Nursing Education Scholarship
Program FAQs
When
is the application period?
Applications are accepted beginning March 1 and must be postmarked
on or before May 31.
How do I obtain an application?
It is recommended
that you apply online at http://app.idph.state.il.us/RuralHealth/nesp/.
However, applications can be downloaded and printed from the site if you
prefer to submit a paper application. You may call 1-800-821-3635,
or TTY (for hearing impaired only) 1-800-547-0466, to request that an
application be emailed or mailed to you. Applications may also be
available at your school’s financial aid office.
What does a complete application include?
A complete application includes:
- a copy of your Student Aid Report or Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (SAR or FAFSA) indicating the
Economic Financial Contribution (EFC),
- latest official transcript or ledgible
copy of an official transcript. Online grade records
will not be accepted.
- the completed and signed application, and
- if licensed, a copy of your nursing license.
Only complete applications will be processed.
What is a Student Aid Report (SAR) and how do I receive
one?
You need to apply
for your SAR through FAFSA, www.fafsa.ed.gov or contact your school's
financial aid office. If you have trouble completing the FAFSA
application, you may contact your financial aid officer or call
1-800-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or TTY (for hearing impaired
only) 1-800-730-8913.
What can I expect after the Center for Rural Health receives
my application?
We will evaluate your
application to determine if it is complete. If your application
is complete, you will receive an email notice stating your application is
complete. If your application is not complete, you will receive one email notice stating the components that are
missing from your application and the deadline for you to submit the
additional information. You will be notified in early August if you
are selected or denied. Denials are sent via email and selections are sent
in a package via standard mail.
Who is eligible for the Nursing Education Scholarship
Program?
Illinois
residents attending a nursing school in Illinois pursuing a certificate in
practical nursing, an associate degree in nursing, a hospital-based
nursing diploma, a baccalaureate degree in nursing or a graduate degree in
nursing. Applicants pursuing a graduate degree are required to teach
nursing in Illinois. Applicants must also be a citizen of the United
States or a lawful permanent resident alien. How are the payments
disbursed and when can I expect payments if I am selected?
Tuition is paid directly to your school’s financial
aid office. Living stipends are mailed to you. You can expect
payment in October for Fall semesters and in March for Spring
semesters.
I
received the scholarship last year, what do I need to do this year to
continue receiving the scholarship?
As a previous recipient, you will be sent renewal
contracts along with a renewal application.
If I am receiving a scholarship(s) and am awarded the IDPH
scholarship, how does this affect me?
This
scholarship will pay tuition and fees owed after all other awards have
been credited and up to the amount your level of study is eligible to
receive. You will be eligible for the living stipend if you are
attending school full-time.
If I am a recipient, what is my obligation?
As a recipient of the
scholarship, you are required to work as a nurse anywhere in Illinois
either in direct patient care or as a Nurse Educator for the same number
of years you receive the scholarship.
What if I complete my education, but do not fulfill my
obligation?
If you fail to meet your obligation, you are
required to pay back the amount you received monetarily plus 7%
interest.
If I am a recipient and I am not able to pass my boards,
what is my obligation?
If you fail to pass your boards,
you are required to payback the amount you received monetarily plus 7%
interest.
If I become disabled or have personal reasons and need to
postpone my education, will I be able to resume my scholarship in the
future?
If a recipient suffers total and permanent
disability, the nursing employment obligation shall be excused and deemed
satisfied. A deferment of school or employment obligation must be
requested in writing from the Department and will be evaluated on a case
by case basis.
What do I need to do when I move, change phone numbers or
have a change in my contact information?
You must submit your changes in writing
to the Center for Rural Health within 7 days of any change of contact
information.
What can I expect once I complete my obligation?
Once you have documented that you have fulfilled your
obligation, you will receive a letter from the Illinois Department of
Public Health stating your obligation has been completed.
|
