Scholarships for Nursing Students in Wisconsin

There is a high demand for qualified nurses. Across the country, organizations are reaching out to prospective nurses. Part of the process involves offering scholarship money to qualified candidates; another part involves drawing in minority students and others who have historically been less likely to enter the nursing field. In Wisconsin, there are some scholarships for traditionally underserved populations and others for students who are interested in specialty areas of nursing.

Demand is increasing at a higher rate for nurses with more advanced degrees and certifications. Thus, you’ll see many scholarships for nurses seeking career mobility as well as for those just entering the profession.

Nursing Scholarship Requirements in Wisconsin

What options exist for those at the beginning stages of their careers? If you’re already in the healthcare field (as a CNA) for instance, and you want to move up in the ranks, your employer may be an option. Employers like Extendicare offer competitive scholarship opportunities for employees. If you are working as a CNA or LPN on a SCI/D unit at an Wisconsin facility, you can apply for the Kathy Welter Scholarship, offered by the Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America. One $2,000 award is given each year. (RNs in their final year are also given consideration if they have the intent of securing a position.)

Professional organizations are another option. The Wisconsin Student Nurses Association makes awards of up to $500 to well qualified and financially needy undergraduates who are members of their organization. Application packets should be put in the mail by January 25.

The Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin offers scholarships to RN to BSN and graduate nursing candidates. The committee will want to see a curriculum vitae and reference letters. It is necessary to be a member of the organization to apply for this award. If you are, remember that the application date is May 1.

The Virginia “Bea” Root Nursing Scholarship, also offered through the WPVA, is for nursing students who are committed to helping patients who have sustained severe injuries. To be eligible, you don’t necessarily have to have a position. Winners are expected to take a position in either a rehabilitative facility or spinal cord injury unit after program completion. Awards are $500 to $1,000.

The St. Mary’s Hospital Minority Healthcare Scholarship is for minority students studying at the ADN and BSN levels. Applicants must be enrolled at one of three Madison schools: UW-Madison, Edgewood College, or Madison Area Technical College.

Expert Advice – Applying for Nursing Scholarships

In a sense, the competition begins long before the application process. Volunteering and job shadowing can demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

When it comes time to apply, put your effort into competitions that allow you to best demonstrate your strengths. Some committees, like the WSNA, publish their scoring guidelines. The WSNA gives 40 points for professionalism; this category includes involvement in the professional organization as well as other activities like volunteering. For this particular competition, your academic achievements are worth 20% and your financial need, 25%. In addition to the required materials, you are allowed to provide additional details to give the committee a picture of your financial situation. Take stock of your life: Are there special economic circumstances? You will eliminate your chances at winning if you don’t give all required information; you may increase them by including optional materials.

Contact Information for Nursing Scholarships in Wisconsin

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