Scholarships & Online Resources for Health Sciences Students
Looking to fund your health science degree with money you don’t have to pay back? See which scholarships and online resources could help you tackle your tuition while minimizing your loans.
A degree in health science opens doors to a variety of medical and health careers. Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree often go into dental hygiene, occupational therapy, pharmacy tech, and a handful of other patient- and lab-focused disciplines. But enrolling in a health science degree program requires the time, energy, and funds to make it work. And when it comes to those funds, the more sources you have at your disposal — especially those you don’t have to pay back — the better. The following guide walks you through key scholarship opportunities and online resources you can use to tame your tuition bill and keep your loan amounts after graduation to a minimum.
Scholarships and Grants for Health Sciences Students
Why are scholarships so important? They’re free. They reduce a graduate’s loan burden once they have their hard-earned diploma in hand. The rub? They can hard to get, especially the broad ones, unless you look in the right place, or you apply for the more specific scholarships within your niche. The following scholarships are for health science students, and should give you a chance to get some of that free money you need.
School-based Scholarships in Health Sciences
These scholarships are offered by the school or program to a student who is either enrolled or accepted into a health sciences degree program. This means the competition is much less fierce, since those competing are health sciences students in that particular school. In addition, the awards can be hefty, the applications easier, and the opportunities greater, since a student can take some time to build up their GPA or otherwise improve their application and apply in a following year if necessary.
To find these scholarships, get in touch with the financial aid office, your advisor, the department head, or the student services office to ask where to apply. You can also simply go online to the school’s website to see if they offer information there. Here are a few schools that can give you a good idea of what to expect from school-based scholarship options.
Health Sciences Scholarship Spotlight: Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University
The Beaver College of Health Sciences offers numerous scholarship opportunities for continuing students, which are only for those who are in good standing and have already declared their major. Applications for these scholarships are due in January each year, with the monies awarded during the spring or fall semesters, where applicable. There are also robust opportunities for incoming freshmen who intend to major in health sciences. Some are available on a rotating basis, while the Beaver Scholars program is available every year. To learn more, visit the Scholarships page at the Beaver College of Health Sciences.
Beaver Scholars Program
$10,000
11/15
Eligibility
Must be an incoming freshman planning to pursue a health-focused program, with priority given to strong performers who want to improve healthcare in the region.
How to Apply
Apply directly online on the school’s website.
Health Sciences Scholarship Spotlight: University of South Dakota
University of South Dakota
School of Health Sciences scholarships from the University of South Dakota are available to those who were high achievers in their high school career as well as those who have shown promise as continuing students in the health sciences program. In addition to the scholarships offered by the School of Health Sciences, there are other scholarships offered by the department and program, such as those in public health, physical therapy, nursing, medical laboratory science, and addiction counseling and prevention. Awards are available for those in both undergraduate and graduate programs. To learn more, visit the School of Health Sciences Scholarships page.
Walter Anyan Scholarship
$4,000
12/1
Eligibility
Must be a Native American student from a recognized tribe in South Dakota and pursuing a degree in a health-related field.
How to Apply
Apply directly online on the school’s website.
National and Regional Health Sciences Scholarships
AHIMA Foundation Master’s Degree Scholarship
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation
$2,000
9/30
Eligibility
Must be members of AHIMA and enrolled in a master’s degree program relating to health information management or health informatics.
How to Apply
The application can be completed online.
Andrea M. Rossiter, FACMPE Scholarship
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
$2,500
5/22
Eligibility
Must be a student member of MGMA, show a desire for a future career advancing healthcare, and be enrolled in a degree granting program that pertains to medical practice management.
How to Apply
The online application is available on MGMA’s website.
Basil L. King Scholarship Foundation Scholarships
Indian River State College Foundation, Inc. (IRSC)
Varies
6/30
Eligibility
Available to both two-year and four-year college students from St. Lucie County who have been accepted into a health science program.
How to Apply
Download the application from the IRSC website and submit via mail.
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Pride Foundation
Varies
1/13/2020 (annual)
Eligibility
Students seeking a career in visual arts, human services, or health sciences are eligible for this scholarship. They must be residents of states in the Pacific Northwest.
How to Apply
After submitting an application, applicants will need to complete an interview.
Valerie Valaas Health Sciences Scholarship
Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW)
$1,000
3/1
Eligibility
Must be a graduate of Wenatchee or Westside High School with a minimum 2.5 GPA and will be studying health science or an allied health field at Wenatchee Valley College.
How to Apply
The application is available for completion on CFNCW’s website after creating an online account.
The Brown Medical and Educational Foundation Healthcare Scholarship
The Brown Medical and Educational Foundation
Varies
4/30
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to minority graduate or undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in healthcare.
How to Apply
The application is available online and must be submitted via mail.
