Beginning a college education can be daunting, especially when you consider your bottom line. Although the cost of tuition can seem frightening, it’s important to remember that paying for school doesn’t have to drain your bank account or put you into debt. Scholarships – which are gift-based financial awards that do not have to be paid back – can really chip away at that bottom line and make school much more affordable. There are many of scholarship opportunities out there specifically for those entering a medical or healthcare field. From aspiring medical assistants to advanced care nurses, this scholarship guide can help you find the educational funding you need to begin your healthcare training.
Medical & Health Assistants and Aides
Students in medical assisting, medical billing, medical coding, and other careers that fall under the “medical and health assistants and aides” umbrella can apply for numerous scholarships designed especially for them. Some of these scholarships will pay just enough to cover books and a few smaller expenses, while others might be enough to bridge the gap between what financial aid a student receives from the federal government and what they still owe before starting classes. Applying for multiple scholarships can help increase your chances of getting the aid you need to begin your education.
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
AMOUNT:
Up to $500
DEADLINE:
April 1st
ELigibility:
Enrolled in an allied health program that is eligible for a certification provided by the AMT.
Description: Five scholarships are available to allied health students who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship may only be used to pay for school tuition.
Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions and CastleBranch
AMOUNT:
$1,000
DEADLINE:
6/7/19
ELigibility:
Enrolled in a ASAHP member school
Description: This is a need-blind scholarship that looks to reward allied health students who show leadership potential.
American Association of Medical Assistants
AMOUNT:
$1,000
DEADLINE:
2/15/19
ELigibility:
Attendance of a CAAHEP accredited medical assisting program
Description: Students must apply for this scholarship through the program director at their school. They may use the proceeds to pay for the educational costs to become a medical assistant.
Medical Assistant Courses Online
AMOUNT:
$2,000
DEADLINE:
12/31/19
ELigibility:
High school seniors or students currently in college
Description: Applicants who are looking to become medical assistants can apply for this by either writing a 500 word essay or creating a two to five minute video outlining their reasons for wanting to become a medical assistant.
A Place for Mom
AMOUNT:
$2,000
DEADLINE:
5/1/2019
ELigibility:
Students planning on a career working with seniors
Description: A Place for Mom is a senior living referral service that hopes to encourage students to choose a career where they work with aging patients. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate, bachelors, associate, or certificate post-secondary program.
Amarillo Area Foundation (AAF)
AMOUNT: $500
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
African-American or Hispanic students attending West Texas A&M University.
Description: The AAF is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve communities in the Texas Panhandle. Applicants must major in education, nursing, sociology, allied health or general studies to apply for this scholarship. It is renewable for up to four semesters.
John Randolph Foundation
AMOUNT: $2,500
DEADLINE:
6/1/19
ELigibility:
Students entering professional health occupations in specific localities in Virginia
Description: The scholarship goes to students who demonstrate financial need and have at least a 3.0 GPA. The type of healthcare program a student must attend to qualify is very broad as long, as it leads to a health-related occupation.
AHIMA Foundation
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
10/01/18
ELigibility:
AHIMA members
Description: AHIMA’s mission is to encourage and promote the health informatics profession. They offer this scholarship to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree-seeking students who are studying health informatics or a similar field.
Nursing
Earning a nursing degree is challenging enough without the added pressure of figuring out how to pay for it. These scholarships are designed especially for those who intend to work as nurses. As with scholarships for any other field, it’s vitally important to apply for all those you think you might be eligible for to improve your chances of getting funded. Keep in mind that receiving multiple scholarships can greatly relieve the financial burden of higher education. Here are a few scholarships meant for LPNs, LVNs, RNs, and others in the nursing field.
American Red Cross
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
May
ELigibility:
Current nursing students
Description: Undergraduate and graduate students may apply for this scholarship, which is intended for nursing students who are employees of the American Red Cross or who have demonstrated volunteer service.
The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem
AMOUNT: $1,800
DEADLINE:
4/1/19
ELigibility:
Students seeking an undergraduate nursing degree
Description: The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem’s mission is to help the women of Forsyth County, North Carolina obtain financial security. In addition to tuition and books and fees, proceeds from this scholarship can be used for room and board as well as other education expenses.
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
AMOUNT: $2,500
DEADLINE:
2/15/2020
ELigibility:
Accepted or enrolled in an accredited nursing program
Description: The DAR is a nonprofit organization designed to protect the history of the United States, promote patriotism and assist individuals seeking a better education. Special consideration will be given to students who show financial need.
