Online Resources & Scholarships for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Students
It never hurts to look for a little extra support to help you complete your physical therapy assistant (PTA) degree program. This guide will connect you to some of the top scholarships for PTA students offered today. We’ve also included tips for submitting your best possible scholarship application, access to additional funding-related resources, and more — all for PTA students just like you.
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An Overview of Scholarships and Grants for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Students
If you’ve been considering a career as a physical therapy assistant, then you’re probably aware that PTA’s are in high demand.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapy assistants is expected to grow by 22% between 2024 and 2034, which is more than seven times the estimated growth rate for all occupations during the same period.
Before you can start your PTA career, though, you’ll need to complete a formal education, and that be expensive. The good news is that there are plenty of financial aid resources out there that you likely can tap into, including:
- Student loans
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Tuition discount, deferment, and installment plans
- VA benefits (for military vets)
The most popular forms of financial aid available to PTA students, however, are scholarships and grants. And that’s because, unlike student loans, they’re not paid back.
Finding scholarships you’re eligible for, though, will take some time and effort. To help get you started, here are several of the best scholarships available today to physical therapy assistant students:
Summit Physical Therapy Scholarship
Open to PTA students who are residents of the U.S. or Canada and possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Application submittals include a 1000-word essay discussing how physical therapy can make an impact on people’s lives.
Amount: $500
This award is available for PTA students who have made exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the field of physical therapy.
Applicant must be enrolled and in the final year of an accredited or developing physical therapist or PTA program and be an active APTA member.
Amount: $500
Physical Therapist Assistant Scholarship
This scholarship offered by PTA Guide is open to applicants currently enrolled in a PTA program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Submittal materials include a current resume and essay discussing how the applicant plans to use their professional skills to improve the world.
Amount: $500
ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence
The ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence recognizes outstanding students in the health professions. Eligibility requirements include enrollment in an ASAHP-affiliated school with at least one completed term of study.
Applicant must be nominated by their school and provide a current resume and essay explaining why they chose a career as a health professional.
Amount: $1,000
Daniel Altmiller and Elizabeth Altmiller Memorial Scholarship
This award is open to graduating seniors from the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation who are planning to study physical therapy at an accredited institution. Preference is given to those focusing on special education.
Qualified applicants must create an account with the Heritage Fund and complete the provided application form. Additional materials may be required.
Amount: $1,000-3,000
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Leadership Excellence Scholarship
Sponsored by the North Carolina chapter of the APTA, this scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership skills that have a momentous impact in one area.
Leadership excellence may be demonstrated through scholastic achievement and leadership in a PTA program at the local, regional, national, or international level.
Amount: Varies
This scholarship sponsored by the North Carolina chapter of the APTA is geared toward physical therapy and PTA students who demonstrate legislative advocacy for the advancement of physical therapy practice.
Applicants must exhibit excellence in scholastic achievement and participation in unpaid leadership, service, or other advocacy-related activities that are directly related to the physical therapy profession.
Amount: Varies
This scholarship is available to physical therapist assistant students in Georgia who demonstrate superior capabilities. Applicant must have completed one year of the credit hours required for graduation from their program.
Amount: $3,000
Offered by the Virginia chapter of the APTA, this scholarship is awarded to PTA students with demonstrated participation in minority affairs activities and services. Applicant must be a member of a specified racial or ethnic minority group and within 12 months of meeting all criteria for graduation.
Amount: Varies (typically up to $5,000)
This award recognizes superior scholastic ability and professional potential in students within 12 months of graduation from an APTA-accredited program.
Qualified applicants must be formally nominated by their program. Once nominated, they must complete the application and provide enrollment verification, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Scholarship
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students enrolled in the PTA Program at Wabash Valley College in Carmel, Illinois.
Six selected students receive scholarship funds to waive tuition costs. Another six are awarded full book scholarships.
Amount: $3,000
Robert L. and Eleanor Gossett Endowed Scholarship
The Robert L. and Eleanor Gossett Endowed Scholarship is available to graduating students in the PTA program at Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina. Eligibility requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need.
Amount: $600
Scholarship for Physical Therapist Assistants
Available to physical therapy assistant students at an accredited institution in the U.S. Application materials include a completed online form and a 1000-word essay addressing how the applicant plans to use their talent and education to improve the world.
Amount: $500
Five Keys for Success in a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Scholarship Application
The fact that scholarships are not paid back means they’re very popular, but it also makes them highly competitive. Therefore, it’s critical that you put together the very best application and submittals package you possibly can.
Below are five tips you can follow to help you in doing just that:
Key #1: Reach Out to References Early
Most scholarships will ask for at least one letter of recommendation. As soon as you know the submittal deadline for recommendation letters, contact your letter writers and let them know.
And check in with your writers periodically to make sure they complete their letters and submit them on time.
Key #2: Be Punctual
Speaking of on time, if an interview is required as part of your scholarship application process, make sure that you arrive for that interview on time and prepared.
The same holds true for your application materials — make sure to submit them by the deadline if not before. This shows initiative and will help you put your best foot forward.
Key #3: Don’t Copy and Paste
Resist the temptation to recycle the same written responses over and over. In other words, tailor your language to meet the specifics of each scholarship application.
Doing so will tell the selection committee that you paid close attention to their scholarship’s purpose and specifically why you deserve to win their award.
Key #4: Demonstrate Your Passion for Physical Therapy
There’s likely no better way to stand out from — and above — your competition for a scholarship award than through your application essay or personal statement. So, spend the time to make it great.
Find ways to convey your passion for helping others and interest in the physical therapy profession. Share personal anecdotes and accomplishments to do so.
And be sure to review and polish your essays and statements (possibly several times) before sending them in.
Key #5: Stay Positive
You’ll probably apply to several scholarships (in fact, it’s a good idea to). But you’ll also likely lose out on more than you win.
Don’t let that discourage you. It’s part of the process and isn’t a reflection on you or your potential.
Remember: It only takes winning one award to be successful.
Financial Advice and Resources for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Students
Scholarship and grant opportunities can make a big dent in your education debt, but they’re only one part of a larger financial strategy. Below are eight useful resources you can access online to help in paying for your PTA education and remaining fiscally sound throughout your studies and beyond.
APTA Podcasts
Sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association, these podcasts offer advice on financial practices in the discipline to both students and experienced professionals. Episodes look at marketing and self-promotion, outpatient procedures, telehealth concerns, and more.
Budgeting for College Students
This YouTube video walks you through useful tips, tools, and more to design (and stick to) a budget while getting your degree. It also includes tips on building your credit score.
Financial Wellness for Students
Learning how to better manage your finances will serve you well while you’re pursuing your degree and after graduation. This EduMed financial wellness guide can help you do both.
Guide to the FAFSA
Submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to be considered for just about every type of federal student aid. This EduMed guide takes you through the process of completing and submitting your FAFSA successfully and on time.
Physical Therapist Assistant Students Facebook Group
This Facebook group provides a forum for students to share their experiences, provide resources, and raise awareness about physical therapy assistant education and the PTA profession.
Physical Therapy Assistant O*NET Page
This O*Net Online webpage offers a comprehensive exploration of education and career requirements along with a number of job analysis tools to students and new professionals in the PTA field.
r/PTschool (Subreddit for PTA Students and Professionals)
This Reddit resource offers a place for working physical therapy assistants and PTA students to network and find useful professional development tools. Topics include the national certification exam and managing finances during school.
Tuition Payment Plans
EduMed guide that takes students through the process of applying to tuition discount, deferment, and installment plans that help them more easily manage their PTA education costs.
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