Nurse Scholars Program FAQ's

  • This scholarship program is currently for affiliate institution students that will obtain a nursing degree. Once the students have completed their degree program, they must pass their National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX) exam as licensed nurses in the State of Tennessee. 

  • The program offers qualified nursing students a tuition scholarship and employment as a Vanderbilt Health nurse after graduation and obtaining of their nursing license for Tennessee.  Students agree to employment at VUMC for 2 years for each year, or two semesters, of tuition assistance received. 

  • Each year, the Nurse Scholars Program will accept a set number of students into the program.  This number is specific to each affiliate institution.   

  • VUMC will offer up to $7,500 per semester for up to four (4) semesters, for courses within the last two academic years of the program. This amount is offered after grants and other outside scholarships are applied.

    • Students are currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program at an affiliate institution.  
    • Students must be in good standing based on the nursing school policies and requirements. 
    • Students should apply to the Nurse Scholars program after they are accepted into nursing school or in the first semester of their nursing program, depending on the structure of their program 
       
    • Students may apply during any application period following their first semester of nursing school, but may not be able to receive the full 4 semesters of tuition assistance  
  • Once employed by VUMC, students will sign a confidential tuition assistance agreement. Students are required to repay VUMC for a prorated share of the tuition assistance for the following reasons: 

    • Actively are placed on a performance or disciplinary action (at a written or final level over a 12-month period).   
    • VUMC terminates due to behavioral violations. 
    • Student voluntarily ends their employment before fulfilling employment agreement with VUMC. 
  • Scholarship recipients will be admitted to the VUMC Nurse Residency program upon graduation. Prior to Nurse Residency placement, you will interview with one or more hiring managers. When you accept an offer from one of our managers, you will be employed at the next available start date.  For more information on the VUMC Nurse Residency Program, please see the following website: https://www.vumc.org/nurse-residency-program/home.

  • In preparation for graduation from your nursing program, students will complete an application to the nurse residency program, which includes the opportunity to list your top three-unit preferences. The residency program will try to match you with one of the options indicated on your application. This is dependent on position availability at the time you are seeking employment.
     
    For more information see the residency Patient Care Areas information page:
    https://www.vumc.org/nurse-residency-program/track-listing-departments 

  • Pay rates for the nurse residency program will be discussed with you during the hiring process. Differentials are provided for nightshift, weekends, and holidays.