UR Nursing Scholars Program

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Highland Hospital logo

Thompson Hospital logo

The University of Rochester School of Nursing provides an inclusive, innovative, and inspiring environment to launch your nursing career and make a difference in the lives of others. Earn full tuition coverage for the 12-Month Accelerated Nursing Program with a three-year work commitment at Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson Hospital.*

Applications are now being accepted to start the program in Spring 2026! Apply by July 1st.

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Quotation Mark

The UR Nursing Scholars program has truly been instrumental in shaping my career path. Not only has it provided networking opportunities, career guidance, and information sessions, but it has also been a tremendous support system for me. The program’s financial support especially alleviated a significant burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies.

Arline Villa Rubio '24N

Registered Nurse, Strong Memorial Hospital, G1600 Emergency Medicine Transition Unit

Previous Career: Program coordinator, regional coalition assisting migrants and farmworkers

Arline's Nursing Story
Quotation Mark

The UR Nursing Scholars program has truly been instrumental in shaping my career path. Not only has it provided networking opportunities, career guidance, and information sessions, but it has also been a tremendous support system for me. The program’s financial support especially alleviated a significant burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies.

Arline Villa Rubio '24N

Registered Nurse, Strong Memorial Hospital, G1600 Emergency Medicine Transition Unit

Previous Career: Program coordinator, regional coalition assisting migrants and farmworkers

Arline's Nursing Story

UR Nursing Scholars Program

There is a critical need for skilled nurses—especially in acute care settings. The UR Nursing Scholars program seeks to combat the nursing shortage by providing an affordable nursing education for the next generation of nurses. We are proud to announce that the UR Nursing Scholars program has been extended through 2027! 

Nursing students practice on a simulation manikin

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Accelerated 12-month pathway: Designed for students with a prior bachelor's degree in any field, this intensive, full-time program provides a fast-track path to becoming a registered nurse while receiving a top-quality education and extensive hands-on experience.

  • Guidance from nursing leaders: Gain invaluable career support and mentorship from experienced nursing professionals at UR Medicine hospitals, helping you build confidence, refine your skills, and navigate career opportunities in the healthcare field.

  • Fully covered tuition: Enjoy the benefit of 100% tuition coverage in exchange for a three-year work commitment at one of UR Medicine’s esteemed hospitals—Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson—ensuring financial peace of mind while jumpstarting your career.

Quotation Mark

As a lifetime health and wellness advocate, I knew nursing was the ideal choice for me. I chose the UR Nursing Scholars program because of the program length and immediate employment opportunities. I am a UR alum and know UR is a fantastic university with strong and rigorous academic standards.

Mona Sepulveda '24N

Registered Nurse, Strong Memorial Hospital

Previous Career: Middle school science teacher

Mona's Nursing Story
Quotation Mark

As a lifetime health and wellness advocate, I knew nursing was the ideal choice for me. I chose the UR Nursing Scholars program because of the program length and immediate employment opportunities. I am a UR alum and know UR is a fantastic university with strong and rigorous academic standards.

Mona Sepulveda '24N

Registered Nurse, Strong Memorial Hospital

Previous Career: Middle school science teacher

Mona's Nursing Story

About the 12-Month Accelerated Nursing Program

3

FULL-TIME SEMESTERS

Complete 49 credits and 650+ clinical hours to become practice-ready in a high-impact learning environment, recognized by Apple for excellence in innovation and teaching.

1:1

CAREER SUPPORT

Connect with a network of peers and faculty at every stage of your journey. Each program cohort features students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

650+

HOURS OF CLINICAL TRAINING

Learn to solve complex problems and make safe patient care decisions with immersive simulation experiences and clinical rotations at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Transform your future. Make an impact.

Ready to launch your nursing career in just one year? Learn how the UR Nursing Scholars Program sets you up for success with:

  • Zero tuition costs: No financial barriers to your education
  • Hands-on experience: Learn and train in state-of-the-art facilities
  • Clear career track: Step into a secure role at a UR Medicine hospital after graduation

Start your journey toward a purpose-driven career—press play to explore the opportunity!

About Nursing at UR Medicine Hospitals

Strong Memorial Hospital

Founded in 1926, Strong Memorial Hospital is the region's largest and most comprehensive hospital. Part of the University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong is home to nationally-renowned research and clinical care, including upstate New York’s only cardiac and liver transplant programs, the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Golisano Children’s Hospital, and Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Learn more about Strong about Strong Memorial Hospital
Strong Memorial Hospital
Highland Hospital building

Highland Hospital

Founded in 1889, Highland Hospital has a history of innovative and personalized care. The 261-bed community hospital is a regional leader in specialties such as total joint replacement, geriatric care, gynecologic oncology, women's health services, maternity, as well as hosting a collaborative Wilmot Cancer Center program.

