Online Resources & Scholarships for Physician Assistant Students

Scholarships and Grants for Physician Assistant Students

Scholarships and grants are the most sought-after types of financial aid because, unlike student loans, they don’t need to be repaid. Grants are given almost exclusively based on financial need and are typically offered by federal and state government, private and public organizations, and colleges and universities.

Scholarships, however, are mostly merit-based and have broader eligibility criteria. They’re also often highly competitive, so it’s important to seek out those that you are not only eligible for but also have a good chance of winning.

To help you get started on your funding search, below are ten of the best scholarship opportunities available to physician assistant students today:

The Keys to Succeed on Physician Assistant Scholarship Applications

There are two main elements to winning scholarship awards — finding the right ones to apply to and applying the right way. That means making sure you are eligible for the award and ensuring your application impresses the selection committee.

Here are five keys to making the most of your scholarship campaign:

Key #1: Start small, local, and specific

You’ll find lots of large, prestigious scholarship contests with big payouts. The problem is they’re usually open nationwide, attracting lots of applicants.

What you might not know is that there are also many smaller scholarships, often open to students within a limited geographic area, a particular major (like physician assistant), or a particular school or program. These scholarships tend to attract a much smaller number of applicants, increasing your chances of winning.

Key #2: Read the application requirements carefully

Read all eligibility requirements and application instructions carefully and meet them fully and exactly. Eligibility and application errors typically lead to immediate rejection of your application.

Key #3: Go for scholarships with lots of requirements

Some scholarships require you to jump through lots of hoops to apply, with long questionnaires, essays, multiple letters of recommendation, and even videos. Your natural reaction may be to pass over these contests.

Think about it, though: If you’re willing to pass on them, so are others. And that can mean fewer applicants, which in turn means less competition and a better chance for you to win.

Key #4: Tailor your essays and personal statements to each scholarship

A big mistake many students make is to write one essay or personal statement and use it for every scholarship. When it comes to scholarship applications, however, one size does not fit all.

Take the time to tailor your essays and personal statements to the unique purposes and goals of each sponsoring organization. Be specific and passionate about why you want to be a physician assistant to make a real impression on the award committee.

Key #5: Watch out for deadlines

It’s very simple: No matter how good your application is, if you miss a scholarship deadline, your chances of winning are over.

So be sure to carefully track the deadlines for all the scholarships you’re applying to, and check them regularly to keep from having one sneak up on you.

Essential Funding Resources for Physician Assistant Students

Finding great scholarships and other funding sources for your physician assistant degree is a big challenge, but it’s not the only one.

The good news is that there are lots of valuable resources out there to support you in your funding search and ensure that you remain fiscally fit throughout your studies and beyond.

Here are nine of those resources to get you started:

American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

The preeminent professional association of PAs in the United States, the AAPA’s mission is to be a leader in the profession and empower its members in the advancement of their careers and in providing enhanced patient care.

The AAPA is a great source for scholarships, plus it offers career support, interview prep, and more.

Hospital Medicine Exchange (HMX)

Online discussion board of the Society of Hospital Medicine. The HMX offers members a place to connect and collaborate with thousands of hospital medicine professionals, learn about student experiences, get leads on scholarships and funding sources, and more.

How to Survive PA School: A Guide for Physician Assistant Students

From study and time management tips to useful apps and insider advice on clinicals, this EduMed guide will prepare you for success in your PA education.

Huddle

Sponsored by the AAPA, Huddle is a networking hub for PA professionals and students allowing them to form new community platforms, post questions to peers, browse the membership directory, and find or become PA mentors. Access requires AAPA membership.

Inside Online Physician Assistant Programs

This EduMed guide provides an inside look at what it’s like to earn a PA degree online and helps readers find the online degree program that best suits their unique academic needs and study preferences.

JAAPA Podcast

This excellent podcast series from the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (JAAPA) takes a comprehensive look into diseases and conditions often encountered by PAs. With this information, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss PA-related issues in scholarship interviews and essays.

The PA Platform: Pre-Physician Assistant Advice + Coaching YouTube Channel

This YouTube channel features a series of videos covering a range of PA-related topics. Examples of episode titles include “Resumes and CVs for PA School & Physician Assistant Jobs,” “Personal Statement Mistakes!” and “Should You Take a Gap Year Before PA School?”

Pi Alpha – The National Honor Society for Physician Assistants

Sponsored by the Physician Assistant Education Association, Pi Alpha is the national honor society promoting the interests of its PA student and graduate members. Membership in Pi Alpha is definitely something to list at the top of any scholarship application.

Transitioning to Online School: A Guide for Healthcare Students

Another excellent EduMed resource, this guide provides great advice for making a smooth transition into the online college environment. By avoiding the hiccups that sometimes come with starting college online, you also won’t risk losing any scholarships due to disappointing grades or early struggles.