Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Ochsner Nurse Scholars
Ochsner Nurse Scholars is a program for Louisiana, Mississippi, and students at the University of West Alabama pursuing a nursing degree. We are thrilled to offer tuition support in exchange for service at Ochsner Health to eligible students throughout their nursing education at an accredited nursing school at the above regions. Students accepted into Ochsner Scholars will receive tuition assistance, as well as additional support from Ochsner Health including mentoring, career coaching and more to ensure your success throughout the program.
Students who successfully complete the program will begin their career at Ochsner Health. Join a team of health care professionals who have put patients first for over 80 years.
Guidelines/Eligibility
- Applicants must be actively enrolled in or accepted to a Louisiana or Mississippi accredited university.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Licensed Practical Nursing program
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Remain full-time and in good academic standing.
- University of West Alabama nursing students are eligible
- Employees of Ochsner Health who are enrolled or accepted into a full-time nursing program are eligible to apply.
- Priority consideration will be given to applicants from a diverse or underrepresented population as defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population.
- Finalists may be interviewed by members of the Ochsner Scholars nurse student selection committee.
Upon graduation, Ochsner Scholars will make a minimum commitment of full-time employment at Ochsner Health commensurate to their funding amount. Exact awards and employment commitment will be determined by the nurse selection committee and human resources.
*The value of this award is considered taxable income and requires a W-2.
Financial Assistance and Duration
- Ochsner Nurse Scholars (BSN/MSN) recipients will be awarded $12,500 (taxed) per year of nursing school with a three-year maximum, not to exceed $37,500.
- Ochsner Nurse Scholars (ADN/LPN) recipients will be awarded $7,000 (taxed) per year of nursing school with a two-year maximum, not to exceed $14,000.
- Applicants must be actively enrolled in or accepted to attend a Louisiana or Mississippi accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate Degree in Nursing, Licensed Practical Nursing program, or Master of Science in Nursing and remain in good academic standing.
- Upon graduation, Ochsner Scholars will be asked to commit three to five years of service at Ochsner Health.
Heart of Healthcare Program for Chamberlain New Orleans Students
Ochsner Health’s Heart of Healthcare Program awards up to three years of partial tuition coverage to eligible new students enrolled in the three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Chamberlain University College of Nursing at Ochsner Health campus in New Orleans.
Students will complete their clinical rotations at Ochsner Health and commit to a two-and-a-half-year employment pledge upon graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN®.* A maximum of 20 students will be accepted into the first cohort, or group, which starts in January. The deadline to apply has now closed and we will update our website once we applications reopen.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be an incoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing student and in good academic standing at Chamberlain University in New Orleans.
- Employees of Ochsner Health who are incoming BSN students at Chamberlain are eligible to apply.
- Finalists will be interviewed by members of the Heart of Healthcare student selection committee.
- Upon graduation, Heart of Healthcare students will make a minimum commitment of full-time employment at Ochsner Health commensurate to their funding amount. Exact awards and employment commitment will be determined by the nurse selection committee and human resources.
Ochsner Scholars FAQ
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What is Ochsner Scholars?
The Ochsner Scholars - Next Gen Nurse scholarship program was established to grow the next generation of BSN, ADN and LPN nurses to support Ochsner’s Healthy State Initiative – moving Louisiana from 50th place in the nation to 40th by 2030. Every day, nurses help to save and change lives. Ochsner Health is investing in the next generation of nurses who will be committed to putting patients first, working with compassion and upholding the highest standards of the nursing profession.
Recipients of this financial aid award will be granted funds in exchange for employment with Ochsner Health upon graduation.
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Why should I apply for Ochsner Scholars?
Unlike programs offered at other hospital systems, the Next Gen Nurse financial assistance program allows recipients full flexibility to pursue their education at the school of their choice, as long as it is an accredited institution within Louisiana or Mississippi. Students already enrolled in an accredited Louisiana or Mississippi nursing program can complete their education there without any transition to be eligible for financial assistance. University of West Alabama students are eligible as well.
Upon graduation, graduates will move into a full-time role at Ochsner Health. Beyond financial assistance, recipients will receive a holistic education – the Ochsner way. Our Next Gen Nurses will receive professional development, career coaching and other services to support students throughout their time in nursing school.
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Who is eligible to apply?
- Any student attending an accredited nursing program in Louisiana or Mississippi at the time of application is eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good academic standing with their school.
- Priority consideration will be given to applicants from a diverse or underrepresented population as defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population.
Finalists may be interviewed by members of the Ochsner Scholars nurse student selection committee.
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What nursing degree programs qualify in this program?
BSN, ADN, MSN or LPN programs are qualified for applicants to receive financial assistance.
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What nursing schools qualify in this program?
Any nursing school that is approved by the Louisiana and Mississippi State Board of Nursing. University of West Alabama students are included in the program.
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How much financial assistance could I receive in this program?
Awards for Ochsner Scholars – Next Gen Nurse students will be granted according to the program type the student is pursuing:
- BSN/MSN recipients will be awarded $12,500 (taxed) per year of nursing school with a three-year maximum, not to exceed $37,500.
- BSN recipients in a determined accelerated nursing program will also receive a summer payout, $6,250 (taxed) per summer, not to exceed a total of $37,500.
- ADN/LPN recipients will be awarded $7,000 (taxed) per year of nursing school with a two-year maximum, not to exceed $14,000.
Award recipients will be asked to commit to years of service following graduation with Ochsner Health – the largest employer in Louisiana and one of the nation’s highest-ranked hospitals.
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MSN Scholars Program
Awards for Ochsner Scholars – Master of Science in Nursing students will be granted:
- $12,500 (taxed) per year of MSN program with a three-year maximum, not to exceed $37,500.
- MSN students are required to apply during the same period as undergraduate Scholar applications; in addition, a letter of approval from current Ochsner leader must be included in the application process
- MSN students are required to be current Ochsner full-time employees
- MSN Students must have past hospital/inpatient experience to be considered
Award recipients will be asked to commit years of service with Ochsner Health as an adjunct faculty member following graduation.
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What happens if I drop out of the program?
- Scholars that drop out of the program will be required to pay back the total amount given during their time in the program.
- Scholars must maintain full-time and in academic good-standing with their school in order to stay in the Scholars program.
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What is required to apply?
- The most recent academic transcript available (either college or high school, if applicable)
- Résumé
- A statement of financial need
- Letter of acceptance from your nursing school
- Personal statement
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How do I apply?
Applications are now closed for Cohort 3 of Ochsner Nurse Scholars. Visit ochsner.org/ochsnerscholars to learn more and submit an interest form. Once received, a member of the Ochsner Nurse Scholars program will send eligible students an application when applications reopen.
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When are applications due?
The Ochsner Nurse Scholars and Heart of Healthcare application for the Spring 2023 cohort is now closed.
Applications dates for future semesters will be announced at a later date.
