Online Resources & Scholarships for Surgical Tech Students

An Overview of Scholarships and Grants for Surgical Tech Students

Scholarships and grants top the college student popularity list when it comes to financial aid sources because they aren’t paid back, making them free funding for their educations. Many colleges and universities themselves offer scholarships for their students, with some reserved specifically for students in a particular major (like surgical tech).

There are also tons of external scholarships for surgical tech students, made available from a range of sources such as national professional associations, local nonprofits, major healthcare systems, and more. The key is finding them.

To help in that regard, below are ten valuable scholarship opportunities available to surgical tech students. Check out the details for each to see if you qualify.

Essential Keys for Succeeding at Surgical Tech Scholarship Applications

Finding scholarships you’re eligible for is just the first step. You still have to win them.

And winning the scholarships you want means submitting the very best application and supplemental materials possible. Below are five important tips you can follow to ensure your best scholarship applications:

Key #1: Review Your Application Closely

Triple-check your application form and all supplemental materials before you submit them. This might seem like an obvious tip, but even the smallest error can make or break your chances for landing a scholarship.

It’s a good idea to have one or two people you trust review your materials, as well. Sometimes it takes a fresh eye to catch your mistakes.

Key #2: Choose Professional References Early

Some awards may only ask for references, while others require recommendation letters as well. In each case, select relevant individuals early to give them enough time to write thoughtful letters and fill out forms.

If you have references with professional surgical experience, this is a bonus. In all cases, make sure your references can speak authoritatively about the qualities you have that are important to the specific scholarship or grant.

Key #3: Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

If you have questions about a scholarship or its application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the scholarship provider for answers.

The same is true of your professional connections. It’s never wrong to ask questions, especially after you’ve made sure the information you’re seeking is not readily available elsewhere.

Key #4: Be Punctual and Persistent

Create a spreadsheet of all the scholarships you apply to and put submission dates on your calendar. Let’s be very clear: Nothing will end you chances of winning a scholarship quicker than a missed deadline.

It’s also a good idea to apply to any and all contests you qualify for and stand a good chance of winning. If you’re persistent in pursuing funding sources, you’ll likely be rewarded.

Key #5: Prioritize First and Expand Second

Start with the most specific and lucrative awards first before moving on to those of lesser value. A more niche award is likely to have a smaller pool of candidates, which improves your chances.

Also, don’t shy away from those scholarships whose applications require a lot of work. It’s likely that scholarships with plenty of application requirements will scare off a lot of the competition resulting in better odds of you winning.

Financial Resources and Support for Surgical Tech Students

Scholarships and grants are great, but for most surgical tech students, paying for their educations requires more. This can include:

• Student loans
• Employer tuition reimbursement opportunities
• VA benefits (military vets)
• Tuition discount, deferment, and installment plans

The best place to start your exploration of these funding resources is with the college or university offering your surgical tech program.

Beyond this additional support, there are plenty of valuable online resources you can tap into for help in both your funding search and education and career pursuits, including the following:

Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)

The AST is a professional organization that advances surgical technology through innovative research and advocacy, aggregation of public policy information, and sponsorship of scholarly publications. It also administers continuing education programs and offers cost-saving benefits to members.

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

The NBSTSA supports surgical techs through scholarships, career services, and professional development. It additionally offers web portals for verifying and renewing credentials and an app designed for certification prep and exam study.

Surgical and Central Services Technician Career Network

This LinkedIn group provides a career networking discussion forum for new students and recent graduates of surgical tech programs. Its almost 4,000 members discuss such topics as work opportunities, on-the-job issues, and funding assistance.

College Application Fee Waivers & Discounts for Students

College application fees can really add up. This EduMed guide will show you how to save with fee waivers and discusses other money-saving opportunities, including free study materials and virtual college visits.

r/scrubtech

This subreddit is for anyone who scrubs in on surgical cases — from surgical techs to nurses. Discussion topics include practically everything related to working in the surgical field, including income potential and tips on saving on expenses.

Is Becoming a Surgical Tech Worth It?

This insightful article from Rasmussen University describes the work of a surgical tech and discusses career benefits. It also explores whether your investment of time and money as a student is worth it.

Highest Paying Surgical Tech Jobs

This ZipRecruiter article discusses 15 of the highest-paying surgical tech jobs, including job qualifications and salary ranges for each.

How to Prepare for Surgical Tech School

This article from Brookline College helps prospective surgical techs prepare for both school and their subsequent careers. Included is information on program requirements and expenses, launching your career, and more.