Scholarships & Online Resources for OTA Students
Becoming an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) can be an exciting and fulfilling career choice, but tuition costs can add up fast. The good news is that there’s a wide variety of funding options available to help pay for your OTA education. This guide will introduce you to some of the top scholarships for OTA students available today. We’ll also give you valuable advice on how to submit a great scholarship application, plus access to useful online financial resources as well.
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Scholarships and Grants for Occupational Therapy Assistant Students
Scholarships and grants for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) are likely the most popular of all forms of financial aid because they don’t require repayment. As a result, they can significantly reduce or eliminate educational debt, allowing graduates to begin their careers without the burden of loan payments.
Many professional organizations, healthcare institutions, and foundations offer OTA-specific scholarships, including those described below. Along with their money awards, these scholarships often provide networking opportunities and professional connections within the occupational therapy field, creating valuable career advancement possibilities.
As you explore these programs, keep in mind that each comes with its own individual eligibility and application requirements, so be sure to review all such requirements carefully.
Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship
The Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to OTA students demonstrating leadership and commitment to community service who are pursuing an entry-level degree at an AOTA-accredited institution.
Preference is given to students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Applicants must additionally have completed at least one year of OTA coursework.
Amount: $2,000
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E.K. Wise Scholarship
The AOTA’s E.K. Wise Scholarship provides three $2,500 awards annually to OT and OTA students from diverse backgrounds who show leadership and dedication to community service. This scholarship aims to support students committed to building an inclusive and well-prepared occupational therapy workforce.
Application requirements include AOTA membership, two references, and a personal narrative explaining the applicant’s contributions to diversity in occupational therapy.
Amount: $2,500
Lila Daut and Allen Jacobson Occupational Therapy Scholarship
This scholarship supports occupational therapy assistant students who demonstrate financial need and a strong passion for the occupational therapy field. It is open to students enrolled in an accredited OTA, MOT, MSOT, or OTD program in Wisconsin.
Applicants must provide evidence of their commitment to the field and explain how they plan to contribute to the profession.
Amount: TBD (typically $500)
COTA Scholarship for Occupational Therapy Assistants
The OTA Guide COTA Scholarship is a $500 award intended to support OTA students who are passionate about their education and future career in occupational therapy assisting.
Applicants must submit an essay discussing their motivation for becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and how they plan to impact the profession.
Amount: $500
Willard and Spackman Scholarship
The AOTF’s Willard and Spackman Scholarship provides financial support to occupational therapy assistant students in enrolled in an AOTA-accredited or developing OTA program and in their final year of study. Financial need is required.
By applying to this scholarship, applicants are automatically considered for several other AOFT-sponsored scholarships as well.
Amount: TBD (typically $2,000)
Gloria Scammahorn Memorial Endowed Scholarship
The Gloria Scammahorn Memorial Endowed Scholarship provides financial support to Kansas-based OT and OTA students who are members of the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association.
Recipients must be enrolled in an entry-level OT or OTA program and are required to present a brief statement at the KOTA’s Annual Conference on how the scholarship has positively impacted their education.
Amount: $2,000
Rosa Hartsook Memorial Scholarship
The Rosa Hartsook Memorial Scholarship supports Ohio-based occupational therapy assistants pursuing post-professional education to improve patient care and professional development. Applicants must be members of the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association and submit three references.
Amount: Varies annually
South Dakota – The Harlan and Rita Temple Endowed Scholarship
The Harlan and Rita Temple Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to occupational therapy assistant students enrolled in an AOTA-accredited or developing OTA program in South Dakota. Preference is given to state residents who are members of the South Dakota Occupational Therapy Association.
Applicant must be a full-time student working toward an associate degree in occupational therapy assisting. Those in their final year of OTA coursework are encouraged to apply.
Amount: Varies annually
West Virginia – The Charlotte Prudich, Elizabeth B. Devereaux, and Deborah Shamblin Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship provides funding for occupational therapy assistant students who are residents of West Virginia and enrolled in an accredited OTA program in the United States.
Open to full-time students in their final year of study pursuing an associate degree in occupational therapy assisting. Membership in the West Virginia Occupational Therapy Association is required.
