LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is taking measures to lessen the impacts of an ongoing shortage of nurses across the state.
The State of Nebraska’s nursing scholarship program is growing, as the size of the scholarships have been doubled and eligibility is expanded as well, DHHS announced Wednesday.
“Nebraska needs more nurses and this opportunity allows us to double the size of scholarships and widen eligibility to help address our nursing shortage,” Public Health Division Director Charity Menefee said in a press release. “This can be a difference-maker that enables students to afford nursing school.”
DHHS has already awarded around $3 million of the $5 million provided to the state via the American Rescue Plan Act.
In order to be eligible, individuals must be a Nebraska resident going to school in Nebraska who is enrolled in a nursing program — associate degree or bachelor of science in nursing. Applicants also must have already finished any prerequisites.
Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the state, and students are eligible for up to $5,000 per semester until their nursing program is complete or until the scholarship funds have run out.
The state also requires any recipients of the scholarships to practice as a nurse in Nebraska for at least two years.
To apply, click here. Any questions regarding the scholarship program can be sent via email to dhhs.nursingscholarship@nebraska.gov.
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