• What are the eligibility requirements to be a Providence Scholar?
  • Applicants who have been admitted to the University of University of Alaska Anchorage BSN full-major and entering their first semester of the BSN nursing courses will receive more information from the nursing program upon acceptance.
  • Applicants must be in good academic standing at the time of application.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application
  • Recipients commit to a three-year, full-time RN employment agreement with Alaska PH&S
• What is the application process?

  The application process includes:

  • Completion of a Providence Scholars Program application (upon acceptance into the nursing program)
  • Submission of references
  • Selected applicants will be required to participate in a panel interview
• When is the Providence Scholars Program application due?
  Applications are due after acceptance into the nursing program and before the start of the nursing program. Specific dates will be sent to students after they are accepted into the nursing program.
• As a Providence Scholar, will I be able to choose the hospital and clinical area where I want to work?

  There is a chance that you will not be placed on the nursing unit of your choice. Clinical placement will be based on facility needs.  Alaska facilities include: Providence Alaska Medical Center, Providence Extended Care, St. Elias, Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center, Providence Valdez Medical Center, and Providence Seward Medical Center.

  Attempts will be made to meet your location preference; however, facility needs must be met first. 

• If accepted as a Providence Scholar, what is my obligation?
  Upon graduation, Providence Scholars have a consecutive, three-year, full-time employment commitment to PH&S within Alaska. You also commit to working at your position of initial employment for 24 months.
• What is the selection process for the Providence Scholars?

  The University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing processes applications. In the screening process, the following factors are considered: academics; leadership; community service; work experience; an existing relationship with PH&S as an employee or immediate relative of an employee; University of Alaska Anchorage four-year student; references, and an essay.

  Applicants that meet the screening criteria are interviewed to assess potential fit as a PH&S employee.

• Will the Providence Scholars Program pay for pre-requisites to get into the nursing program at the University of Alaska Anchorage?
  No. The Providence Scholars Program pays tuition for BSN program courses. Tuition for all prerequisite courses and all course fees are the responsibility of the Providence Scholar.
• Will the Providence Scholars Program pay for a double-major, room and board, books, or equipment?
  No. The Providence Scholars Program award only covers tuition costs for the required nursing curriculum.
• What if I change my mind about nursing as a major or am unable to fulfill my employment contract? 
  You will be required to pay back the amount loaned plus interest. You will sign a contract with PH&S that explains the payback arrangements if you are not able to fulfill your agreement.
• Do I have to pay taxes on this scholarship?
  Yes. Technically, the Providence Scholars Program is a loan forgiveness agreement. Income taxes will need to be paid because the loan is forgiven when you start working at PH&S. Your loan forgiveness will be calculated into equal installments (over 3 years) and tax will be assessed on those funds. For more specific advice, check with your tax advisor.
• Do I need to show financial need to qualify?
  No. This is a merit-based award.
• Am I eligible for other financial aid if I receive a Providence Scholar award? 
  You may be eligible for federal and state aid (including grants and loans) as long as you file a FAFSA.  For questions or further information, contact the Office of Financial Aid. 
• Is the Providence Scholars available for other schools besides the University of Alaska Anchorage?
  No. The Providence Scholars Program is between the University of Alaska Anchorage and PH&S only.
• If I miss the application deadline or am not selected to be Providence Scholar at the beginning of my junior year, can I apply at a later time when I am a student in the nursing program?
  No. Only students who are admitted to the full-major BSN program at the University of Alaska Anchorage and will be entering the first semester of the BSN nursing program are eligible to apply.  
• What if I want to travel or need to attend to personal business after graduation? Do I need to begin my employment directly after graduation?
  It is expected that you will pass the NCLEX-RN examination and be ready for employment no later than 60 days after graduation. Special extenuating circumstances require negotiation with PH&S.
• Will I only have clinical experience and clinical rotations at PH&S facilities?

  No. As a Providence Scholar, you will also have clinical experiences in other facilities. Your senior practicum or capstone clinical will be performed at a Providence facility.

For additional information or further questions regarding the Providence Scholars Program, please contact Michelle Tatela at michelle.tatela@providence.org.