Edna R. Anthony Scholarship
BECA Incorporated
$1,000
4/15
Eligibility
High school seniors may apply with at least a 2.5 GPA, plans to attend a Historically Black College or University and declare a major in nursing or other healthcare field.
How to Apply
The application can be downloaded from BECA Incorporated’s website, then submitted via mail.
Franklin D. Boyce Health Scholarship
John Randolph Foundation
$2,500
2/18
Eligibility
The criteria for this scholarship include having at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrating a desire to attend a post-secondary program in a health profession.
How to Apply
Create an online account at the John Randolph Foundation to apply.
HaPI Behavioral Measurement Scholarship
Health and Psychosocial Instruments (HaPI)
$500
9/1
Eligibility
This unique scholarship is designed for graduate students to support their thesis or dissertation in a health or psychosocial science field.
How to Apply
A PDF application can be downloaded from HaPI’s website and submitted via email.
HOSA Scholarship
HOSA – Future Health Professionals
Varies
4/15
Eligibility
Students interested in a career as a health professional or in a comparable field will be eligible.
How to Apply
Apply by first creating an account on Tallo.
Medela Scholarship
Friends of McHenry County College
Up to $7,500
1/17
Eligibility
Available to students enrolled in or accepted to a state-approved nursing program in one of eight states. Financial need and demonstrated involvement in nursing organizations and/or community health activities are additional requirements.
How to Apply
Complete the application by following the links on this online application website. Documents required include financial aid and faculty advisor certification forms, and unofficial transcripts.
The Rick and Sherry Murray Medical Futures Scholarship
Friends of McHenry County College
Varies
7/17
Eligibility
Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA at McHenry County College and pursuing a healthcare-related degree.
How to Apply
Users will need to use their student login credentials from McHenry County College.
NEH/AAS Scholarship
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
Up to $2,500
2/13
Eligibility
Undergraduate or graduate students taking coursework related to environmental health topics. Preference is given to those with an interest in working as environmental health professionals.
How to Apply
A copy of the application is available online and can be sent by email or mail.
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Up to $20,000
8/20
Eligibility
Available to current nurses or students in one of a number of nursing education programs, including LPN and LVN programs.
How to Apply
Apply online on the scholarship website.
Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship Fund
Rhode Island Foundation
Varies
3/18
Eligibility
For those from disadvantages backgrounds who are planning on a career in a behavioral, biomedical, or social science health-related research fields.
How to Apply
In addition to the application, individuals must complete the Certification for Exceptional Financial Need.
Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
SHAPE America
$1,250
10/15
Eligibility
Available to both graduate and undergraduate students, the primarily eligibility requirement is that applicants major in a physical activity or health education field.
How to Apply
Download the application form from the SHAPE America website and submit it via mail or email.
Violet Wondergem Health Science Scholarship
Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF)
Varies
3/1
Eligibility
A resident of Kent or Ottawa Counties in Michigan and enrolled in a health science or similar field at the undergraduate level. A minimum 3.0 GPA is also required.
How to Apply
In addition to completing the application, students will need to finish the FAFSA.
5 Keys to Landing Your Health Sciences Scholarship
When looking a scholarship, keep in mind that many other students are searching too. That means that there is a lot of competition. Standing out from the pack can be difficult, but it’s a worthy pursuit, as one missed section of an application, a forgotten signature, or a missing piece of the requirements can mean the difference between getting your application reviewed or rejected. Make sure to never miss a single section – double check and triple check to make sure! Here are other tips on how to land that scholarship.
- Key #1: Stand out
Most scholarship applications require a personal essay or statement. This is your place to shine while you tell the committee why you deserve this award. - Key #2: Apply to as many as you can.
Don’t just apply to the usual suspects. Look to local and regional scholarships, such as those offered by area businesses and organizations. - Key #3: Follow the instructions exactly.
If the scholarship application asks for an official transcript, for instance, don’t send a copy – get an official one. Little things matter! - Key #4: Look at healthcare clinics, offices, and hospitals.
Healthcare systems are often looking for those in health sciences to work in their organization. To that end, they might offer financial funding in the hopes you will work for them upon graduation. - Key #5: Get good letters of recommendation.
Don’t reach out to just anyone. Go to those who work in the healthcare profession, your professors, colleagues who volunteered with you, and the like.
If You Still Need Help Paying for School
Sometimes the scholarships and grants just aren’t enough. How to cover the shortfall between what you can afford and what you owe? That’s where other financial aid options come in. For those in undergrad, work study might be an option. Those who intend to work in certain fields might find loan forgiveness opportunities if they work in a certain area upon graduation. Employer tuition reimbursement is a benefit offered by some employers. Student loans are also an option, and many of them don’t accrue interest during school and payments don’t start until six months after graduation. To learn more about these options, visit our financial aid page and student loans page.
