NURSE Corps Scholarship Program (formerly Nursing Scholarship Program) enables students accepted or enrolled in a diploma, associate, baccalaureate or graduate nursing programs to complete their nursing education by paying tuition, fees, other education costs and providing a living stipend.
The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program is a selective program of the U.S. Government that helps alleviate the critical shortage of nurses currently experienced by certain types of health care facilities located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Upon graduation, NURSE Corps Scholarship recipients work at these facilities for at least 2 years, earning the same competitive salary and benefits as non-members.
As much as half of the award funds are reserved for students pursuing a master’s level nurse practitioner degree.
Applications are accepted once each year, usually during the spring.
In exchange for a minimum 2-year service commitment at a critical shortage facility located in a HPSA, the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program pays:
Preference is given to qualified applicants with the greatest financial need who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited undergraduate nursing program or Master’s nurse practitioner program as full-time students.
In FY 2011, 395 applicants were selected to receive the scholarship.
The rules determining compliance with the NSP are determined by the Application and Program Guidance (APG) that was in effect the year you became a funded scholar. The service obligation changes regarding employment tiers for 2012 are not applicable to scholars awarded in previous application cycles. For your convenience, the 2010 and 2011 APG’s are available here:
Invoicing Guidelines for Schools (PDF - 112 KB)
Program Guidance for 2012 New Scholarship Recipients Webinar Presentation (PDF - 432 KB)
Transitioning from School to Successful Service Completion (PPT - 3 MB)