| (a) To receive funds through one of the Professional Nursing Student Scholarship Programs, a student must: (1) be a resident of Texas; (2) be enrolled on at least a half-time basis at an approved institution; (3) show financial need, which acts as one of the upper limits of a student's award through the program; (4) maintain satisfactory academic progress in his or her program of study as defined by the institution; (5) be enrolled in a professional nursing program and, (if applying for an award through the Scholarship Program for Licensed Vocational Nurses studying to become Professional Nurses), be a Licensed Vocational Nurse; and (6) have a statement on file with the institution of higher education indicating the student is registered with the Selective Service System as required by federal law or is exempt from Selective Service registration under federal law. (b) In determining what best promotes the healthcare and educational needs of this State, the institution shall consider the following factors relating to each applicant. The importance to be given each factor will be determined by the Board in consultation with the advisory committee described in §22.130 of this title (relating to Advisory Committee). (1) scholastic ability and performance as measured for entering freshmen by high school grade point average, rank and scores on standardized college entrance examination, and for continuing or transfer college students by its college grade point average; (2) geographical area of intended nursing practice; (3) financial need; (4) whether the person is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or participates in an other public welfare program; (5) employment by a state agency; (6) employment on a nursing school faculty of an eligible institution; and (7) whether the person at the time of application to participate in the scholarship program is a practicing nurse in an area with an acute nursing shortage or is likely to practice in such an area. |
