Nursing students at the University of Alaska Anchorage can apply for the David B. & Mary E. Carlson Scholarship to help with their tuition and living expenses. Preference is given to students from the Bristol Bay area (though students who are not Alaska residents may also apply), particularly those hailing from communities of under 7,500 residents, and who are planning to practice nursing in rural areas of Alaska. Applicants should "demonstrate motivation, academic and leadership potential," according to the university.
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
907-786-1480
uaa.alaska.edu
Nursing students who will serve in rural and other needy communities for two years after graduation can apply for the Health Resources and Services Administration Scholarship. This award is designed to help students with great financial need. It pays their full tuition, fees and books and provides a living stipend of $1,326 a month. An average of 500 awards are given annually. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an accredited nursing program at the associate, bachelor or graduate level, or pursuing a nursing certificate or diploma. Also, applicants must not have any other pending service obligations or be delinquent on a debt to the federal government.
Health Resources and Services Administration
HRSA Information Center
P.O. Box 2910
Merrifield, VA 22118
1-888-275-4772
hrsa.gov
Nurse practitioners and nurse midwifes willing to serve a rural location known as a AzMUA, or Arizona Medically Underserved Area, can have thousands of dollars of educational loans repaid by the state, in addition to receiving a standard salary. Applicants must serve for at least two years, possess all required nursing certifications and degrees, be willing to treat those on Medicare and offer a sliding scale payment plan to assist the needy.
Arizona Department of Health Services:
150 North 18th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
602-542-1025
azdhs.gov
The Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition Program describes itself as a "competitive forgiveness loan program, which assists rural communities in growing their own health care professionals," by turning some student loans into scholarship awards in exchange for service to remote areas of Texas. Rural towns can nominate local students for the award. The students then return home after graduation to serve their community, and have half of their loan amount repaid by the sponsor. The value of the scholarship varies according to the cost of tuition, fees, and housing at the university the recipient attends.
Rural Assistance Center
School of Medicine and Health Sciences Room 4520
501 North Columbia Road Stop 9037
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037
512-936-6715
raconline.org