The annual Freeman Nurse scholarships are given to students enrolled full-time in a nursing program located in Vermont. The approved list of colleges and universities includes Vermont Technical College, Castleton State College, Norwich University, Southern Vermont College, and the University of Vermont. To be eligible, the student must also have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average and have pledged to practice nursing at a facility in Vermont for two years following graduation. Selections for the scholarships are based on academic performance, leadership, and community service. The scholarship award is approximately $7,500. Applications are due in April. An essay must be included with the application packet. Students should contact their prospectie colleges to learn more information about the scholarship.
In Vermont, the Vermont State Nursing Incentive Program is a state-funded loan for giving opportunity given to students who complete a program and then promise to work in an area of the state where the nurses are greatly needed. Many of these areas are in either rural or medically under-served areas. Recent awards have been between $500 and $10,000, and the applicants must be enrolled in a full-time program of study in order to be eligible.
Prospective nurses interested in careers as licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, or registered nurses can now attain nursing scholarships more easily from federal and state departments. There are even programs to help students transfer between nursing levels, such as going from a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse or from a registered nurse to a bachelor's degree. Nurses already working in the field who want to continue their formal educations should consider pursuing post-graduate studies. Currently there are graduate nursing scholarships available from the federal government. State monies could also be an option as well as scholarship funds from private organizations. Many of those private monies are generated from professional specialty groups within the nursing field. Many nursing scholarships are available without preference toward race, religion, or gender. But many private organizations may have special requirements. It is important to research what is expected thoroughly for the scholarship before applying.
Prospective nursing students should ask their academic advisors about any other scholarships that the school may offer. Many schools have established foundation scholarship through community and alumni donations with the purpose of financing students' futures.