Scholarships for Healthcare Workers

In the U.S., the average total cost of medical school amounts to more than $230,000.

Healthcare workers build their careers on the foundation of a diverse and challenging education - but degrees in the medical fields are exorbitant and would be out of reach for many students without the availability of scholarships.

Keep reading to learn about some of the best scholarships around.

The Cost of Tuition Around the World

The cost of tuition for students varies greatly depending on the university you're planning on attending, the type of tuition, and whether or not you're an international student.

Typically, tuition fees for international students cost far more than for national students - and private universities charge more than public ones.

In some cases, tuition fees vary based on whether a student is "in-state" or "out-of-state," with out-of-state students paying more per academic year. Nursing degrees are, in general, far cheaper than the medical schools you'd attend to become a practicing doctor. In addition, becoming an MD usually requires 5 to 6 years of study.

Healthcare Tuition in the U.S.

Tuition fees in the U.S. are among the highest in the world. Students can expect to pay between $25,000 and $60,000 per academic year.

Healthcare Tuition in Canada

The price of healthcare tuition in Canada typically ranges from $15,000 to $50,000. However, Canadian citizens who study in-state can pay as little as $3,000 per year of tuition.

Healthcare Tuition in the U.K.

Tuition fees in the U.K. vary far less than they do in Canada and the U.S., with universities charging up to £9,250 (around $13,000) per year of tuition for U.K. students. However, that number can rise significantly when it comes to prestigious medical schools.

For international students, the costs rise significantly, starting around £10,000 and increasing up to more than £38,000. EU students may still be eligible for home student pricing if they have achieved "settled" status.

Healthcare Tuition in Europe

The healthcare industry in Europe is as diverse as its countries. While we like to think of Europe as a single entity, it's culturally diverse with dozens of spoken languages.

Overall, healthcare tuition for nursing and medical degrees is cheaper in Europe than in the U.K. or U.S. The average fee for a nursing degree at an English-speaking university across the continent is €3,500 ($3,700) per year. Medical school is far more expensive and averages around $10,000 to $15,000 per year of tuition.

Are Healthcare Degrees Transferable?

The standards for healthcare between the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Canada are broadly similar. So, generally speaking, most healthcare degrees are transferrable between countries, meaning you could study in Europe and return to the U.S. to start practicing. 

In practice, the requirements of a destination country for accepting your degree vary on a case-by-case basis.

To be accepted for work in another country, you may need to pass additional examinations, obtain certifications, or complete additional training.

Scholarships for Healthcare Workers in the U.S.

Pursuing the health care profession is more than a career for many people. It's a passion for helping others that drives them - which is why scholarships like those celebrating your core values aren't ones you should overlook.

Nursing Scholarships

There are hundreds of nursing scholarships in the U.S., with most offering between $1,000 and $7,500. Some programs include partial student loan forgiveness for students who complete their degrees on time, offering an additional incentive to work hard at university.

• -American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarship ($10,000)
• -American Red Cross Scholarship ($3,000)
• -National Black Nurses Association ($1,000 - $5,000)
• -National CPR Association ($1,500)
• -Vocational Scholarship Program ($3,000)
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Full tuition fee coverage is also possible:

• -HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship
• -John Hopkins University School of Nursing

 

The John Hopkins scholarship offers merit-based awards starting at $7,500 and increasing to cover the full price of tuition for full-time students. The HRSA Nurse Corps offers scholarships that vary from monthly stipends to full tuition coverage.

Medical School

Becoming a medical doctor in the U.S. can be exorbitant, costing up to $240,000 for the full tuition cost.

• -American Association of University Women ($5,000 to $18,000)
• -Joseph Collins Scholarship ($10,000)
• -United Health Foundation for BIPOC Students ($7,000)
• -Physicians of Tomorrow Awards ($10,000)

In most cases, full tuition fee coverage requires an outstanding academic record, but is available to a select few:

• -Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund
• -Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
• -National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSCSP)

The HPSP is a program for those who serve in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Navy, requiring a minimum of 3 years served as an active duty physician. You'll also receive a $20,000 sign-on bonus and a monthly stipend for living costs, making it one of the most affordable alternatives for studying medicine.

