Financial Aid for Christian Science Nursing Education

ABF Scholar Profile

Frank Groff

Frank Groff, Christian Science nurse
Mexico City and Princeton, New Jersey

“It’s a dazzling revelation to realize that we are not alone — that we have the whole Christian Science Movement behind us. You back us up and make us feel appreciated. Your support keeps us moving forward. Thank you.”

“I am hurrying as fast as I can to learn this wonderful art of Christian Science nursing and progress. You’re never finished. There is always something more to learn as a nurse and as a Christian Scientist!”

Frank’s Story: Frank was working in the corrugated paper box business in Mexico City and wanting to learn more and more about Christian Science. He had spent three years sharing Christian Science in a women’s prison, taken Christian Science Class Instruction, and joined The mother Church and his branch church. When he asked God how he could best serve Him, the answer was distinct and clear: Christian Science nursing. The Albert Baker Fund helped Frank take the beginning Christian Science nursing course in 2006, an intermediate course in 2009, and he will begin an advanced Christian Science nursing course in February 2011.

What is Christian Science Nursing?

Christian Science nurses provide skilled, practical care that is grounded in the spiritual healing method of Christian Science discovered by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866. The Christian Science nurse’s standard of care rests squarely on the Bible, especially the Ten Commandments, the teachings of Christ Jesus, and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. You can find out more from The Mother Church.

What is Christian Science Nurses training?

Courses are usually divided into two parts, a classroom portion as well as a mentored training portion where you work alongside other nurses and have direct contact with patients. You can find out more information from the Association of Organizations for Christian Science Nursing.

What ABF Funds

We provide grants to assist with tuition costs for students enrolled in Christian Science nurses training at selected facilities around the world. The average award is about $1,000 per course and is paid directly to the nursing facility. Although we have funded the internship portion of training in the past, we will only fund the classroom portion going forward. We do fund refresher courses for nurses advertising in the Christian Science Journal.

Key Stats

  • In 2010 we supported tuition costs for 153 Christian Science nurses.
  • Our average grant for Christian Science Nursing Education is $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you fund transportation and housing costs?
No. We only fund classroom tuition. If you need help with living expenses, consider contacting The Principle Foundation.
Why did you stop funding the internship portion of Christian Science nurses training?
After experimenting with funding the internship portion for a couple of years, we decided to allocate those funds to international nursing programs.
Why don’t you fund training at all Christian Science nursing facilities?
We would love to support every Christian Science nursing facility, but sometimes it’s just not possible. For example, since we only fund tuition costs, we couldn’t partner with an facility that doesn’t charge tuition.

How to Apply

Once you have been admitted by one of the training facilities listed on our Partners page, you can download the ABF Grant Application form. Applications are processed on a rolling basis without any firm deadlines. You must submit a copy of your acceptance letter for the class along with your ABF application.

Download Application