Does a program like this even exist?

Shortigirl · Feb 18, 2009

There are definitely programs that the army offers. From what I've seen, they offer money for tuition in addition to a stipend of somewhere around 400 a month. I think they require a certain number of service days per year but it really doesn't seem too bad. If you are worried about having a job after school, I don't think that will be a problem. If you are looking for employment with the army you should be able to obtain employment rather easily.

bluemorningglory · Feb 18, 2009

I think you misunderstand me...or maybe it's the other way around. I wonder if the civilian world offers a program like this. I am no longer tied to the military as a spouse...no therefore ineligible to participate in a program for military spouses..

gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN · Feb 18, 2009

The days of Hospital's paying for your schooling & job placement after graduation are long gone. Some LTC facilities will offer to pay for your schooling, but, you have to agree to work full time while going to school and work 2 to 3 (or more) years for them after graduation. Personally, I went for student loans, this way if I chose not to stay with a company for any reason they didn't have he locked into a compact that benefits them.

RNMeg · Feb 18, 2009

The days of Hospital's paying for your schooling & job placement after graduation are long gone.

This is not true. I'm in a BSN program, and my tuition is paid 100% by the hospital that is sponsoring me. They require me to work for them after graduation to "pay back" my debt, so in a way, it's job placement. However, if they don't have space or resources to hire new grads when I graduate, I'll have to find a job elsewhere and my debt will be forgiven. It's a pretty sweet deal

To answer the OP's question, though, as far as I know there are no government-funded civilian programs that pay for nursing school and pay a stipend. You may be able to find grants or scholarships that would put you in a similar situation, but those are few and highly competitive, and funded privately.

Best of luck in your search!

kalley · Feb 18, 2009

The hospital that I work at offers for you to pay for your diploma program and all supplies/books. You have to work 16 hours a week during school and 2 years for them after you complete your training. In a lot of ways it is a great deal. The only reason I didn't take them up on it is I want to get an ADN or higher so that I can get an advanced degree.

Jolie, BSN · Feb 18, 2009

To my knowledge, each branch of the military as well as the U.S. Public Health Service offer 4-year programs that pay tuition, fees, books as well as a small living stipend in exchange for a commitment to become a commissioned officer and accept placement wherever needed (stateside or overseas) for a "payback" period.

I went to nursing school (BSN program) with 2 sisters who funded their education this way via the Army, and my sister went to med school courtesy of the Air Force. They graduated with no debt, but owed their next 4 years to their respective services.

Shortigirl · Feb 18, 2009

MegRN2B, where do you go to school and what is this hospital that you are going to work for? I have been trying to find something like this because the tuition of the school I am planning on attending is rather steep. Although, this is because I am an out of state student:crying2:.

RNMeg · Feb 18, 2009

Shortigirl,

Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. I guess they're having some kind of budget crisis at the moment, though, so I don't know if they're still offering the program for new students. They pay for Northern Arizona University, Pima Community College ADN program, and University of Arizona (I think).

cooliegirl · Feb 18, 2009

Yes there is a program out there.!!..a few of my friends are on this schlorship. The application is closed now but will be opening soon for the 09 school year. My friend check is direct deposited right into her account, her books and tuition is all paid for.

Here is the website and a few of the benefits they recieve. Good luck and please apply!

About the Nursing Scholarship Program In exchange for at least two years service at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses, the Nursing Scholarship Program pays

tuition
required fees
other reasonable costs, including required books, clinical supplies, laboratory expenses, etc.
monthly stipend ($1,233 for the 2008-2009 academic year)

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/scholarship/

I<3Nursing · Feb 18, 2009

I was on the HRSA scholarship. It is a great program you get the monthly stipend and you get tuition and books paid for and additional money every year for uniforms and necessary supplies. Upon graduation you have to work for a facility in your area or wherever you want that has a "nursing shortgage" as classified by their type of facility. Basically means no private practice clinics. I have already put in almost a year on my commitment you have to give a year for a year but no less than 2. I have worked at two hospitals already and I don't find it a problem that I had to committ because hospital work was my initial goal for experience as a nurse. Unfortunately school nursing does not count, but for now that's ok with me.

Like the post above said they have open and closed enrollement periods so you have to know when to apply. Biggest things they look for EFC of 0 (FAFSA) and 4-year program. Does not mean you won't be considered but these are the first group funding. I had both.

Good luck!

PeaceonearthRN · Feb 19, 2009

The state of Pennsylvania had a 60% loan forgiveness sponsored by some level of government funding. A month before I graduated, although I landed a job at a hospital that was ' in need'.., they cancelled the program and did not grandfather people in. This was tied to my FAFSA loans. Can we say economic stimulus anyone?