The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s College of Nursing is offering nursing scholarships and awards that may cover up to 100% of out-of-pocket tuition costs for its first nursing students, continuing the UNT System’s commitment to affordable education.
Applications for the inaugural classes of nursing students close July 1.
“Research has shown that those supported and provided with mentorship are more likely to stay in the nursing profession,” said Cindy Weston, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, founding dean of the college. “Launching these programs with special financing opportunities will enable more nursing professionals to pursue rigorous education to advance their careers.”
Nursing Innovation Fellow Program
The new Nursing Innovation Fellow Program is a unique opportunity to provide affordable nursing education for HSC students earning the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Practice Innovation.
Nurse Innovation Fellows will receive up to $5,000 in financial support each semester (fall, spring and summer) for their first year of the program. This will cover up to $13,500 in total tuition costs for full-time students and a prorated amount for part-time students. The funding will support approximately 30 fellows during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Embedded into the MSN curriculum, students will serve as peer nurse mentors to inspire innovation in the profession and strengthen incoming nurses by coaching them toward a career as nurse innovators. The program will establish a pipeline of mentors who can continue to foster and grow in their profession.
The MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation is for nursing professionals with a BSN who want to continue and expand their education. It will incorporate five, 16-week semesters and condensed 12-week summer semesters. A part-time option is also available, extending the program into seven semesters. In addition, students will have the flexibility to choose one of nine specialized elective tracks.
RN to BSN Awards & Scholarships
All nursing students in HSC’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program will receive a $2,000 admission award, and applicants may have the opportunity to receive one or more of the following awards and scholarships:
• Academic Excellence Award: $2,000 one-time award for selected applicants with a 3.5 GPA or higher
• Career Advancement Award: $3,000 one-time award for professional nurses to advance their education
• RN to BSN Premier Award: $6,000 split between two semesters
• Dean’s Award: Covers tuition and fees for the duration of a full-time student’s enrollment
The RN to BSN is for registered nurses with an associate degree whose next step is to earn a BSN. Students can earn their degree in two, three or four semesters after completing 30 credit hours. Coursework will be delivered primarily online with some clinical experiences provided at HSC’s on-campus Regional Simulation Center.
Both the RN to BSN and MSN in Nurse Practice Innovation degrees at HSC are pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Future Degree Programs
The HSC College of Nursing also is expected to offer two additional degrees starting in fall 2025 These are a traditional BSN and an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, which was recently approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The two degree programs are pending approval from the Texas Board of Nursing and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
To apply or learn more about HSC’s College of Nursing and its new scholarships and awards, please visit
https://www.unthsc.edu/nursing.
