Ochsner Scholars

The Ochsner Nurse Scholars program supports students pursuing a pre-licensure nursing degree at an accredited school.

Eligible Degrees:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (A-BSN)
• Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Mississippi State University (Meridian) – Master of Science in Nursing (MSU-MSN)

Eligible nursing schools must be accredited and located in the state(s) of Louisiana or Mississippi. Nursing students attending the University of West Alabama or the University of South Alabama are also eligible to apply. 

Financial Support:

Financial support provided by the Ochsner Nurse Scholars program is considered taxable for income. Payments will be made directly to the student, via direct deposit.

Post-Graduation Commitment:

Upon graduation, Ochsner Nurse Scholars will begin their nursing career at Ochsner Health for a commitment period ranging from 6 months–3 years. The commitment period is calculated as: 6 months of employment per semesterly payment received as an Ochsner Nurse Scholar. The commitment period must be completed in a full-time patient-facing nursing role at an Ochsner Health facility.

Nursing students enrolled in the Loyola University New Orleans School of Nursing TBSN or ABSN program may be eligible for additional support. Eligible Ochsner Nurse Scholars attending Loyola may receive:

• An additional $5,000 per semester
• Up to $30,000 total

This funding is provided by the Ochsner Academics Division, who reviews eligible applicants and select recipients each semester.

A maximum of 15 Loyola Nurse Scholars may participate at any one time.

The Heart of Healthcare Program supports new incoming BSN students at Chamberlain University in New Orleans.

Eligibility:

• Must maintain good academic standing
• Ochsner employees who are entering the program are also eligible

Program benefits include:

• Tuition Support
  • Partial tuition coverage for up to three years
• Clinical Rotations
  • Students complete clinical training at Ochsner Health facilities

Post-Graduation Commitment:

After graduation and passing the NCLEX-RN, participants commit to 2.5 years of full-time employment as a patient-facing RN at an Ochsner Health facility.

The Ochsner Allied Health Scholars program supports students pursuing high-demand clinical careers.

Eligible Programs:

• Radiologic Technology
• Surgical Technology
• Respiratory Therapy
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Master of Athletic Training

Eligible schools must be accredited and located in the state(s) of Louisiana or Mississippi – except for Master of Athletic Training programs.

Financial Support:

Financial support provided by the Ochsner Allied Health Scholars program is considered taxable for income. Payments will be made directly to the student, via direct deposit.

Post-Graduation Commitment:

Upon graduation, Ochsner Allied Health Scholars will begin their careers at Ochsner Health for a commitment period ranging from six months to three years. The commitment period is calculated as six months of employment per semester payment received as an Ochsner Allied Health Scholar. The commitment period must be completed in a full-time patient-facing allied health role at an Ochsner Health facility.

The Ochsner Scholars financial assistance program stands out for its flexibility. Unlike many hospital-based programs, Scholars can pursue their healthcare education at any accredited institution in Louisiana or Mississippi — without changing schools. Students currently enrolled in eligible programs, as well as those attending the University of West Alabama or the University of South Alabama, are welcome to apply.

After graduation, Scholars seamlessly transition into full-time roles at Ochsner Health. Beyond financial support, the program offers a comprehensive experience rooted in the Ochsner ethos, including professional development, career coaching and ongoing wraparound support. We invest in the whole student, helping each Scholar grow, succeed and launch a rewarding career in healthcare.

Scholars who opt to discontinue their involvement in the program will be responsible for repaying the entire financial assistance amount they received during their time as an Ochsner Scholar.

Furthermore, to maintain active status in the Scholars program, Scholars are expected to maintain full-time enrollment at their respective schools while also upholding good academic standing. This commitment to education is a fundamental requirement for ongoing participation in the program.

If an Ochsner Scholar terminates their employment with Ochsner Health before fulfilling their commitment, they will also be required to reimburse the entire amount received as an Ochsner Scholar.

No. Eligible students must be enrolled in full-time nursing/allied health coursework for the upcoming Fall semester.

No. Once accepted into the Ochsner Scholars program, you remain in the program until graduation. Scholars must complete a simplified verification process for each remaining semester of their program.

Yes. Ochsner Scholars must be enrolled in full-time coursework to be eligible for payment for any given semester. All Scholars will be invited to verify their enrollment for the summer semester and may be awarded payment, pending Ochsner Scholar team review and approval.

The Ochsner Scholars team will note your preferred region throughout the program. We will not require you to relocate to work out your commitment. However, we cannot guarantee a specific location in that region, nor a specific unit/department. Your starting role will heavily depend on availability and organizational need at the time of your graduation.

1. Resume
2. Unofficial Transcripts
3. Letter of acceptance or enrollment from institution
   1. Schedule of enrolled courses for the Fall semester will suffice
   2. Enrollment shopping carts are not acceptable forms of enrollment verification
4. One-page personal statement
   1. Why did you choose a career in this field?
   2. Why did you choose a career with Ochsner Health?
   3. Which Ochsner Core Value do you relate to most, and why?
      1. Patients First, Integrity, Teamwork, Compassion, Inclusivity, and Excellence
   4. How would admission into the Ochsner Scholars program impact you personally and professionally?

1. Confirm eligibility
2. Complete application (open May 1 – May 17, 2026)
3. If application requirements are met, you will be invited to interview with a panel of Ochsner Health team members. These interviews will be taking place June 1 – June 5, 2026
4. Award decisions will be communicated in July