Minority Nurse Scholarships Are Available

This article reports on the minority nurse scholarships that are available for those who cannot afford the tuition fees and other expenses needed in participating in a nursing program. Opportunities abound for nursing graduates because many hospitals are experiencing a lack of nurses and the demand is expected to rise further as more and more members of the baby boomer population get into retirement age. It is indeed a great time for registered nurses who have currently a median salary in the US of approximately $59,000 per year. Registered nurses (RNs) can choose the kind of setting they prefer, whether they want to work in hospitals, for the federal government, or in physicians' offices. They can even choose their shift and opportunities for overtime work are plenty. However, a nursing student may have the problem of insufficient funds and it is here where minority nurse scholarships play an important role.

Why You One Should Consider Minority Nurse Scholarships

Another common problem is that there is now a long waiting list for those who want to enroll in nursing schools. Many dream schools for nursing have waiting lists that are now four to five years long. It is therefore advisable to check out other schools and programs. For example, it is possible to get an RN degree online from a number of reputable schools. And for those who want a faster way to become a nurse, practical nursing schools are available to help you become a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse. Still, the tuition fees are substantial and minority students may need to search in a nursing magazine or online sources for such opportunities.

Many Institutions Offer Minority Nurse Scholarships

There are various organizations that offer minority nurse scholarships. By becoming a member of these organizations, students not only gain the opportunity to become a scholar but they can also gain new friends and network with people who could help them in their nursing careers.

Some of these organizations include:

  • The Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation
  • American Indian Students United in Nursing
  • Catholic University of America School of Nursing
  • National Association of Hispanic Nurses
  • National Black Nurses Association
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing
  • Native Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association
  • African American Nursing Students Association at the University of Texas in Austin

The federal government can also be a source of minority nurse scholarships although some programs are not limited to minorities. For example, the US Dept. of Health and Human Services will provide 100 percent of the tuition plus stipend to nurses who agree to serve for two years in a health care department that lacks nurses.

The government also provides minority grants and African Americans have the most number of opportunities, including:

  • The Frederick Douglas Scholars Program

  • The United Negro College Fund

  • The minority fellowship program of the American Psychological Association

  • The March of Dimes Nursing Scholarships

  • The National Black Nurses Association's scholarships

There are also several opportunities for Hispanic Americans, including:

  • The March of Dimes Nursing Scholarship program

  • The Hispanic Nurses Association scholarships and grants

  • The Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute

  • The Nursing Education Loan Repayment program

So if you qualify for one of these programs you should definitely look into them. Minority nurse scholarships can really help you enter the medical sector and enable you to live a good life.