Presently there is a huge shortage of nurses all over the world. That is the precise reason why the government of US is encouraging more and more students to take up nursing as a career and in order to ensure that the government is offering various scholarships. All needy students who require financial assistance to cover the expenses of a nursing program can take advantage of these scholarships to fulfill their dreams. In the process the government will not only have more nurses to work but will also gain by reducing unemployment. Even private sector organizations both from health care services as well as other fields are also encouraging students through various nursing scholarships.

The aspiring nurses will have to undertake to serve at certain designated health care centers for a minimum period of two years after completing their nursing program which will be funded by the government grants. However the nurses will continue to get their due salaries during this period from the employing agency as per normal prevailing pay rates. This commitment is only to ensure the availability of nurses and in no way implies any forced work or free work from the beneficiaries of the grants.

Any US citizen willing to take up this profession is eligible to apply provided as long as they have been accepted for enrolment in an accredited program for nursing within the US which can be at undergraduate level or even at post graduate level. The applicants should normally be free of any federal debt defaults and committed service. These grants aim to help the students from the low income backgrounds and hence preference will be given to the neediest of the lot. The important factors that will decide the grant of such aids are firstly the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which should be as low as possible as per FAFSA records and secondly the applicant should have enrolled in a full time undergraduate program.

These nursing scholarships available through government grants will cover all expenses ranging from tuition fees, any other course related fees, associated expenses of books, laboratory fees, clinical requirement. The grant will be as a monthly stipend of the tune of $ 1326 for the current financial year (2010-2011).

In order to avail the benefits of such nursing scholarships one must first search for the right course and thereafter approach the Financial Aid Office of that nursing school to collect information on the various scholarships that are available. Detailed information can also be obtained from the US government websites that are dedicated to student aids and scholarships. Timely application is the secret to having a better chance of approval. The authorities at local grant office or the school Financial Aids Office can provide guidance on the application filling process.

The government grants are meant to benefit the weaker sections of the US society who can take advantage of these free funds to enhance their career prospects and achieve higher qualifications. The nursing scholarships are a great step in the right direction. There are also numerous private organizations and non profit foundations that offer many scholarships for students desirous of taking up a nursing program.