Scholarships and Training Programs for Careers in Senior Care

Career Guidance
Person wearing blue scrubs, glasses, and a stethoscope, studying at a desk with a laptop, books, and a coffee cup, focused on writing notes.

One of the biggest challenges people face when thinking about going back to school is cost. It can be disheartening to make a plan and feel motivated to follow through, only to be stopped in your tracks by the price tag. The senior care sector offers positions ranging from entry-level roles to senior leadership positions. Depending on your goals, certain roles may require additional training, certification or degrees. Individuals interested in pursuing a caregiving career may wonder: Are there scholarships and training programs available in senior care?

The answer? Absolutely! There are numerous financial support options to help caregivers pursue additional training and education. Let’s take a closer look at some of the scholarships and resources available for caregivers in Minnesota.

Nursing Facility Employee Scholarship Program

  • Who it’s for: This scholarship is for staff members working at Minnesota Medicaid-certified nursing facilities who are interested in furthering their education and careers in long-term care.
  • How to apply: To get started, reach out to your facility’s Human Resources (HR) Department for details on the scholarship policies and the application process.
  • What the scholarship covers: This program may help cover costs for tuition, books, fees, supplies, daycare, and even transportation.
  • Where to find more information: MN Nursing facility employee scholarship program

HCBS Employee Scholarship Program

  • Who it’s for: Employees in direct care roles at assisted living facilities, home care providers, and adult day care centers in Minnesota.
  • How to apply: Organizations must apply on behalf of their employees, so individuals aren’t able to apply directly. Employees should reach out to their supervisors to get started.
  • What the scholarship covers: Benefits include loan forgiveness up to $12,000 over two years, as well as scholarships for training and educational expenses.
  • Where to find more information: HCBS Employee Scholarship Program

Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness Programs

Scholarship Success Story

Henok has spent 16 years in long-term care. He started as a nursing assistant, and thanks to his employer’s scholarship, he had the chance to go back to school and become a Licensed Practical Nurse and, most recently, he became a Registered Nurse (R.N.). 

In addition to financial support, Henok received support from his colleagues and caregiving network: 

“I learned a lot from my coworkers and the nurses I was working with. Seeing them, I thought, ‘I can do this as a profession.’ They opened my eyes and gave me the encouragement to go ahead and get my (nursing degree).”

Henok’s story shows that with the right support and drive, the caregiving field can provide you with the resources and encouragement to rise to more advanced roles.

Additional Resources to Explore

Beyond advanced degrees, there are also specialized training and certificate programs available that can lead to positions like a Trained Medication Aide (TMA) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Whether you’re interested in further education or you’re interested in an entry-level role, our employer match tool can help you find a job that suits your current skills and situation. Head over to our resources page to see all the ways you can move forward in your caregiving career.

The support you need is just a click away at CaringCareersStartHere.com!