Healthcare is the field I hear about most from women going back to school. The demand is enormous. The pay is good. Training programs are often under two years. And what most women do not realize is that healthcare is also one of the best-funded areas for women returning to school.
Here are the 8 grants I would apply for first.
Quick Overview
| Grant | Amount | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| NURSE Corps Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | Nursing students with service commitment |
| NHSC Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | Primary care health students with service commitment |
| FNSNA Scholarships | $1,000 to $7,500 | Nursing students in accredited programs |
| WIOA Healthcare Track | Varies (can cover full program) | Unemployed or underemployed adults |
| March of Dimes Scholarship | $5,000 | RNs in graduate nursing programs |
| Tylenol Future Care Scholarship | $5,000 to $10,000 | Healthcare degree or certificate students |
| Institutional Healthcare Scholarships | Varies by school | Students at the specific school |
| State Hospital Association Scholarships | $1,000 to $5,000 | State residents in healthcare programs |
1. NURSE Corps Scholarship Program
A federal program from HRSA that covers full nursing school tuition, fees, and a monthly living stipend in exchange for a service commitment at a Critical Shortage Facility in an underserved area. Application window is usually in spring at HRSA.gov/nurse-corps.
2. NHSC Scholarship Program
The National Health Service Corps Scholarship covers education for primary care health professionals including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, in exchange for a service commitment. Apply at NHSC.hrsa.gov.
3. Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association
FNSNA awards hundreds of scholarships each year to nursing students, with some targeting returning adults and underrepresented groups. Awards range from $1,000 to $7,500. Apply at Forevernursing.org in the fall.
4. WIOA Healthcare Track Funding
Many state workforce agencies set aside WIOA dollars specifically for CNA, medical assistant, phlebotomy, and similar programs. If you qualify, they pay for tuition, books, uniforms, and exam fees. Call your local American Job Center to find out what is covered in your area.
5. March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship
For RNs enrolled in a graduate nursing program focused on maternal and child health. Awards $5,000. Apply at Marchofdimes.org during their scholarship cycle.
6. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
National scholarships of $5,000 to $10,000 for students in healthcare degree or certificate programs. Worth applying for because it is well-funded and accepts applicants from across the country. Apply at Scholarship.tylenol.com.
7. Institutional Healthcare Scholarships
Many career colleges and community colleges have internal scholarships for healthcare students that are not advertised outside the school. Ask the financial aid office specifically: "What scholarships does this school offer for healthcare students?"
8. State Hospital Association Scholarships
Most state hospital associations award $1,000 to $5,000 scholarships to students in their state entering healthcare careers. These are less competitive than national awards. Search for "[your state] hospital association scholarship."
Healthcare Programs Worth Pursuing
| Program | Length | Average Pay |
|---|---|---|
| CNA | 4 to 12 weeks | $35,000 to $40,000/yr |
| Medical Assistant | 9 to 12 months | $38,000 to $44,000/yr |
| Medical Billing and Coding | 9 to 18 months | $42,000 to $52,000/yr |
| LPN | 12 to 18 months | $55,000 to $65,000/yr |
| RN (ADN) | 2 years | $75,000 to $90,000+/yr |
Not Sure What You Qualify For?
My free grant finder takes about 2 minutes and matches you with every grant, scholarship, and training program available based on where you live and what you want to study.
Find My Grants