Getting Started on Your Nursing Career
For additional information about nursing as a profession, how to prepare for nursing school, what to expect in a nursing program, nursing specialties and what it’s like to be a nurse, check the resources at the bottom of this page.
To find out which schools offer nursing programs and get started in selecting a school, obtain a copy of “Peterson’s Guide to Nursing Programs”. It is an excellent resource to nursing schools in the U.S., and is organized both by geographic area and by type of program. It also includes information on each school. Buy it at www.amazon.com, or look for it in your local bookstore.
Peterson’s also has a Web site with an online database of nursing schools. (See below)
Financial Assistance to Become a Nurse
There are both public (federal and state) and private funds available for nursing school. As a nursing student, you are also eligible for the same financial support available to any student in an approved college or university.
Your first and most important stop in seeking information should be the financial aid office of your chosen school. College and university offices of financial aid have a great deal of information available to them on both national and state sources of aid, and they are there to help you sort through it.
There are many sources of federal support for which you may be eligible, including both loans and grants. Possibilities are extensive, so contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center directly. Call them at (800)-4FEDAID or online. (See below)
For state sources of funding, contact your state Department of Education for information.
There are also many private organizations and foundations which offer smaller grants and loans, often tailored to particular degrees or requirements. Check your local bookstore for publications on searching for scholarships and grants. You can also try an online database, such as www.fastweb.com or www.scholarshipcoach.com, both linked below. These can match your information to a financial aid database.
Remember that, in addition to looking for one large scholarship or loan to pay for your college program, you may also have success putting together a package of several smaller grants and loans. Researching and assembling a financial aid package for your education requires time, attention and work; but the rewards are many as it will enable you to reach your personal and professional goals.