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Nursing Grants

Nursing school is far from cheap, though the benefits of graduating from one will make the cost worthwhile in the end. With a nursing shortage currently present in the United States, many organizations are extending financial aid to those who wish to attend nursing school but can't afford the cost. Nursing grants are awarded to qualifying applicants who can prove they are under financial strain and who can maintain a minimum GPA. Listed below are but a few organizations and schools that are currently offering nursing grants.

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) — The AANP is hoping to encourage promising young people to become nurse practitioners with both grants and scholarships. These are extended to existing academy members who are entering graduate school.

Institute of Medicine (IOM) — The IOM conducts The Distinguished Nurse Scholar Program with the help of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and the American Nurses Foundation (ANF). Grants are extended to one senior each school year.

American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) — The AACN offers both small and large grants to existing members of the association.

American Nurses Foundation (ANF) — The ANF is a branch of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and is dedicated to furthering the education and research of licensed nurses. Those who are already practicing nurses and wish to attend graduate school may qualify for a grant from the ANF.

American School Health Association (ASHA) — The ASHA offer research grants to current nursing students, who may otherwise be unable to continue his/her research and schooling.

Drexel University — Those attending Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professionals may qualify for the Bayada Award for Technological Innovation in Nursing Education and Practice.

Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) — The ENA offers research grants to those who are currently seeking a nursing degree in emergency care.

Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — The GSA extends grant money to graduate nursing students majoring in gerontology.

American Cancer Society (ACS) — The ACS offers grants to nurses in graduate school who are specializing in oncology.

Maryland Higher Education Commission — This Maryland organization offers living assistance grants to nursing students attending college in the state.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation (BCBSM) — The BCBSM offers grants to surrounding Michigan nursing schools for the purpose of ending the current nursing shortage.

The above programs offer tuition assistance, living assistance and/or research assistance to nursing students via grant money. Grants are like scholarships in that they do not have to be repaid. In addition to the 12 nursing grants listed above, nursing students can also apply for federal grants by completing a FAFSA form. Those who seek help from many financial aid resources are more than likely to have part or all of their nursing education covered.