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Graduate students in Albany State University’s nursing program are receiving a financial boost to complete their studies. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded a grant to ASU’s Nurse Traineeship Program in the amount of $338,000 to increase the number of students on track to become family nurse practitioners. The grant process was competitive, but funding preference was granted to ASU because of its high placement rate of graduates who work in medically underserved areas in southwest Georgia according to ASU Department of Nursing chairperson Dr. Cathy Williams.

“We were elated because a lot of times there is money available for undergraduates, but not for graduate students,” said Williams. “Our goal is to provide financial assistance to graduate students who’ll become family nurse practitioners using their skills in our community,” added Williams who submitted the grant application last year. 

Ninety-five percent of the family nurse practitioner graduates at ASU are employed as advanced practice registered nurses. More than 85 percent of the graduates work in medically underserved areas in the state.

With the critical shortage of primary care health professionals, the Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship program opens the door for family nurse practitioners to become primary health care providers in rural and primary care settings; also medically underserved areas.

The grant earmarked for graduate students will pay all or part of their tuition, books and fees; as well as reasonable living expenses.

Full time students who apply for financial assistance are eligible for awards up to $16,000. Students with less than nine hours can apply for up to $11,000. So far, over 30 students enrolled in spring semester courses are approved to receive scholarships.

Several universities in the state applied for the grant, but Albany State University is the only institution whose proposal was approved.  

 For more information about how to apply for a scholarship, please call ASU Department of Nursing Grant Coordinator and Clinical Instructor Tamara Davis at (229) 420-7076 or email her at tamara.davis@asurams.edu.