Learn more about Highland about Highland Hospital

F.F. Thompson Hospital

Founded in 1904, the 113-bed F.F. Thompson Hospital is located on picturesque Canandaigua Lake in a vibrant community. With numerous distinctions and accreditations, the Thompson Health system demonstrates a strong commitment to nursing excellence, and specializes in a full array of healthcare services addressing a wide range of needs across the region.

Learn more about F.F. Thompson about F.F. Thompson Hospital
F.F. Thompson building
Quotation Mark

Reflecting on the past year from a place of accomplishment, I would encourage any prospective student to brace for a year of rigorous dedication. The personal and professional rewards are immense and well worth the effort. This experience has not only shaped my professional abilities, but it has also profoundly enriched my character.

Branislava “Brana” Dubajic '24N

Registered Nurse, Highland Hospital, Southeast 5 General Surgical Unit

Previous Careers: Assistant District Attorney & Phlebotomist

Brana's Nursing Story
Quotation Mark

Reflecting on the past year from a place of accomplishment, I would encourage any prospective student to brace for a year of rigorous dedication. The personal and professional rewards are immense and well worth the effort. This experience has not only shaped my professional abilities, but it has also profoundly enriched my character.

Branislava “Brana” Dubajic '24N

Registered Nurse, Highland Hospital, Southeast 5 General Surgical Unit

Previous Careers: Assistant District Attorney & Phlebotomist

Brana's Nursing Story

How to Apply

The UR Nursing Scholars Program provides three-semesters of tuition coverage as a scholarship and forgivable loan, in exchange for a three-year work commitment at Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson Hospital upon graduation and passing the NCLEX.

Apply Now

To be eligible for tuition coverage through the UR Nursing Scholars program, students must first apply and be admitted to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing program. We admit students three times per year, and accept applications by March 1 for fall entry, July 1 for spring entry, and November 1 for summer entry.

To be eligible for admission to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing Program, students must have earned a previous bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing with a minimum 2.8 GPA. Students may apply to begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters with successful completion of prerequisite courses.

Learn more about how to apply to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing Program.

To be eligible for the UR Nursing Scholars Program and full tuition coverage, you meet all of the following requirements:

  • Must be a new UR Nursing student. 
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent U.S. resident, or DACA student.*
  • Must apply, be admitted, and commit to the University of Rochester School of Nursing's 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program in Rochester, NY. 
  • Must complete UR Nursing Scholars Loan Agreement & Promissory Note upon acceptance and commit to working in a full-time registered nurse position at Strong Memorial or Highland Hospital for at least three years after graduation. 
  • Must complete UR Nursing's 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program within 12 months of start session.**

*Students who require immigration sponsorship are not eligible for the UR Nursing Scholars program, but may still apply to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor’s program to be considered for other School of Nursing scholarship support.

**Drops, withdrawals, or failing grades may negatively impact ability to continue to participate in the UR Nursing Scholars program.

Within your application for the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program, you will be prompted to apply for consideration for the UR Nursing Scholars program and indicate your interest in working at Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson Hospital.

You will be notified whether you have been admitted as a UR Nursing Scholar within your decision letter for the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program.

Upon being admitted to the UR Nursing Scholars program, students will receive a scholarship from the University of Rochester School of Nursing covering 15 percent of tuition. The remaining 85 percent of tuition will be covered by a loan provided by the School of Nursing. 

After completion of the three-year service agreement, the loan will be fully forgiven (30 percent will be forgiven after completing one-year of service, 30 percent for the second year, and 40 percent for the third year). If students do not meet the condition of the scholars program as outlined in the Loan Agreement, they will be required to repay loan funds. 

Additional fees such as mobile device, technology, and lab fees, still apply. See Tuition & Fees for more information.

Depending on individual tax situations, there may be tax implications from loan forgiveness. In most circumstances, loan forgiveness is considered income. We encourage students to work with a tax professional to determine the potential impact the UR Nursing Scholars program and loan forgiveness will have on your individual tax liabilities.

Nurse

UR Nursing Scholars Program

Want to become a nurse in just 12 months with full tuition coverage and guaranteed job placement? Take the first step toward a rewarding new career!

Complete the form to learn more about the UR Nursing Scholars Program and receive a fact sheet with exclusive program insights.

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*The conditions of UR Nursing Scholars Program require that recipients work full-time in an eligible position at an eligible healthcare facility for up to three years. If students do not meet the conditions of the UR Nursing Scholars program, they will be required to repay loan funds as set forth in the Loan Agreement & Promissory Note. Students exclusively attend classes at the University of Rochester School of Nursing on-site in Rochester, New York. 

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