Ostomy & ET Nursing Scholarships

Ostomy & ET Nursing Scholarships for Students and Nurses
Many opportunities exist for students to apply for ostomy & ET nursing scholarships.  Students interested in these scholarships plan to pursue a career in wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nursing.  Formerly referred to as an ET (Enterostomal Therapy) nurse, a WOC nurse has specialized training to care for patients who have disorders associated with the integumentary, genitourinary, or gastrointestinal systems.  WOC nurses provide care involving ostomies, dermal wounds, pressure ulcers, and incontinence.

The following below are examples of resources for students interested in WOC nursing.

National WOC Nursing Scholarships

Myriad national organizations offer scholarships to students specializing in WOC nursing.  National organizations that focus on a particular nursing specialty tend to be membership-driven. It is common for membership organizations to restrict some scholarship funds for members only.  Many also offer financial assistance to non-members.  Following is an example of a national organization that offers scholarships to WOC nursing students.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN)

The Society offers the Accredited Nursing Education Program Scholarship for students interested in WOC nursing. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, future goals, and letters of recommendations in addition to other criteria. Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in a nursing program accredited by the WOCN. Award amounts vary. Applications are due to the Society by the end of April and October annually. For applications and guidelines, nurses and students can contact the Society at their National Office located at 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 or by calling (888) 224-9626.

State WOC Nursing Scholarships

Additional scholarships are available at the state level.  State governments or other organizations that serve an entire state may offer scholarships for WOC nursing education.  It is not unusual for state scholarship opportunities to include a service commit that requires scholarship recipients to work in the state upon graduation for a predetermined period of time.  Following is an example of a state organization that offers financial assistance to nursing students specializing in WOC care.

South Central Region WOCN

Students in the South Central Region who are enrolled in or have applied to the M. D. Anderson WOC Nurse Education Program (WOCNEP) may be eligible for the Beverly Hampton Memorial Scholarship.  The South Central Region includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, future career plans, and letters of recommendation.  Award amounts are $3,000.  Applications are due by the end of October annually. WOCN membership is not required to qualify for this scholarship. For applications and guidelines, contact the Scholarship Chair.

Educational Institute WOC Nursing Scholarships

Students enrolled in an ostomy nursing program can apply for scholarships from the school.  Financial assistance may be available as general nursing scholarships or specific to ostomy care. You can learn about these opportunities through the financial aid office or the nursing school.  The following is an example of a school that offers scholarships to nursing students interested in ostomy care.

Emory University (Georgia)

Any student enrolled in the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Education Program (WOCNEP) is eligible to apply for a variety of scholarships from the University including the Accredited Nursing Education Program Scholarship sponsored by WOCN.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, letters of recommendation and completion of detailed application forms.  Applications are due by the end of March annually. Award amounts vary. Students can learn more by contacting the WOCNEC at (404) 778-4067.

Employer-Sponsored WOC Nursing Scholarships

Major healthcare employers may offer scholarships to WOC nurses and students interested in WOC nursing.  Typically employers who offer scholarships require you to work for them upon graduation.  The amount of time required for the employment contract is established at the time of application.  The Cleveland Clinic is an example of a healthcare employer that offers scholarships to WOC nursing students.

Cleveland Clinic

Nurses enrolled in the Clinic’s R.B. Turnbull, Jr. MD School of WOC Nursing may be eligible to apply for several scholarships offered through the School including the Frank Weakley, MD ET Nursing Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on work record, future goals, and financial need.  Award amounts vary.  Applications are due to the School by the end of May and November annually.  Students interested in this opportunity can contact the School at (216) 445-4816.  Completed applications must be submitted to the WOC Nursing Scholarship Committee, c/o Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195.

Community-Based WOC Nursing Scholarships

Nursing students seeking additional education in WOC care may be able to get financial assistance from local organizations.  Typically, organizations such as foundations that offer scholarships to community members expect those individuals to remain in or return to the community upon graduation.  The following is an example of a funder that offers scholarships to nursing students.

Foundation for Seacoast Health

The Foundation serves nine cities in New Hampshire and Maine. Nursing students enrolled in an accredited WOC nursing program are eligible to apply to the Foundation for a scholarship. Only nursing students who live in the Foundation service area can apply for financial assistance. Graduate nursing students qualify for the Edwina Foye Scholarship.  The Steven Cutter Scholarship is restricted to undergraduate nursing students.  Both opportunities are primarily merit-based. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, commitment to nursing, and service to the community.  Students can use scholarships to pay for tuition, books, fees, nursing equipment, and health insurance. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000. Applications are due to the Foundation by the end of February annually. For application forms and detailed guidelines, contact the Foundation at 100 Campus Drive, Suite 1, Portsmouth, NH 03801 or by calling (603) 422-8200.

Students interested in WOC nursing can apply for ostomy & ET scholarships to help pay for their nursing education.  WOC nurses and nursing students need ongoing training to continually increase care competency.