Nursing faculty scholarships available

The Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Scholarship, named in memory of the late state senator, is designed to help increase the number of educators and adjunct clinical faculty members teaching nursing education in New York.

"I encourage all those who work in the nursing field who want to become nursing educators to apply for this scholarship," Assemblyman William Reilich (R,C,I Greece) said. "This scholarship will ensure there are quality people teaching nursing courses around the state."

According to Reilich, scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to registered professional nurses who enroll in master's degree programs that would qualify them as nursing faculty or adjunct clinical faculty members. Reilich noted the scholarships cover the cost of attendance up to $20,000 annually, or the average SUNY attendance cost.

Applicant eligibility requirements include: a legal resident of New York for at least one year; a U.S. citizen or eligible non citizen; a licensed registered nurse in New York; acceptance into a master's degree nursing program at an accredited nursing school in New York. Completion and return of a service agreement in which recipients agree to practice as nursing faculty members in New York for four years is also requested.

The deadline to apply is October 1. For information and eligibility requirements, visit the Higher Education Services Corporation Web site at www.hesc.com or call toll-free (888) 697-4372.