The Community Foundation of Shelby County
AMOUNT: $1,000
DEADLINE:
5/30/19
ELigibility:
Shelby County, Ohio residents working to become a registered nurse
Description: The Community Foundation of Shelby County administers legacy gifts to benefit members of the Shelby County Community. One gift in particular is this scholarship, which places a special emphasis on applicants who have financial need, show academic achievement and demonstrate empathy and compassion.
Delaware Department of Education
AMOUNT: $5,000
DEADLINE:
6/3/19
ELigibility:
Current or future undergraduate students who will become registered or licensed practical nurses
Description: This scholarship is actually a loan forgiveness program where students may receive up to three $5,000 loans to pay for school. However, $5,000 of the loan may be forgiven for each year the student agrees to work at a Delaware state-owned clinic or hospital.
Maryland Higher Education Commission
AMOUNT: Varies
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
Promise to work as a nursing faculty member at a Maryland college or university
Description: The Maryland Higher Education Commission recognized that increasing the number of nurses would require increasing the number of nursing faculty. To entice current nurses to start teaching, they offered this scholarship, which will pay 100% of the student’s tuition and mandatory fees.
Kentucky Board of Nursing
AMOUNT: $3,000
DEADLINE:
6/1/19
ELigibility:
Work at as a nurse in Kentucky after graduation
Description: To help meet the increasing need for nurses in Kentucky, this scholarship requires recipients to work one year as a full-time nurse in Kentucky for each year they received the $3,000 annual award.
March of Dimes
AMOUNT: $2,500
DEADLINE:
1/19/19
ELigibility:
Graduate students who are already registered nurses.
Description: The March of Dimes helps pregnant women have successful births. Part of this mission is accomplished through this scholarship, which helps graduate-level nursing students who are focusing on a maternal-child area of study.
Technicians & Technologists
The need for technicians and technologists in the medical field is booming and that means there are plenty of educational programs to train you for the workforce. Earning scholarships can help you avoid the possibility of taking out loans that will land you in debt as you’re beginning your new career. Scholarships in this field can be specific to one profession – such as those specifically for EMTs – but more general scholarships for technical and technological medical and veterinary jobs also exist. Here are a few great options to look into.
Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) and American Glaucoma Society
AMOUNT: Varies
DEADLINE:
4/30/19
ELigibility:
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians looking to earn their JCAHPO certification
Description: This scholarship is intended to help pay for the costs of earning a JCAHPO certification, with preference given to ophthalmic technicians that work in a glaucoma clinic.
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
AMOUNT: $2,500
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
Accepted or enrolled sonography student
Description: Two of these scholarships are awarded each year. They can be used for fees, books or tuition costs relating to enrollment in an accredited medical sonography or cardiovascular technology program
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
AMOUNT:
$2,500
DEADLINE:
3/31/19
ELigibility:
ASRT members
Description: Six of these scholarships are available to entry-level students who are seeking a degree from a radiography, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance or sonography program.
The Charles Shelton Foundation
AMOUNT:
$2,000
DEADLINE:
6/1/19
ELigibility:
African-American students with experience in veterinary medicine or technology
Description: The Charles Shelton Foundation works to help African-Americans pursue a career in veterinary medicine or technology. A special emphasis is placed on applicants who demonstrate a concern for animal welfare.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
3/1/2020
ELigibility:
Residents of Kent or Ottawa Counties in Michigan
Description: The GRCF’s mission is to help those within its community. This includes offering scholarships to students attending a Michigan college or university and studying any undergraduate health service related field.
Melissa’s Hope
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
3/15/19
ELigibility:
New Jersey residents
Description: In memory of Melissa Centrella, the Melissa’s Hope charitable organization was created to provide financial assistance for students seeking a career in medicine. Recipients include graduate students in medical school as well as undergraduate trade school students seeking a career as a technician or technologist.
Zeta Phi Beta National Education Foundation (ZNEF)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
2/1/2020
ELigibility:
Graduate or undergraduate women
Description: ZNEF provides financial aid to Zeta Phi Beta sorority members and non-members, including a number of scholarships. This scholarship goes to young women who are earning a degree in medicine or health science.
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
3/4/2019
ELigibility:
Resident of Leicester, Massachusetts
Description: The Greater Worcester Community Foundation engages in philanthropic efforts to improve the Worcester County community. This scholarship goes to a graduating senior from Leicester that is studying in a field that will lead to direct patient care.
Dental Hygienists & Assistants
Dental professionals provide preventative care such as, regular cleanings and checkups that can catch problems before they become painful emergencies. Though dentists might get all the credit for someone’s healthy teeth, it’s actually the assistants and hygienists that do the bulk of the work in a dentist’s office. There are plenty of scholarships available to help support the individuals on the front lines of keeping our teeth healthy.
