Nursing students facing financial constraints might consider the HRSA Nurse Corps Program, which offers free nursing school in exchange for a two-year work commitment. By applying for the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, you can receive funding for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Read further!
What is the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program?
The HRSA, a federal agency dedicated to providing quality healthcare to underserved communities, offers the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program to address the nursing shortage in high-need areas.
This program funds nursing students’ education in return for a commitment to work in HRSA-designated areas of high need, such as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA), or Medically Underserved Areas/Populations (MUA/P).
Eligible students can apply for the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, which covers tuition, and fees, and provides a monthly stipend, though the entire award is taxable.
Recipients agree to work full-time for two years in a critical shortage facility after graduation. These facilities are located in or designated as HPSAs.
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements for the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a national, or a lawful permanent resident.
- Be enrolled or accepted for a professional nursing degree program at an accredited U.S. nursing school.
- Begin classes no later than September 30.
- Have no federal judgment liens or existing service commitments.
- Not be overdue on federal debt.
Applying to the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The application process for 2023 is closed, but you can sign up for email notifications for the 2024 cycle. Preparing your application documentation may take weeks or months, so it’s best to start early.
Before applying, consider the following:
- Are you willing to relocate to an underserved area and work full-time in a critical shortage facility for two years post-graduation?
- You must sign a contract agreeing to meet these obligations.
- The minimum service obligation is two years full-time, with a longer obligation for those receiving more than two years of support.
- Participants can apply for positions in critical shortage facilities of their choice.
- You have up to nine months post-graduation to obtain a permanent nursing license, secure a job offer, and start full-time work.
- Some participants may be granted part-time status but must complete two years of full-time work.
- If you start the program but cannot continue, you can request to terminate the contract in writing but must repay all funds, including pre-tax tuition and stipends.
Application Package
The application package includes:
- An online application and supporting documentation.
- Eligibility screening.
- Confirmation of full-time student status.
- General and background information, including individual and family background, emergency contacts, and education.
- Two professional letters of recommendation: one academic (from a faculty advisor, department chair, or faculty member) and one non-academic (from someone familiar with your community or civic activities, especially related to underserved communities).
- Required supporting documents, such as an authorization to release information form, proof of U.S. citizenship or national status, verification of acceptance or enrollment in an accredited nursing program, current tuition and fee schedule, completed essay question, resume or curriculum vitae, and academic transcript.
- Additional documentation may be needed if you have an outstanding service obligation to another program.
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program provides many nursing students with the opportunity to enter a professional career by reducing financial barriers and addressing the nursing shortage.
This program is ideal for students with limited financial resources or those who prefer fulfilling their loan obligations in 2-3 years rather than spending nearly a decade repaying school loans.
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