It might be possible for you to receive free LPN training if you are currently unemployed or under-employed and living in Oklahoma. You should contact your local workforce office and welfare office to determine what programs you might qualify for to help you achieve your educational goals. You could perhaps receive tuition assistance and some tuition vouchers. It could be possible for you to receive childcare services, food stamps and even some help with travel expenses if you are receiving unemployment or welfare benefits. All of this help will go a long way in helping you to be able to afford to become a licensed practical nurse.
Becoming an LPN is well worth the investment for sure. You can earn around $42,000 or more yearly. There is actually a shortage of nurses in many areas which makes it easier to find employment than many other job fields. Nurses can earn excellent benefits packages and are able to work in many healthcare settings. Many nursing programs qualify students to receive state and federal grants. There are also many scholarship and special funds options for nursing students including those for single parents, women, non-traditional students and minorities. You will be able to pay for your LPN education if this is what you really want to do.
Scroll to see available opportunities in Oklahoma or click from the below list to see options in other states.
Scholarships and Grants:
Hurst Reviews/AACN Nursing Scholarship
These two organizations are working together to provide nursing scholarships for students who do not yet hold any level of nursing licenses. Students will be able to apply if they are attending school at one of the participating AACN membership institutes of higher learning. Students can receive as much as $2500. It is possible to apply for scholarships twice per year since they make awards in the fall and in the spring. Students can visit the website to apply: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/students/scholarships/hurst-reviews-application.
The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Program – Southern Oklahoma Technical School – 2610 Sam Noble Parkway-Ardmore, OK 73401
This program is available for participating schools within the Oklahoma Higher Education System including the Southern Oklahoma Technical School. The program is intended to provide further financial assistance for financially needy students. This can include students taking credit based nursing such as Licensed Practical Nursing Courses. The amount that a student receives will depend on their financial circumstances and the number of credit hours they are taking. Students must complete an application for federal financial aid in addition to financial aid applications from the school’s financial aid office.
Promise of Nursing Scholarships
This is a scholarship program for undergraduate students who are working on a nursing degree including an LPN degree. Students should be involved with nursing organizations. They should also be actively involved with community service activities. Students do need to be making good grades. The student’s financial need is also reviewed when applications are being evaluated. The scholarship is offered though the Foundation of National Student Nurses’ Association. An application can be downloaded on the Association website for those who wish to try to apply.
WIA Colleges:
Eastern Oklahoma State College – 1301 West Main-Wilburton, OK 74578
WIA assistance recipients who wish to become LPNS, should consider the program at Eastern Oklahoma State College. Students can receive help for not only tuition but also paying for textbooks and other expenses. The school offers an A.A.S. of Nursing program for individuals who are looking to become LPNs. The program lasts for four semesters and will take two academic years to complete. There is also an A.A.S. option for LPNs who wish to advance their training to become RN’s.
Green County Technology Center – 1100 N. Loop 56 -P.O. Box 1217-Okmulgee, OK 74447
This is one of the WIA certified training programs in the state of Oklahoma. The WIA program helps to put unemployed individuals back to work by preparing them for a new career where they can become gainfully employed. They offer an LPN program with starting dates in January, May and September. They offer an 8am-3pm training option and a 1pm-8pm training option. This makes it possible for students with various scheduling needs to become a licensed practical nurse.
Northern Oklahoma Community College – P.O. Box 310, Tonkawa, OK 74653, 580.628.6200
This is another college in the Oklahoma system that works as a WIA provider. Individuals can obtain Associate Degrees and train for a range of careers. This helps unemployed workers to get back to work while also having great job opportunities. There are nursing programs including the LPN-RN program for those who are already working as LPNs. Anyone interested in becoming an LPN-if not already, should contact the school to find out what courses they could take under the WIA program if they qualify.
Job Corps Offices:
Guthrie – 3106 W. University Guthrie, OK 73044 | (405) 282-9930
Talking Leaves – P O Box 1066 5700 Bald Hill Road Tahlequah, OK 74465
Treasure Lake – 1111 Indiahoma Road Indiahoma, OK 73552
Tulsa – 1133 North Lewis Avenue Tulsa, OK 74110 | (918) 585-9111