Washington Students Achievement Council
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
Three year commitment to work as a primary care health provider in underserved areas in the state of Washington
Description: The program provides up to $75,000 in conditional scholarships or loan repayments. This helps students pay for a degree that will lead to a career working as a healthcare professional. In return, recipients must meet a post-graduation service commitment.
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
4/1/19
ELigibility:
Enrolled in an allied health program that is eligible for a certification provided by the AMT, such as Registered Dental Assistant
Description: Students can apply for this award by completing a research paper in a field related to their academic area of study. Recipients will receive their award directly as a cash prize.
American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA)
AMOUNT:
$2,000
DEADLINE:
2/1/2020
ELigibility:
Dental hygienist students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Description: The ADHA advocates on behalf of registered dental hygienists. It provides this scholarship to dental hygiene students who demonstrate a drive to improve the oral health of the geriatric individuals in the community.
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
2/15/19
ELigibility:
Must be a Vermont resident
Description: The VSAC exists to help Vermont students pay for school and professional training. This scholarship award goes to dental hygiene students who show financial need and academic excellence.
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
High school graduates from Southwest lower Michigan who are also Galien residents
Description: The scholarship is open to anyone from the Galien area enrolled in any health-related program that involves educating individuals about their health. Secondary consideration is given to financial need. Applicants must submit to an interview.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
AMOUNT:
$3,000
DEADLINE:
11/1/18
ELigibility:
Dental Hygiene students who have an interest in teaching.
Description: The ADEA represents the dental education community. Applicants must attend an ADEA member institution and be pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree in dental hygiene.
Hispanic Dental Association (HDA)
AMOUNT:
$1,000
DEADLINE:
7/1/18
ELigibility:
Membership in the HDA or the Hispanic Student Dental Association
Description: Funded by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, the HDA provides this scholarship to individuals in an accredited dental hygiene program who demonstrate applied clinical and scientific knowledge during their schooling.
The Health Professions Education Foundation
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
After graduating, students must agree to work at a qualified California facility
Description: Students must be accepted into or enrolled in an allied health program, which includes dental hygiene. After graduation, dental hygienists must work in a medically underserved area for 12 months.
Leadership & Administration
When someone thinks of a hospital or clinic, they usually think about hard-working nurses and doctors tending to patients. They rarely think about the people who work behind the scenes to keep everything moving smoothly – the leadership and administration personnel. In administration, strong leadership skills are a critical for an efficient and safe hospital, clinic, or other medical facility. Despite the importance of these positions, they are often overlooked by aspiring medical professionals as viable career choices. That can change with some of these scholarships, which help provide even more incentive for new or current medical professionals to look into administration positions.
Army Nurse Corpse Association
AMOUNT:
$3,000
DEADLINE:
3/30/19
ELigibility:
Nursing students with an immediate family member serving in the US Army
Description: This scholarship is available to all levels of nursing students, including those seeking advanced degrees at the graduate level. This scholarship award will be issued directly to the recipient’s school.
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
AMOUNT:
$25,000
DEADLINE:
3/31/2019
ELigibility:
Minority students
Description: The ACHE is a professional organization working to foster leaders in healthcare management. This scholarship goes to minority students who are enrolled in a healthcare management graduate program.
Maryland Higher Education Commission
AMOUNT:
$5,000
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
Graduate and professional students who are Maryland residents
Description: Professional students at select Maryland graduate and professional schools may apply for this scholarship. Eligible professions include pharmacist, attorney, dentist, social worker, veterinarian or nurse (with master’s level training).
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
AMOUNT:
$2,500
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
Student member of MGMA currently working in medical practice management
Description: The MGMA is a professional organization that promotes the success of business and medical professionals in the healthcare industry. Therefore, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program that relates to medical practice management, such as healthcare administration.
Japanese Americans Citizens League (JACL)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
4/1/2019
ELigibility:
JACL members
Description: The JACL works to improve the civil rights of all Americans, especially those in the Asian Pacific American Community. This scholarship is open to graduate students who are JACL members and plan to enter the medical field. However, an individual can be of any race to join the JACL.
Special Interest Students
Diversity is what makes the world go ‘round, and that’s certainly true in medicine, where minorities, women, and other special populations bring unique and valuable perspectives to the industry. There are numerous scholarships available in healthcare that help level the playing field for those who face personal struggles or financial burdens. These scholarships provide a peek into what’s available for students from all walks of life.
American Association on Health and Disability
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
11/18/19
ELigibility:
Full-time college student with at least one year of college
Description: In accordance with the AAHD’s mission of advocating on behalf of those with disabilities, graduate or undergraduate students who have a disability and are pursuing a degree relating to health and disability are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA)
AMOUNT:
$1,500
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
¼ American Indian, enrolled in a tribe
Description: Students of American Indian heritage who are pursuing a nursing or other healthcare related degree may apply for this scholarship. It is offered by the NSCDA, an organization that promotes an appreciation and protects the history that helped create the United States.
