State-funded scholarships available for RN to BSN students
The Ohio State University College of Nursing has once again received significant funding from the Choose Ohio First scholarship program to offer to students in its RN to BSN program. The college will host an informational event on Wednesday, March 18 at 3:30 p.m. in Newton Hall, room 264 to discuss the RN to BSN program and how to qualify for the Choose Ohio First scholarship. The event is open to any students who are interested in starting the RN to BSN program in either summer or autumn 2020 and need financial assistance. Students must be in their final year of the associate degree program at one of the college’s partner schools through Path2BSN or already have an RN license.
Choose Ohio First, according to the website for the Ohio Chancellor, “is designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math and medicine) disciplines and STEMM education” as part of efforts to bolster the state’s economy and ensure a pipeline of workforce-ready professionals. This scholarship targets “innovative” programs for undergraduate and qualified graduate students in STEMM areas, including those that meet the educational needs of the state of Ohio. Statistics continue to demonstrate an urgent need for more educated and qualified nurses in the healthcare field, and the RN to BSN program is a critical pathway for filling that need.
The College of Nursing’s RN to BSN program comprises more than 50% of Ohio State’s online bachelor’s degree offerings, which U.S. News & World Report recently ranked No. 1 in the nation. This online program waives all textbook costs, which is a significant cost savings to students.
“Our RN to BSN program is a point of pride for our university because of the passionate students and faculty who carry out its mission of preparing healthcare leaders of the future,” said Wendy Bowles, assistant dean for baccalaureate programs. “The Choose Ohio First scholarship is a great option to help our students finance their education and pursue their dreams.”
Scholarships are projected to total more than $70,000 this year for qualified RN to BSN students and are awarded based on factors including grade-point average, financial need and residency status. The deadline to apply for the Choose Ohio First scholarship is April 15 for Summer 2020 applicants and July 15 for Autumn 2020 applicants.
