$15K AACN–Certiphi Scholarship Opens for Pre-Licensure Nursing Students (2025): Eligibility, Deadline, & How to Apply

If you’re juggling tuition, clinical compliance costs, and NCLEX prep, this one’s for you. AACN and Certiphi Screening have launched a new national scholarship program specifically for pre-licensure nursing students at AACN member schools—three awards of $5,000 each application cycle (that’s $15,000 total). Applications opened in early September with a fall deadline. The program also ties into a broader AACN-Certiphi partnership that can reduce student screening expenses—freeing up time and cash to focus on finishing strong and passing the NCLEX. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Table of Contents

• Key Facts (at a glance)
• Eligibility & Timeline
• How to Apply (step-by-step)
• Selection Tips that Move the Needle
• Why It Matters for NCLEX & Nursing School
• FAQs
• Official Sources

Key Facts (at a glance)

• Total funding: $15,000 per cycle (three $5,000 awards administered by AACN’s Foundation for Academic Nursing). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Who can apply: Pre-licensure students (traditional BSN or direct-entry programs) enrolled at AACN member schools, GPA ≥ 3.2, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to submit a 500-word essay. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Application window: Opens September 1; portal deadline currently shows November 1 (press release mentions Nov 3—always defer to the application portal). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Where to apply: AACN’s scholarship portal (create/login to submit). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Bonus perk: As part of the AACN–Certiphi partnership, students at AACN member schools may access up to 30% discounts on background checks and compliance tracking. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Want a quick refresher on scholarship basics and timing? See our earlier coverage: “$5,000 AACN–Certiphi Scholarship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply”.

Eligibility & Timeline

Eligibility (you must meet all):

• Entry-level pre-licensure nursing student (e.g., traditional BSN, accelerated/direct-entry).
• Currently enrolled and actively taking classes at an AACN member school.
• GPA ≥ 3.2; U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Submit the required 500-word essay per the prompt. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Timing to know: The Foundation scholarship page lists Sep 1–Nov 1 for this first cycle, while the press release notes applications accepted through Nov 3. When dates differ, follow the portal (it’s the system of record). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

How to Apply (step-by-step)

1. Confirm membership: Verify your school is an AACN member (ask your dean’s office or check AACN’s site).
2. Create your portal account and locate Certiphi – AACN Scholarship; review the live deadline listed there. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
3. Draft the 500-word essay that addresses your contribution to nursing or a unique challenge facing the profession (save as PDF/Doc per portal guidance). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
4. Collect your info: GPA, advisor contact, enrollment verification; follow file-naming rules. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
5. Submit early and reconfirm your application status inside the portal before the deadline. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Selection Tips that Move the Needle

• Anchor the essay in impact. Name a concrete patient-care or workforce problem you’ll help solve (clinical communication, med-surg handoffs, transition-to-practice stress) and show measurable outcomes you’ll pursue after licensure.
• Quantify leadership. Translate hours into outcomes (e.g., “Led 8 peer-tutoring sessions; med-calc pass rates improved from 72% → 86%”).
• Show readiness for NCLEX. Tie your study plan to competencies and judgment—then link to practice you’re actually doing (case banks, targeted content).
• Mind the basics. Answer the full prompt; stay within 500 words; run a grammar pass; upload the right file types; and hit submit before the final week.

Level up your prep while you wait: practice real clinical reasoning with NGN Med-Surg Physiological Adaptation Case Studies and tighten your ABG/acid-base chops with ABG Interpretation: 15 Practice Cases.

Why It Matters for NCLEX & Nursing School

Fresh funding targeted at pre-licensure students reduces financial strain in your final semesters, helps you stand out on résumés, and can offset compliance costs tied to clinical placements—thanks to the AACN–Certiphi partnership’s negotiated discounts. That means more focus on finishing clinicals strong, building NGN-style clinical judgment, and executing your NCLEX study plan without as many money-stress distractions. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

FAQs

How much is the AACN–Certiphi scholarship?

Three awards of $5,000 each (total $15,000 per cycle) through the Foundation for Academic Nursing. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Who is eligible to apply?

Pre-licensure nursing students (traditional or direct-entry) at AACN member schools with GPA ≥ 3.2; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; a 500-word essay is required. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

What’s the deadline?

The portal currently lists November 1; the press release mentions November 3. Always follow the portal as the authoritative source. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Where do I apply?

Through AACN’s online scholarship portal (create an account, choose Certiphi – AACN Scholarship). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Does the partnership actually help with clinical compliance costs?

AACN reports up to 30% student discounts on background checks and compliance tracking via Certiphi for member-school students—savings you can redirect to NCLEX prep and essentials. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Official Sources (read more)

• AACN press release announcing the program and partnership details (Sept 2, 2025). :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• AACN Foundation scholarship listing with eligibility and key dates. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• AACN scholarship application portal for live deadlines and submission. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Next up: want us to track new nursing scholarships and deadlines for you? I can set a reminder. Also, if you have a program page for this news on GoodNurse, share the URL and I’ll weave it into our internal links.