If you are pursuing a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and the tuition costs are challenging your annual budget, consider applying for LPN scholarships that are readily available to help you realize your goals. LPNs are in high demand and with the assistance of funding from the Affordable Care Act (2010), private healthcare businesses and federal institutions, more LPN nursing scholarship opportunities in 2014 are available than ever before.
Three Tips to Find Nursing Scholarships
Although nursing scholarships may be competitive, applying for money you do not have to pay back may be worth your time. LPN grants are generally awards that are based on your income and need, academic excellence or your willingness to practice in underserved areas of care for a specific amount of time.
1. Perform an Online Search
Most scholarships require that you have been accepted to an LPN program or are currently attending full or part-time classes as part of the application process. Conduct an online search or visit educational areas that are dedicated to students such as:
- Religious organizations or affiliations
- Private and public schools
- The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Your state board of nursing or department of health
- Military grants and scholarships
2. Consider a Federally Funded Pell Grant
Unlike federal student financial aid loans, nursing grants are monetary awards that do not have to be repaid. The process for a federally funded Pell grant may be complicated and take some time to apply; however, they are a smart way to pay for school. Your student grant may be up to $5, 645 as indicated in 2013 and the amount you receive may depend on your status such as:
- Your income and expenses
- Program tuition fee costs
- Your full or part-time student status
- Student attendance of a full year or less
3. Check with Your Employer and Educational Institution
As an employee, you may be able to find scholarships available at your workplace. Visit your human resources department and ask about policies that may provide you with free tuition assistance or reimbursement. In addition, check with your educational institution or college and find out if they have an affiliation with private businesses or state programs that are sponsoring LPN nursing scholarships.
Three LPN Scholarships Available
1. A Nurse I Am Scholarship
Cherokee is a private business that offers LPN scholarships for $2000 to 10 nursing students on a yearly basis. As part of the application process, applicants must write an assay after viewing one of the two documentaries on nursing that is available on their website. The application deadline for the Nurse I Am scholarship is March 1, 2014 and includes requirements such as:
- You must be enrolled full or part-time or have been accepted by an LPN program
- The 2014 application must be completed in entirety
- Complete an essay that is 750 words or less
- You are a U.S. citizen or legal resident
2. Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship: Virginia
Your particular state may offer LPN scholarships through the department of health, such as the Mary Marshall Scholarship in the State of Virginia. With an award of $1,200, graduate nurses are expected to practice as a full-time LPN in Virginia for one full year. Requirements for applicants may include:
- Virginia residency for at least one year
- Acceptance or enrollment in an LPN program in Virginia
- Complete an application prior to June 30, 2014
- Provide proof of financial need for tuition
3. Elmore Medical Center Foundation Nursing Scholarship Program
Medical centers and hospitals in your community may offer LPN scholarships that help ease the nursing shortage in the community and provide training for their own nurses in the area. The Elmore Medical Center Foundation offers a nursing scholarship of $2,000 to full or part-time employees who are interested in an LPN career. Employees may work as nursing assistants, orderlies or any other area of healthcare. Requirements for applicants include:
- Acceptance or enrollment of an accredited LPN program
- Must be willing to practice in the medical center post graduation if a position is available
- The LPN program must be located in an institution of higher learning that qualifies an LPN
As you search for information on LPN nursing scholarships, ensure that you examine every avenue to ensure your goal as an LPN is completed.