Scholarships for Nursing Students in Indiana

Indiana is expected to see 2,280 openings a year for registered nurses in the years leading up to 2018. Some of those positions will be harder to fill than others, based on such factors as geographical location and the area of specialty or licensing. Scholarships are among the ways that the government, and other organizations within the state, meet staffing needs. Some nursing scholarships are essentially free money to be used by deserving candidates to meet educational costs. Others, often very lucrative ones, come with a service obligations. A candidate needs to commit to working in a particular setting for a specified period after program completion. Except in cases where there are extreme extenuating circumstances, the money will need to be repaid if the recipient does not meet their work obligation. Thankfully, there are many work options available in Indiana. Opportunities exist for both practical and professional nurses.

Nursing Scholarship Requirements in Indiana

The Nursing Scholarship Fund, administered through the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana, awards up to $5,000 a year to financially needy students enrolled in LPN and RN programs at approved Indiana schools; students must commit to providing direct care for at least two years in an acceptable facility. Unlike similar programs in some other states, service does not have to take place in a geographical area that is classified as medically underserved. Certain types of facility, including acute care, mental health, long term care, and hospice are acceptable across the state. Students must document financial need and a GPA of at least 2.0. Students should make application through the financial aid offices of approved schools, as opposed to sending materials directly to the state.

The Indiana Health Care Association offers scholarships to both LPN and RN students who are committed to working with elderly patient in long term care. Students must be enrolled in a postsecondary school in either Indiana or one of its border states. Amounts may vary, but will be at least $750. The process is competitive; the committee will look at transcripts, test scores and essays and will schedule interviews with qualified candidates. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Applications are due May 13, 2011.

Individual schools, including Indiana University and Indiana State University, also offer scholarships. At Indiana University, some scholarships specify a particular track (for instance, RN to BSN). Some are for students who demonstrate interest and commitment to particular populations: for example, oncology patients, the gay and lesbian community, or people with mental health issues.

Nursing Scholarship Professional Advice – IN

It can feel a little intimidating to apply for merit-based nursing scholarships. Where does one begin? It can be helpful to read essays written by scholarship recipients. Biographies of winning candidates are also instructive. At Indiana State University, for instance, you can read short bios of the recipients of scholarships. Keep in mind the goals of individual organizations and donors.

Some scholarship committees note that they receive a lot of applications, and it can be an advantage to make your essay stand out. Sometimes it is appropriate to weave a personal story into your essay. Do make sure you address all parts of the essay question.

Another bit of often repeated advice from scholarship foundations? Make sure that you enclose all requested items with your application package. Potential nursing scholarship recipients may hurt their chances, or eliminate them altogether, by failing to supply important information. Realize that some mandatory items require the cooperation of others and take some time to get a hold of. (You might, for instance, need to document your parent’s income as well as your own.)

Contact Information for Nursing Scholarships in Indiana

Back to Top