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I am still trying to catch up on some older questions I never got to. Here is a great question about affording Nursing School College Programs:

Hey Sarah,

I am REALLY interested in becoming a Registered Nurse RN. The only problem is, I am really not doing very well financially. I know that college or nursing school can be really expensive. I really can’t see how I can afford paying for school for the next 2-4 years. Can you offer any suggestions to help me finance nursing school? Thanks

Rita

Hey Rita,

Thanks so much for your question. First of all, Nursing School can definitely be expensive. Luckily, there are many great programs and opportunities in this day and age that will allow you to realize your dream of becoming a nurse. There are lots of ways you can help to pay for your education. So I would like to cover some methods you can use.

How to Pay for Nursing School or Medical College: Ways to Finance Your Education

1. Financial Aid–The government offers a free financial aid application to see if you qualify for state or federal funds. Most of the time, these are grants that do not need to be repaid. This is a great way to take get a nursing degree! You can often get enough financial aid to cover your full costs, or at least most of it. You can apply for free at fasfa.ed.gov.
2. Nursing Scholarships–Most nursing colleges will offer scholarship packages for new students. There are often several different scholarships available for different people. Example: you may get a scholarship based on income, or grades, etc. So definitely check with your local college’s scholarship or nursing department to find out if you can obtain any scholarship assistance.
3. Employee Tuition Reimbursement–Many employers (such as hospitals and organizations) will offer a tuition reimbursement program. My job offers this, and many others do as well. In this situation, if you work for a company or organization, they will often pay for your schooling as long as you agree to continue working for them. It benefits them to have your expertise, and it benefits you because you can move up the career ladder. So, for example, let’s assume you want to be a nurse. You could always go and work part-time at a hospital or place that offers tuition reimbursement (as a CNA or Entry Level Worker), and then they will help cover the cost of your tuition for nursing school. This can be a great way to not only cover your schooling costs, but also build a relationship with your employer.
4. Student Loan Programs–The other 3 options above would be best, as you don’t have to pay back the funds. But if you can’t get any of those (or need a little extra help), you can always apply for School loans. Student loans are available at almost any major college or university. You can contact your local college or university for more information regarding student loans. Just remember that you must pay them back once you graduate, and often have to pay interest charges. So be careful. =)
5. Credit Cards– Credit cards are one more way you can help cover the costs of tuition. Credit cards are not the best option, but they are one possible option. Even if you don’t use a credit card to pay for tuition, you can use them for other things such as buying textbooks online. In any event, just be sure to use credit cards responsibly, and only spend what you  have to (and pay it off as soon as possible).

Conclusion: There are Many Ways to Pay for Nursing School, Don’t Give Up

I had to make a lot of financial sacrifices while I was a student, but it was definitely worth the effort. I am so glad that I pursued my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. It may be hard to stay focused and afford the rising tuition costs, but just know that there are programs and ways to help you realize your dreams of becoming a nurse.

Good luck =).

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Hey Everyone,

It has been a while since I have made a personal post on here. I have been busy studying for HESI, spending time with Ben, and doing things that need to be done before school starts back. I can’t believe winter break is almost over….it has went by really fast. Also I can’t believe it is 2009….how I have longed for this year. I know this year is going to be a year of change. Here is why: I will be graduating from nursing school in May, I’ll be getting a job as a Registered Nurse RN (making more money than I do now), and I will be purchasing my first home. I think those three things are major changing events that will take place in my life in 2009. I can’t wait to see where I will be this time next year and guess what you will be able to take all of these journeys with me hehe

Today I need to start studying for my Dosage & Calculations test I have next week. Yep, I have a test the first day back….lovely huh?! Who has a test on the first day of school any ways? ONLY a nursing student! I hope to bring every one some interesting posts this semester and of course the grand finale of my graduation (get ready for some pictures lol). I told Ben he better take a million pictures! Then you will get to see me transition from the student nurse to a nurse which will be interesting by far hehe.

Today I had to call financial aid and get some issues sorted out. I always end up having a problem with them during each semester about something. This time my account was saying that I wasn’t getting my right amount of financial aid balance money back. So I called and they informed me that instead of getting everything at once (like I usually do) they are mailing out two checks…..weird. I was really stressed out about it because I have seen a lot of people get their financial aid messed up. However, the good thing that came out of the whole mess was that I didn’t have to stay on the phone for 3 hours like last time….remember that post. Can you believe I was only on hold for 10 minutes this time….. it was amazing!!

This weekend Ben and I plan on going to visit our family because we know once school starts back we won’t be able to go down there for awhile. Next Thursday I will have more to blog about for then on because that is when I go back. I hope every one has a great week!

Until next time,

Sarah

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Posted under Daily Ramblings, Nursing School