recommended that you take a look at the downsides of pursuing this path.

So let's take a look at the other side of the coin. Here are the disadvantages that come with nursing scholarships that you should know.

• Limitations in Eligibility - Most nursing scholarship programs are offered in limited slots only, which means not everyone will have the opportunity to become a nurse scholar.
• Strict Demands - Nursing scholarships, especially those that are funded by the government are heavily supervised and so the processes and demands are generally stringent. For example, there are scholarships that will require you to stay in a certain organization in exchange of a grant for a specific period of time. So be sure to check everything before you accept any agreement.
• Some Selection Processes Are Not Fair - There are instances that nursing scholarships are given to people who may not be deserving compared to others who were left out because of some restrictions. Sad but true.
• Extra Responsibilities - Most nursing scholars are still working at hospitals or clinics while they pursue advanced studies. And some programs may require scholars to accept extra duties like promotions for the organization or serving as volunteers in some events. Always check the added responsibilities and assess your capacity and commitment.

FAQs about Nursing Scholarships and Grants in the US

How do you get scholarships for nurse practitioners?

Here are some helpful tips that you can follow if you want to get nursing scholarships in the US:

1. Research

Refer to our list above and consider your eligibility such as academics, economic background, gender, or residence.
While you can easily find numerous scholarship opportunities for working nurses, you should still explore other offline sources such as university scholarship officers, libraries, local civic organizations, or even your workplace.
For example, you can ask your hospital HR manager if there are available scholarships for nurses who are working in your hospital.
Always ask. Even if there are no available opportunities, your HR manager may know someone who can help you out.

2. Contact Potential Scholarship Benefactors

You may contact the organization after you have gathered enough information about the scholarships that you are interested in applying.
Most organizations accept applications online, but some will still require you that you get in touch with them via phone or email.
More often than not, this is not to add you extra burden but so they can send you more information that is not published online.
You may have to wait for days or even weeks before you can receive the necessary paperwork. So be sure to take note of the deadlines and always follow up via the organization's preferred channels.

3. Apply for Your Chosen Scholarship

You can start the application process once you have received your application and you understand all the information that you should send the organization.
Most organizations would require the following:

• Completely filled out application form
• Employment background
• Pass a qualifying exam
• Essay
• Recommendations from credible individuals or organizations (usually from your workplace)

Be sure that you have enough time to collect all the needed details. Many scholarships will have due dates for application, so you may have to keep a calendar with all the due dates listed so that you won't miss anything.

What does scholarship in nursing mean?

In a way, pursuing a scholarship in nursing is not only for your own career advancement but also for the progress of the nursing profession.

According to AACN, scholarship in nursing refers to the "activities that systematically advance the teaching, research and practice of nursing through rigorous inquiry."

As a nursing scholar, you'll have a chance to study advanced knowledge, skills, and techniques that will help this body of knowledge in terms of new discovery, teaching practices, practical skills, and integration with other arts and sciences.

What's the difference between a scholarship and nursing student loan?

The main difference between scholarships and student loans is in that the latter is a type of financial assistance that you have to pay back in a specific term.

On the other hand, the money you received as a nurse scholar are often not required to be paid back to the organization.

Both options can provide you a chance to pursue a higher advancement in your career.

What's the difference between a nursing scholarship and a grant?

While often confused, scholarships and grants are not the same.

The main difference lies in the selection. Scholarships are often based on merits (usually academics). Some forms of nursing scholarships are also based on a specific trait such as group affiliation or ancestral background

On the other hand, grants are often available to nurses that are based on certain criteria like family background, gender, or economic profile. The government is the main source of grants.

There are also types of grants in which you will be given financial assistance if you pursue a specific track of study like cancer research, autism study, etc.

How much money can you get from a nursing scholarship?

Because each organization who provides scholarships for nurses has its own criteria and benefits matrix, there's no fixed amount of money that you can expect to receive.

Some organizations may approve varying amounts depending on the type of scholarship and the nursing study that the applicant wishes to pursue.

But generally, nursing scholarships will provide financial assistance that will cover tuition, books, research, and other related expenses.

To learn specific scholarship monetary benefits, you may refer to our list above or visit the specific website of granting organizations also found in our list.

Are there grants for male nurses?

Yes, there are a lot of available nursing scholarships for male nurses. The bulk of these opportunities are offered by the American Assemble for Men in Nursing (AAMN).

Other organizations that are granting scholarships for male nurses (although not exclusive) are the following:

• Emergency Nurses Association's Assistance
• Braintrack Scholarships
• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses
• San Diego Black Nursing Association
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund gates Millennium Scholars Program
• National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations
• Philippine Nurses Association of America

Take note that most scholarships for nurses in the US are not exclusively designed for men. But they are also not only for women either. All applicants are provided an equal chance of getting a scholarship regardless of their gender.

But you should also consider the fact that nursing is a women-dominated profession, which places male applicants into a minority category.

Do hospitals pay for nurse practitioner school?

Some hospitals, especially large ones that are operating in the US have their own scholarship programs available for their nurse employees.

For example, Northwell Health Hospital (based in New York) offers 100% tuition fee expenses for their employees who want to pursue a master's degree.

If you are working as a nurse, it is best to ask with your HR office if there are available scholarships or tuition assistance that you can apply for.

Do you know more scholarships for nursing practitioners that are not included in our list? Let us know in the comment box below!