American Physiological Society (APS)
AMOUNT:
$4,000
DEADLINE:
2/1/20
ELigibility:
Full-time undergraduate students with no laboratory experience
Description: The APS has the goal of promoting education and research in the physiological sciences. Undergraduate students who come from underrepresented groups will work in a laboratory engaging in bio-medical research for 10 weeks and receive a stipend and reimbursement for travel expenses.
Arc of Washington Trust Fund
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
3/15/19
ELigibility:
Upper level college or graduate students
Description: Only students seeking a post-secondary education from the state of Washington who also show a history and interest in the field of intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for this stipend. This stipend is released directly to the student’s school.
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
4/15/20
ELigibility:
Ethnically diverse individuals seeking a career in medicine or rehabilitation
Description: The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute treats individuals who need rehabilitation services in the Minnesota and western Wisconsin area. Scholarship awards will be based on financial need, academic performance and professional goals.
eQuality Scholarship Collaborative
AMOUNT:
$6,000
DEADLINE:
Late January
ELigibility:
Enrolled or accepted to an accredited bachelor’s or associate degree nursing program in California
Description: eQuality Scholarship collaborative awards scholarships based on a student’s contributions to the LGBT+ community. Applicants must therefore show a history of helping the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community as well as be residents of northern or central California.
National Black Nurses Association, Inc.
AMOUNT:
$2,000
DEADLINE:
4/15/19
ELigibility:
NBNA members
Description: The NBNA is tasked with advocating and promoting the interests of Black nurses. It offers this scholarship to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a nursing program.
The Melanie Foundation
AMOUNT:
$2,500
DEADLINE:
3/5/2020
ELigibility:
Students seeking a mental health major or related degree
Description: The Melanie Foundation was created in 2006 to bring awareness and help others with mental health issues. The primary tool is helping students who intend to enter a career in mental health fund their education.
Health & Healing
One of the most important components of medical treatment is the follow up therapy and rehabilitation. There are a number of special professions dedicated to helping patients make a complete recovery from their illness or injury, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and their respective assistants. Working in one of these positions can require extensive schooling, including graduate training and licensing – none of which are cheap. To alleviate some of the financial burden that comes with being in school for an extended period of time, several scholarships are available for those looking to enter or further a career in health and healing.
The Health Professions Education Foundation
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
After graduating, students must agree to work at a qualified California facility for at least 12 months
Description: This scholarship is for high-level medical professionals who agree to work in areas in California where there is a shortage of medical professionals, including speech therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists and nurse practitioners.
Foundation for Seacoast Health
AMOUNT:
Up to $5,000
DEADLINE:
4/1/19
ELigibility:
A resident of a particular community in Maine or New Hampshire
Description: This financial award is intended for students who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement and leadership potential. They must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a health-related field of study.
National AMBUCS, Inc.
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
5/5/19
ELigibility:
Graduate students accepted into an applicable therapy program
Description: AMBUCS works to help individuals achieve mobility and independence. This scholarships is for graduate students on their way to earning a degree in occupational therapy, physical therapy, audiology or speech language pathology.
The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
Varies
ELigibility:
Students who have completed at least one year of occupational therapy coursework
Description: The AOTF, in conjunction with various state occupational therapy organizations, offers more than 50 scholarships for students looking to become an occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant.
VNAs of Vermont
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
2/15/19
ELigibility:
Resident of Vermont who will work in home care in Vermont after graduation
Description: VNAs of Vermont provides home health and hospice care. To facilitate this mission, they provide a scholarship to help students pay for any nursing, physical therapy, medical social work, speech therapy or occupational therapy program anywhere in the country.
The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
7/31/19
ELigibility:
Residents of Forsyth County, North Carolina
Description: The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem works to help the women of Forsyth County, North Carolina. They offer this scholarship to those with a physical disability or those who will enter a profession where they can work directly with those who have physical disabilities.
Pacers Foundation
AMOUNT:
$2,500
DEADLINE:
4/15/19
ELigibility:
Undergraduate students enrolled in an Indiana university or college
Description: The Pacers Foundation, along with St. Vincent Sport Performance, awards three of these scholarships to Indiana students who will study physical therapy, athletic training or a similar field.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
2/28
ELigibility:
Washington students seeking a four year degree in healthcare or STEM
Description: The scholarship helps students enrolled in a Washington post-secondary institution who are looking to enter the fields of math, engineering, technology, science or healthcare by earning a four year degree. Award winners will not only receive up to $22,500, but also be matched up with peers and mentors.