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 enrolled in campus or online medical assistant programs, medical billing and coding programs, and related healthcare programs can apply for numerous scholarships created specifically 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.
AHIMA Foundation
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
2/2023
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 students earning health informatics degrees or similar degrees.
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
AMOUNT:
Up to $500
DEADLINE:
4/1/23
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:
June 2023
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.
John Randolph Foundation
AMOUNT:
$1,000
DEADLINE:
1/31/23
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.
Amarillo Area Foundation (AAF)
AMOUNT:
$500
DEADLINE:
2/10/23
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.
American Association of Medical Assistants
AMOUNT:
$1,000
DEADLINE:
2/15/2023
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.
Nursing
Enrolling in a nursing program online or on-campus 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 students in RN programs, LPN/LVN programs, and other nurse training programs.
The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem
AMOUNT:
$1,800
DEADLINE:
TBD 2023
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:
1/31/2023
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.
Daughters of the American Revolution
AMOUNT:
$2,500
DEADLINE:
1/31/2023
ELigibility:
Applicants must be members, descendant of members or be eligible for membership in NSDAR.
Description: The Madeline Pickett (Halbert) Cogswell Nursing Scholarship, in the amount of $2,500, is awarded to two students who are accepted or enrolled in an accredited school of nursing. Applicants must be members, descendant of members or be eligible for membership in NSDAR. The DAR member number must be in the Application.
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
TBD 2023
ELigibility:
Most scholarships require current ENA membership, attendance at an AACN, CCNE, or NLN accredited institution, and minimum 3.0 GPA.
Description: The ENA sponsors a wide range of scholarships aimed at advancing the emergency nursing profession. Multiple awards are available on all degree (associate through doctoral) levels for students in an emergency nursing or closely-related program.
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.
Delaware Department of Education
AMOUNT:
$5,000
DEADLINE:
5/15/2023
ELigibility:
Current or future undergraduate students who will become registered or licensed practical nurses
Description: Scholarship for full-time undergraduate students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in a Delaware public or private college in a major leading to a career in a high-need field in Delaware. Award amount is $5,000 per year. The award is not renewable but recipients can re-apply each year. Contingent upon funding from the General Assembly and based on the size of the applicant pool, at least one student in each high-need career field will be awarded a career-based scholarship annually.
Kentucky Board of Nursing
AMOUNT:
$1,500 per semester
DEADLINE:
6/8/2023
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.
Technicians & Technologists
The need for technicians and technologists in the medical and healthcare fields is booming, and that means plenty of educational programs to train you for the workforce. Earning scholarships can help you reduce your out-of-pocket burden. Scholarships in this field can be specific to one profession – such as those specifically for EMTs – but more general scholarships for technicians and technologists 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:
4/25/2023
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.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
AMOUNT:
$2,500
DEADLINE:
1/14/2023
ELigibility:
ASRT members
Description: Six of these scholarships are available to entry-level students enrolled in radiography, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance, or sonography and ultrasound tech schools.
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
AMOUNT:
$1,000 (Approx.)
DEADLINE:
3/1/2023
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.
Zeta Phi Beta National Education Foundation (ZNEF)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
TBD 2023
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 degrees in health science or medicine.
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 cardiovascular technology or medical sonography program.
The Charles Shelton Foundation
AMOUNT:
$2,000
DEADLINE:
4/15/2023
ELigibility:
African-American students with experience in veterinary medicine or technology
Description: The Charles Shelton Foundation works to help African-Americans pursue a career and degree in veterinary technology or medicine. A special emphasis is placed on applicants who demonstrate a concern for animal welfare.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
Opens December 2022
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.
Dental Hygienists & Assistants
Dental assistants and hygienists provide preventative care such as regular cleanings and checkups that 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. If you’re enrolled in a dental assistant program or dental hygiene program, see if one of these scholarships can help cover the costs.
The Health Professions Education Foundation
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
Opens Jan. 2023
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.
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
4/1/2023
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.
National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
5/25/2023
ELigibility:
Student NDA membership, evidence of community service, and demonstrated financial need.