Amount: Varies annually
Washington Occupational Therapy Scholarship
The Washington Occupational Therapy Association Endowed Scholarship is awarded to at least one OTA student with a strong academic record and commitment to the profession each year. Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited OTA program in Washington State and member of the WOTA.
Submittals include three references, including one from a faculty member, one from the OTA program director, and one from a professional who can speak to the applicant’s integrity.
Amount: Varies annually
The Keys to Succeed on Occupational Therapy Assistant Scholarship Applications
Landing an OTA scholarship takes more than just good grades. Your scholarship application has to convince the selection committee that, above all of the competition, you’re the right person to win their award.
Below are five strategies you can employ to help you do just that:
Key #1: Demonstrate Practical Healthcare Experience
Scholarship committees often favor applicants with real-world patient care experience. This can, for example, take the form of volunteer work you’ve done at a rehabilitation center, hospital, or senior care facility.
And working as a healthcare aide, therapy assistant, or caregiver also demonstrates your dedication to the field. Whatever experience you may have, be sure to share it in your application’s personal statement.
Key #2: Be Complete
Before submitting your application package, make sure you have all required documents ready. These typically include a full and complete application form, transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
And always carefully review your application for errors and missing information. Small mistakes are often what causes an otherwise impressive application to be rejected.
Key #3: Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
A great letter of recommendation can really make your application stand out. Select writers who know you well and can speak to your work ethic and passion for occupational therapy.
Ideal recommenders include OTA instructors, fieldwork supervisors, and healthcare professionals you have worked with.
Key #4: Focus on State-Specific Opportunities
Many OTA scholarships are offered through state occupational therapy associations and local healthcare organizations. These scholarships typically come with smaller award amounts than national scholarships, but also often have fewer applicants (meaning you’ll have a better chance of winning.)
If you plan to work in your home state after graduation, emphasize that in your application, as many of these scholarships prioritize applicants committed to serving their local communities.
Key #5: Don’t Limit Yourself
Be sure to apply to as many scholarship opportunities for which you meet the eligibility requirements and think you have a good chance of winning. You’re not limited to landing just one award.
So, get to work on those applications.
Essential Funding Resources for Occupational Therapy Assistant Students
Finding the right mix of grants, student loans, tuition payment plans, and financial planning tools can make a huge difference, but it will take some work. Here are eight financial resources can help:
American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF)
The AOTF is a non-profit professional organization that supports and advocates for OT and OTA professionals throughout the United States.
As part of that support, the AOTF awards 50 scholarships ranging from $150 to $5,000 each year as well as offers resources on budgeting, loan repayment, and financial planning to help students manage tuition costs and plan for the future.
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Checklist
Filling out the FAFSA is the key to unlocking federal financial aid opportunities, including grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities. EduMed’s FAFSA Checklist walks you through the application process so you can maximize your financial aid options and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Student Loan Handbook
EduMed’s own guide to student loans. We’ve included tons of useful information and advice on locating lenders, applying for loans, managing the resulting debt, refinancing and loan forgiveness options, and more.
Tuition Payment Plans Guide
If paying tuition all at once isn’t an option, a tuition payment plan may be the answer. This EduMed guide explains how tuition deferment and installment plans work and where you can find them.
Tuition Exchange & Reciprocity Agreements
Some states offer tuition reciprocity agreements that allow residents of one state to pay in-state or reduced tuition rates at partner schools in other states. This EduMed guide explores how these agreements work and how students can take advantage of them.
Financial Planning Association (FPA)
The FPA offers free financial literacy tools designed to help students create long-term financial plans that support their education and career goals. Tools available include budgeting templates, student loan calculators, savings strategies, and more.
National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)
The NEFE provides financial education specifically for students, with guides on budgeting, saving, and managing student debt. OTA students can use interactive tools to make informed decisions about tuition, student loans, and overall financial health.
OT Potential Financial Resources
OT Potential helps students plan their finances by offering insights into debt-to-income ratios, financial aid strategies, and program cost comparisons. This resource encourages students to keep their total student debt below their expected annual salary, ensuring better financial stability after graduation.
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