Students
Educational Loan Programs
Nursing
Your first step toward a fulfilling career is heading to nursing school. Visit the following links to find an accredited, state-approved nursing school in your area.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Member Schools
Schools of Nursing
National League of Nurses' Directory of Accredited Nursing Programs
You'll generally need to be in sound academic standing with a high school diploma. Computer and technical savvy is a great asset, as are a compassionate heart, good communication skills, and a capacity to respond quickly to emergency situations. You'll also need good analytical and critical thinking skills.
After earning an Associate or Bachelor's degree in nursing, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become an RN (NCLEX-RN). Click here for information on financial aid.
The National Student Nurses' Association has plenty of helpful articles, too.
Visit: nsna.org/ or aacn.nche.edu
Allied Health
At Mary Washington Healthcare, you will find many Associates working alongside doctors and nurses. They are known as "allied health professionals" (www.asahp.org) and include:
- Cardiovascular technologists, who help diagnose heart disease
- Clinical laboratory scientists, who work in the medical laboratory
- Health information managers, who handle patient information and records
- Radiologic technologists, who take X-rays
- Radiation therapists, who deliver radiation to patients with cancer
- Respiratory therapists, who help treat people with lung and breathing problems
- And more
After finding the right profession for you, you will usually need to complete a two-year Associate degree or four-year Bachelor's degree program. The program should be accredited and lead to a national certification examination. Some professions also require state licensure. More information can be found on these websites:
A Few More Good Resources
Financial aid information from the U.S. Department of Education
Johnson & Johnson's searchable database of Scholarships
AORN Scholarship Program
Your Nursing Career: A Look at the Facts
Choosing an Allied Health Career
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