Foundation Scholarships and Grants

Support the AORN Foundation

Supporting Your Professional Goals

The AORN Foundation supports your professional goals and helps you maintain evidence-based knowledge and competencies. We have awarded scholarships to more than 3,000 nurses working to earn a degree, achieve advanced certification, and complete continuing nurse education.

We offer the following scholarships and grants:

  • Academic Scholarships
  • Certification Grants 
  • Professional Development Grants   
  • Research Grants

Available Scholarships and Grants

Academic Scholarships

The AORN Foundation awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a career in perioperative nursing, and to registered nurses who are continuing their education in perioperative nursing by pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.

Application Now Open

The 2025 - 2026 school year application is now open through June 15, 2025.

Apply for Academic Scholarships Now

CNOR®, CSSM®, and CNAMB® Certification Grants

CNOR, CSSM and CNAMB certification grants are supported by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI). Grants awarded can be used for assistance in CNOR, CSSM and CNAMB certification testing. Grants are available for new certification only.

Application Now Open

The application is now open through February 14, 2025. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact the Foundation at [email protected] or (800) 755-2676.

Apply Now

Professional Development Grants

The Foundation offers professional development grants to help nurses maintain competency and to ensure safe and high-quality care.

AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo Grant Closed

The grant application for funding to attend the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo is closed. All candidates will be notified at the end of January. 

The application will reopen for AORN Expo 2026 in conjunction with registration for the event.

Research Grants

AORN is dedicated to incorporating research and evidence-based practice as a foundation for perioperative nursing to provide quality patient care.

Learn More about Research Grants