Academic and Professional Support Resources for Health Sciences Students
From deciding what to major in to moving into that first real job to moving up the career ladder, there will be many times when a health sciences student or professional turns to tried-and-true resources to help them along. The good news is that support abounds, through schools and programs themselves, professional organizations, workplace help, and much more. Here are some of the places you can find support for your educational and career path.
Health Sciences Student Support Centers and Services
When it comes to support, it all begins with the right school. Perhaps you’re still researching your college options or you’re a freshman still getting your bearings. Maybe you’re thinking about grad school and trying to decide how to afford it. Or you might be thrown for a loop by a move to online learning when you expected to take on-campus classes, but Covid-19 got in the way. These are just a few of the reasons why you might turn to the student support centers and services at your school that cater to those students in health science programs. Here are some schools that are doing it right with robust student support services.
University of Texas at El Paso
The Student Support Center at the College of Health Sciences at UTEP is home to many resources for students, including academic advising, help with choosing or changing a major, tutoring and other ways to improve academic performance, help with degree plans, and more. In addition, students can expect help with study abroad plans, difficulty with courses, walk-in advising options that better suit their schedule and the like. It’s important to know that during school closures thanks to Covid-19, services are still readily available through online means through the Remote Advising Page. TO learn more, visit the Student Support Center.
Seminole State College
The Health Sciences Student Support Services Program at Seminole State College is designed specifically with health sciences students in mind. To that end, the program includes academic advising, transfer and enrollment assistance, career counseling, financial literacy education, educational trips, workshops for better overall mental and emotional health, and help with the FAFSA. There are options for tutoring, counseling, and more. However, the program does have an enrollment limit, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For more information, visit the Raider Support Resources page.
Resources for Online Health Sciences Students
Some health sciences degrees lend themselves well to online learning; others are taught in classrooms that are quickly learning to adapt, thanks to the changes wrought by Covid-19. Whether a student is already entrenched in an online program or just now starting one and looking for guidance, the following resources can help students understand how online learning works and how they can make the most of the experience.
- Transitioning to Online School
Those who are suddenly transitioning to online courses can get some excellent advice. This resource applies to health science students, healthcare students, and college students in general. - 8 Tips for Effective Online Learning
Offered by online education giant Coursera, this blog post offers even more advice on how to master distance learning. - How Does Online Learning Work?
Drexel University Online offers a wealth of information for those who have never taken an online course and have no idea how this is supposed to work. - Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Open Courseware
Are you thinking about taking online courses but you’re not sure what to expect? Why not try one for free with the JHSPH Open Courseware options in public health and related areas. - Understanding Clinicals and Fieldwork in Online Healthcare Programs
Many health sciences programs have a hands-on component that must be completed for graduation. Here’s how that works when you’re an online student.
Student Organizations and Professional Associations
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
Those who intend to work with the upper levels of management in helping a hospital or healthcare organization run smoothly can benefit from membership in this organization. - American Medical Informatics Association
Here students can find information on education in informatics, meetings and events for members, a career center, updates on the latest news in the field, and much more. - American Public Health Association
This robust organization focuses on public health matters. It provides publications, professional development, events and meetings, active communities, and more with membership. - HOSA – Future Health Professionals
This organization is home to information and resources for aspiring leaders in the healthcare industry, including students who are currently pursuing health science degrees. - National Health Association
The publisher of Health Science Magazine, this organization is home to numerous events, discounts for members, a marketplace filled with books and other publications for health sciences, an annual conference, and more.
Online Communities, Networking Sites, and Other Social Groups
- Delta Omega
This honor society for students of public health is a perfect example of a Greek organization dedicated to those in the health services space. - Healthcare Management Student Association Facebook Group
Those who choose to pursue healthcare management can find great information in this Facebook group, and even ask questions of those who want to mentor young graduates. - Public Health Education and Training Development
This page from the CDC offers good leads on how to find further training, networking, education, and more. - Public Health – Reddit
This subreddit on public health allows for students, aspiring educators, public health professionals, and more to come together to ask questions, share advice, or vent. - Rehab Workers United Facebook Group
This group is for those who are skilled in rehabilitation, as well as students who are just entering the field or even those looking for their next educational opportunity.
Articles, Videos, Books and Podcasts
- 9 Best Books for Healthcare Students and Professionals
Looking for something to read that pertains to your field? These books are geared toward healthcare professionals and can impart plenty of wisdom, advice, and tales of real-life experiences to those in all health science areas. - 10 Best Podcasts for Healthcare Students and Professionals
If you don’t want to read something, perhaps you’d like to listen? These podcasts take you on a journey through a variety of healthcare careers and current issues. - Health Science Journal
This in-depth journal looks at the various health sciences, current events, latest research, networking opportunities, and much more. - O*Net Online
Those curious about any career in health sciences can find information here, from what it takes to enter the field to salary expectations and the growth outlook. - Physio Fitness / Physio Rehab YouTube Channel
This channel offers numerous videos to help rehabilitation professionals with the best emerging practices for their patients.
