Chapter Scholarship Program

If you say YES to the following 3 questions-money is waiting for you!

Are you a 1st time CNOR/CRNFA and have you passed the test? The San Diego Chapter has grants available that will reimburse you 1/2 the fee of the exam!

Are you going to Congress as a 1st Time Attendee? The San Diego Chapter has money available to help pay for registration!!

Are you going back to school or further your education for you BSN, MSN, PhD, or in a related complimentary field? The San Diego Chapter has scholarship monies available to help cover some of your costs!!!

Below is information about eligibility criteria and deadline for each.

The Chapter administers the following scholarship and grant programs.

Academic Scholarship Program
First Time Congress Attendees
First time CNORs and CRNFAs

Academic Scholarship Program

Applicants must be an RN and a member of AORN in good standing. Membership must be maintained continuously for one year prior to the June 1st deadline. Applicants must submit evidence of acceptance or enrollment in a baccalaureate nursing degree, or a master's/doctoral degree program in nursing or related complimentary field. These programs must be accredited by the National League of Nursing or other nationally accredited program for related complimentary fields. Applicants must submit the application and all supporting documents to the AORN Scholarship Committee Chair, postmarked on or before June 1st. Any applications or supporting documents postmarked later than June 1st will not be accepted.

Review all the Eligibility Criteria and Complete the Application Form.

First Time Congress Attendees

Two grants of up to $400.00 are awarded each year for first time AORN National Congress attendees. These grants cover registration only. Certain criteria must be met. Download the criteria and application .

  • Applicants must be a member of the AORN of San Diego County. Membership must be maintained continuously for one year prior to applying for the grant.
  • Applicants are to write an essay explaining:
    • Why you want to attend the AORN Congress?
    • What type of Chapter participation have you had?
    • What is your contribution to perioperative nursing practice, education, or research?
    • How you believe the AORN Congress experience will enhance your professional growth.
  • Applicants just submit the application and essay, typed, dated, and signed to the Scholarship Committee Chair, postmarked on or before March 1 of the current year. Any applications or essays postmarked later than the deadline will not be accepted. Print the criteria and application form.
  • Applications will be presented to the AORN Chapter Board of Directors for the final decision. Decisions of the Board of Directors is final.
  • Grants will be awarded after the submission of proof of registration and attendance.

    Download the First Time Congress Attendee Grant Criteria


First Time CNORs and CRNFAs

Four grants will be awarded annually. Download Criteria

Two to be awarded in June for successfully passing the certification exam taken October 1 to March 30. Deadline must be postmarked no later than May 1st.

Two grants to be awarded in January for successfully passing the certification exam taken April 1 to September 30. Deadline must be postmarked no later than November 1st.

The grant awarded will be for one half of the exam fee.

Supporting Criteria

  • If there are no applications received for CNOR and CRNFA the board of directors has the option to award two grants for either category. The winners will be drawn from all eligible applicants at the May and December general meetings. The grants will be awarded at the June and January general meetings.
  • Applications must be a member of AORN of San Diego County and the membership must be maintained continuously for one year prior to applying for the grant.
  • Applicants just submit the application and proof of passing the exam to the AORN Scholarship Committee Chair, and this must be postmarked no later than May 1st and November 1st respective for each testing period above. Any application or supporting documentation postmarked later will not be accepted.

    Download the CNOR and CRNFA Criteria and Application



    If you have questions about the scholarship and grant programs, please contact

    Vickie Pierce
    619-465-8681
    vickie@aornsd.org