How to Pay for Nursing School

Prior to nursing school, I often heard, "You should never work if you are a full-time nursing student."

Yes, nursing school does take up a lot of time... A LOT of time. Days which you are learning at the hospitals are called clinical rotations. These are usually 12-hour days, not including the time driving to/from, parking, and catching shuttle buses at larger hospitals. Depending on your school, you will also have simulation lab days, community service hours, practical exams, and random events to attend throughout school in addition to class and study sessions.

As many may know, this is not my first time going after a degree. But this is definitely the first time that a degree demanded so much mandatory time outside of simply studying...

In the beginning, I did complain. I just wanted to focus on studying, but now, I've not only learned to balance my time, but I've also started working again in addition to my military commitment. I'll write about time management while in nursing school another time, but today, I want to help you gain more time and lose stress by finding funding for those expensive nursing school books, uniforms, supplies, and more.

How to pay for nursing school

1. Save money before starting school

This is a popular option, especially if nursing is your second career. In order to calculate your expenses correctly, simply add up your current living expenses for each year as well as your tuition, expected books expenses, uniforms, supplies... then add on $2,000 for miscellaneous nursing needs.

2. Work while in nursing school

A lot of my classmates are doing this... myself included. Most of us do not work full-time. We mostly work PRN or part-time. Our schedules must be flexible, because nursing school schedules are constantly changing. To help you understand, one professor once said, "Never write your schedules in pen. Always use pencil." And I do. I always write in pencil... or use Google calendar. So, it is really difficult to handle a full-time schedule... unless you are working night shifts. And if you can handle that, more power to you.

3. Accept federal or private student loans

This is not everyone's favorite option, but it is still there. Federal loans have lower interest rates and pretty straight forward to pay back. As a nurse, you'll probably be able to work somewhere long enough to have your loans forgiven. Just remember that these are always options although grants and scholarships are the better way to go. You don't have to pay them back. :)

4. Win scholarships or grants

This may sound extremely vague, but check with your financial aid office. They will probably have scholarships that you can apply for. Check with student clubs that are related to your interests. Check with local organizations... and check at least once a month. I've scored scholarships throughout the year. Remember to be selective with the scholarships you decide to apply for. Some require a lot more work to maintain than others. I'll write about the National Nurse Corps Scholarship later this week. I highly recommend that one. :)

5. Join the military

This was my choice. I joined the Air National Guard. Although I did not join the military for school purposes, I decided to take advantage of the benefits and pursue another bachelor's degree. This is not a very popular option, but I am really glad that I chose this route. As a medic in the Guard, I've gained such valuable experience that have already benefited me in my medical career. The university is accustomed to working with the military. So, often times, they will work an issue rather than getting you wrapped up in it. The military will pay for the tuition... but not he parking fees. So, just a heads up. You'll still be responsible for that $160 annual parking fee. But it is much less than thousands of dollars in tuition. :)

And that's what I got! Do you have any suggestions? Which scholarships do you recommend applying to?