Description: Offered by the charitable arm of the National Dental Association, the largest organization representing dental professionals of African-American descent. One annual award each for dental assistant ($500) and dental hygiene ($800) students.
Enamel Republic Family Dentistry
AMOUNT:
$1,000
DEADLINE:
TBD 2023
ELigibility:
Demonstrated GPA of 3.5 or higher in current pre-graduate program. Applicants must submit short essay explaining their reasons for pursuing a career as a dental professional.
Description: One-time award given annually to a single undergrad student enrolled at a college or university in North America with an interest in dentistry (dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant).
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
TBD 2023
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.
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 $70,000 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 Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA)
AMOUNT:
$2,000
DEADLINE:
2/1/2023
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:
2/15/2023
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.
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. If you’re in a healthcare administration degree program or pursuing a degree in healthcare management, these scholarships may be for you.
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
AMOUNT:
$5,000
DEADLINE:
3/31/2023
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
Winston Health Policy Fellowship
AMOUNT:
$10,000
DEADLINE:
4/7/2023
ELigibility:
Open to current students not in their final year of a healthcare-related AUPHA or ASPPH member graduate program.
Description: Up to 20 awards are made annually to students with demonstrated potential to succeed as leaders in health management, health administration, or health policy.
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
AMOUNT:
$5,000
DEADLINE:
3/31/2023
ELigibility:
U.S. or Canadian citizenship and demonstrated financial need.
Description: Annual award specifically for students in their final year of a graduate-level healthcare management program, such as an MPH, MHA, or MBA in Healthcare Management.
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:
TBD 2023
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 campus or online healthcare administration degree programs.
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:
3/1/2023
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.
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
2023 TBD
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:
1/31/23
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.
The Melanie Foundation
AMOUNT:
$2,500
DEADLINE:
3/5/2023
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.
National Black Nurses Association, Inc.
AMOUNT:
$1,500
DEADLINE:
4/15/2023
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.
Arc of Washington Trust Fund
AMOUNT:
Up to $5,000
DEADLINE:
3/15/2023
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.
Udall Foundation
AMOUNT:
Up to $7,000
DEADLINE:
3/2/2023
ELigibility:
Native American or Alaska Native in sophomore or junior year of college working toward career that will impact health care for the applicant's tribe or other Native Americans or Alaska Natives.
Description: The Udall Foundation typically offers over 50 scholarships annually to Native American undergrads seeking to become leaders on issues impacting Native Americans or the environment, including Native health care.
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:
Opens Jan. 2023
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.
National AMBUCS, Inc.
AMOUNT:
$500 to $6,000
DEADLINE:
5/1/2023
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 in occupational therapy programs or on their way to earning a degree in physical therapy, audiology or speech language pathology.
The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF)
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
TBD 2023
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.
The Arc NY
AMOUNT:
$3,000
DEADLINE:
1/13/2023
ELigibility:
New York state residents enrolled in a degree program in occupational or physical therapy.
Description: One award given annually. Funds are distributed in two $1,500 (one per semester) installments and available for up to four years from the time of the award.
Pacers Foundation
AMOUNT:
$2,500
DEADLINE:
2023 TBD
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.
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
AMOUNT:
$2,000
DEADLINE:
1/31/2023
ELigibility:
Applicants must be citizens of the United States to apply for a scholarship offered by the DAR Scholarship Committee. Applicants must also attend or plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States.
Description: The DAR Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarship, in the amount of $2,000, is awarded to two students who are in financial need and have been accepted or are attending an accredited school of occupational therapy (including art, music, or physical therapy).
Voice Aerobics
AMOUNT:
$500
DEADLINE:
4/30/2023
ELigibility:
Enrollment in speech-language graduate degree program at an ASHA-accredited college or university.
Description: Annual graduate scholarship program established by a Master’s in Speech Pathology degree holder and small-business owner to help others seeking speech-language careers achieve their professional goals.
VNAs of Vermont
AMOUNT:
Up to $3,000
DEADLINE:
2/15/2023
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.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
AMOUNT:
Varies
DEADLINE:
2023 TBD
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.
More Resources
Timon Kaple
Shannon Lee
Kathleen Curtis