Amazing Grant and Scholarship Opportunities For African American Nursing Students

Everyone knows there's a critical shortage of nurses. One demographic where the health care industry has been doing its best to draft more into the profession is with African Americans. According to a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 55% of all nurses are white, 35% are black and the remaining 10% are of other races. One way to begin combating this is through scholarships and grants to encourage new students.

The industry isn't about to let up on recruiting more African Americans. It's well known that one thing holding many back are finances. As such, there is an incredible amount of financial assistance set aside to get more African American nurses into the work force. In fact, the site MinorityNursing.com has put up a list of over 100 of these funds. Here's a quick sampling of some of them:

(1) The National Black Nursing Association - This is putting your money where your mouth is. The professional organization is devoted to African American nurses. It provides various scholarships of $500 to $2,000 to students currently enrolled in a BSN, ADN, diploma or LPN/LVN nursing program. Applicants must be a member of NBNA and have at least one full year of school remaining.

(2) Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association - This professional organization not only is out there to help nursing students with helpful tips on their education, but also administers several hundred grants and scholarship. Of particular interest is the Breakthrough to Nursing Scholarships, which was established in 1965.

(3) Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions - Has a special program called Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students that provides scholarships for full-time, financially needy students in nursing or health professions. One must be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident. Contact the financial aid office at the school where you are enrolled or are planning to apply for admission.

(4) Humility of Mary Health Partners/Minority Nurse Anesthetist Scholarship - This program enables minority RNs with BSN degrees to become part of the rarified profession of a nurse anesthetists by awarding them a $10,000 fellowship. Applicants must meet all admission requirements and commit to practicing at Humility of Mary Health Partners after completing the program.

(5) Minority Nurse Magazine Scholarship Program - Awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 and is open to racial and ethnic minority students who will be enrolled in either: the third or fourth year of an accredited BSN program in the United States, an accelerated program leading to a BSN degree (such as RN-to-BSN or BA-to-BSN) or an accelerated Master's; of entry nursing program for students with bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing (such as BA-to-MSN).

 As said before, Minority Nursing also has listings and URL's for over 100 different kinds of scholarships, grants and fellowships. What one should do is a little research on the Web and then get a consultation in with your school's financial aid advisor. The financing in the form of grants and scholarships is certainly out there.