Free nursing school? Let's research.

[jswitch]

Hi everyone,

I've got 7 pre-req classes to go before I apply to nursing school and I'm researching good schools in Florida or schools in other states that have a nursing student loan forgiveness program like FL does. With the nursing shortage, there are a lot of opportunities for a good, free education. My hometown is Miami and I know Baptist Hospital has a Nursing Scholars Program that pays for your school. If you know any others in FL, or know states w/good schools that offer some type of loan forgiveness OR that have good hospitals that pay employees' nursing education, share your research with me and I'll share mine with you.

Thanks :)

[sunray12]

I'm not in Florida but hospital and other similar type scholarships don't usually mean completely free. In most cases there are stipulations and you are expected to pay with x-years of service after you graduate instead of money. If however you are unable to find a qualifying job, or you get a qualifying job and it doesn't work out for you then you will end up with a bill for the cost of your education.

Some good resources esp if this is your first time in college - pell grant and GI bill. Also look for scholarships offered by community based or professional organizations. If you combine these resources you should be able to cover most or all of the cost of in-state tuition at community college or state u.

Another good other option if you can get it - employer tuition reimbursement. This would probably mean working ft and going to school pt but your tuition would be covered.

[jswitch]

Thanks for your feedback. I'm aware of tuition reimbursement and am open to that also. However, it's not my first time in college (I have a non-medical degree) and the GI Bill is not something I'm willing to consider. I have no problem staying with a hospital for X number of years after my degree because I'm looking for places where I'd be willing/able to relocate. So ideally, I want to stay put.