1. Student Success
  2. Indians in Nursing: Career Advancement & Transition Scholars (INCATS) Program
  3. INCATS Nursing Degree Scholars Program

INCATS Nursing Degree Scholars Program

Eligibility

  • Enrolled members of Federally Recognized American Indian/Alaska Native tribes.
  • Nominated by a community partner (tribal clinic, tribal college or tribal organization)
  • Accepted and enrolled at the University of Arizona in a **priority nursing program (BSN, MEPN, or DNP as Family [FNP] or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner [PMHNP] ). **Please note: priority programs designated by the Indian Health Services (IHS).
  • Agreeable upon program completion to an IHS payback obligation
    • 2 years for every 1 year of IHS funding support in a position as RN or DNP in a direct patient care role at a tribal or IHS setting
  • Applicants with Arizona based tribal affiliations and veterans will receive priority consideration

Benefits

  • Financial support (Tuition, stipends, fees)
  • Tailored, culturally relevant mentoring provided by peers and faculty
  • Professional skills development
  • Preparation for RN licensure or APRN certifcation and job placement

Payback Obligations

Each INCAT scholar is expected to return to a tribal community or tribal healthcare setting to honor investments of tribal collaborations and partnerships. Obligation (2 years for every 1 year of I.H.S funding support).

  • If you are interested in pursuing a priority nursing degree (BSN, MEPN, DNP - FNP, PMHNP), please review the following first, and schedule an appointment with the appropriate UA College of Nursing academic counselor:
    • Brandie Drobot, MS, Academic Advisor II – pre-RN applicants (BSN or MEPN - Master’s Entry to Profession). Please sign up for and attend an Information Session to learn more about the BSN and MEPN programs first. Afterwards, please schedule an appointment. Appointment information will be given in the Information Session.
    • Eloisa Valenzuela-Mendoza, Academic Advisor, Doctoral Programs – DNP applicants
    • CON-OSAA@arizona.edu – All applicants
  • Together you will review transcripts and documents from all previous education, obtain admission advice and determine/recommend appropriate nursing program(s) for application

Available all year: Admissions counseling is available year-round for scholars interested in applying for a UA nursing degree program and those interested in later applying for the INCATS program upon admission to a UA nursing degree program.

** Please note, all awards are dependent upon availability of scholarship funds. We anticipate funding between 6-10 scholars per academic year.

Upon admission to a University of Arizona College of Nursing priority degree program, INCATS scholar applicants will:

  1. Submit degree program Proof of Admission documentation along with a personal INCATS program Letter of Interest via email to INCATS@nursing.arizona.edu.
  2. Obtain a Community Partner Nomination from the designated administrator at an INCATS community partner clinical agency OR tribal community college partner.
  3. After INCATS partner nomination, you will be asked to submit a Personal Statement via a designated weblink (URL link shared later) that includes:
    • your name and tribal community partner
    • reasons for wanting to pursue a degree in nursing
    • commitment to returning to work in a tribal community
    • understanding and willingness to complete the **IHS payback obligation if funded

** IHS Payback Obligation and Scholar Reporting:
As an INCATS Scholar, you must:

  • sign an IHS contract each funding cycle awarded (each academic year)
  • maintain a GPA of 3.00 throughout entire funding period
  • complete IHS reporting documents each semester and submit to the INCATS administrative team and the IHS web portal

For MORE information or questions about applying contact:

Office of Student & Academic Affairs
Email: INCATS@nursing.arizona.edu
Phone: 520-626-3808