Minority Money For Nursing School
If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, now is a great time. Registered nurses are in demand and minority nurses are essential. According to the 2010 US Department of Health and Human Services HRSA report, studies show that as minorities enter the nursing field, under served populations get better access to healthcare.
Nursing Programs
Great nursing programs are everywhere. The University of Maryland Baltimore, Oregon Health and Science University, University of Washington, University of Pennsylvania and University of Minnesota are just a few.
Best Schools for Nursing
If pursing a 4-year degree doesn’t fit with your lifestyle or pocketbook, you still have options. Consider enrolling in a certificate or associates programs. There are even online programs. According to U.S. News, the top five online nursing degree programs are St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois, Medical University of South Carolina, Duke University (tie), Ohio State University (tie), John Hopkins, and the University of Cincinnati.
No matter what educational path you take, be proactive. Minority students often feel isolated and many students, especially, first generation students struggle to understand the financial aid world and struggle with adjusting to campus life. Join your campus Black Student Union, sit down with your school’s financial aid office and ask questions, join a nursing club and if the club you’re looking for doesn’t exist, start one.
Scholarships
Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, there are financial resources available to assist you in your pursuit. The Disadvantage Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP), DiversityNursing.com, Give Corporate Outstanding Nursing Student Scholarship and National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) are just a few.
Advance Programs
Understand that once you’ve received your certificate or degree an advance program will most likely be necessary to stay competitive and for you to increase your earning potential. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists top the list of highest paid nursing jobs. General Nurse Practitioners, Gerontological Nurse Practitioners, Pain Management Nurses and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners round off the top five.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
We know how important diversity, inclusion and agency are in the workplace. When interviewing, in addition to inquiring about salary, technology and training opportunities, don’t be afraid to inquire about the number of people of color in leadership positions, the hospital/clinics involvement with under served communities and their commitment to diversity.
Check out DiversityInc’s Top 10 Health and Healthcare Systems to see if any are in your area. Henry Ford Health System (Detroit), Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai Health System (NYC), Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.), Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, Fl.) and Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) all made the cut.
Today is July 31st, Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. Dress A Med partners with LeanIn.org to give 37% discounts.