Meanwhile, NHSCSP can offer full tuition in exchange for a two-year full-time commitment to serve in an area with severe shortages of healthcare providers.

Scholarships for Healthcare Workers in Canada

Fees for tuition in Canada typically aren't as high as those in the U.S., and its proximity to home makes it an attractive option for many American students. Costs of living are lower, communities are safe, and Canadian education institutions are some of the best in the world.

Nursing Scholarships

Like in the U.S., there's a huge variety of nursing scholarships available. We've highlighted some of the better-known ones, but it's worth remembering that many Canadian universities offer full scholarships for star students.

• -StudentAid British Columbia Nurses' Education Bursary ($1,500)
• -Canadian Nurses Foundation ($1,000 to $10,000)
• -Montfort Hospital ($4,400)
• -Nursing Bursary Program ($2,500)
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Medical School

Most universities offer full scholarship programs for students who excel in their fields and have perfect GPA scores. In addition, some national programs cover the full cost of tuition. Compared with the U.S., Canada has far more options available for full tuition coverage.

For instance, offering up to $50,000 annually, Canadian Government Scholarships effectively cover the cost of tuition and living rolled into one.

Scholarships for Healthcare Workers in the U.K.

Studying for nursing and medical degrees in the U.K. requires similar academic standards as in Canada and the U.S.

Nursing Scholarships

Nurses can receive full tuition bursaries from the U.K. government. However, in most cases, government-sponsored degrees require students to live in the country for several years prior to receiving a bursary. They also have to commit to working as a nurse in the NHS for a minimum period afterward.

• -NHS Nursing Bursary ($1,200)
• -UK College of Nursing ($1,000 - $2,000)
• -RCN Foundation ($1,800)
• -University of Sterling ($2,400)

Full tuition options in the UK include the Florence Nightingale Foundation and British Medical Association scholarships. These scholarships cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs for a period of two to three years. The final value of the grants paid to students depends on individual circumstances.

Medical School

Like in other countries, many universities offer full or partial tuition coverage to the best students. The most attractive medical schools in the UK include the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, as well as the Imperial College London (ICL) and University College London. All of these universities are ranked among the top 20 medical schools in the world.

The ICL, for instance, offers up to £17,500 ($20,750) to be put towards tuition fees.

Other Scholarship Options

You aren't limited to a single scholarship, and it's not the end of the world if you don't score a full tuition scholarship to cover the price of your studies.

In fact, there are all sorts of scholarships and grants available for students from all walks of life. Scholarships for community service, for instance, aren't about your GPA but instead awarded to students who invest in their communities.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships

Scholarships help to lessen the financial burden of education and further training - but there's a lot of competition. To stand apart from the crowd, you'll need to write winning applications and apply to as many scholarships as you can. To have the best chances:

• -Understand the scholarship requirements
• -Write clear, concise, and honest personal statements
• -Provide strong letters of recommendation
• -Tailor every application to the scholarship
• -Follow up after applying

Your personal statement is a crucial part of any scholarship application. It gives you the opportunity to explain why you're the best candidate - and to demonstrate how the scholarship will help you achieve your career goals (and help others in the process).

It's the recommendations and references you provide that back up your personal, written statement. Whether from academic or professional sources, your chosen references should be people who know you well and can highlight your skills and experience in the healthcare field.

And don't forget to follow up.

Many students think submitting an application is the end of the process, but in truth, following up is just as important as applying before the deadline runs out. Reach out to the scholarship committee to confirm they've received your application and follow up with them in the coming weeks to demonstrate your commitment.

Pursue Your Dream Career

The cost of tuition is a major obstacle to healthcare workers across the world. But it isn't insurmountable. Finding the right scholarships opens the door.

It's up to you to walk through it.

At Honor Society, we believe in academic excellence and empowering the leaders of tomorrow. We offer a wide range of scholarship opportunities for member students from all walks of life. Click here to browse through the scholarships available through the Honor Society Foundation.