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How Can I Find Scholarships for School?
Are you considering a career in an allied health field, whether as a medical assistant, medical technician, ultrasound technician or similar field? Many students apply for financial aid to help pay for general schooling, but there are also healthcare-specific scholarships that may be available for students pursuing an education in different allied health fields.
You can find healthcare scholarships through associations, non-profits, and corporations. Some of them are dedicated to single parents, veterans, military members, and minorities. Others are open to all healthcare students, and some are for students in specialty programs.
Keep in Mind Before You Apply
Deadlines: As you do your research, keep track of application deadlines, and plan well in advance. Even if you miss some scholarships, keep looking. There are bound to be others with future deadlines.
Applications: Each scholarship has its own requirements. To compete for one, you might need to write an essay or create a short video. For others, all you might have to do is fill out a form. Some scholarships also require school transcripts, letters of recommendation, or nominations from an instructor.
Required financial information: Outside or private scholarships are separate from the financial aid you might be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, some private scholarships still take into account your financial need, so find out if you need to have the FAFSA on file to apply for a scholarship.
Watch Out For
Scholarship scams: Some national scholarships are more like sweepstakes competitions. Avoid these. They’re simply looking to gather your personal data. Also watch out for scholarships that require a fee to apply or ask for things like your bank or credit card number. The College Board offers tips for finding legitimate scholarships.
A scholarship’s effect on financial aid: If you qualify for financial aid, such as a Pell grant or a state need grant, any private scholarship you’re awarded could reduce your other financial aid. That’s because all the financial aid and scholarships you receive can’t add up to more than the cost of your school or program. You must let your school know about any scholarships you receive so it can determine aid accordingly. Sometimes schools reduce loans first, which means you’ll have less money to repay after school.
The effect of scholarships on financial aid is probably the least understood aspect of the scholarship hunt. This balancing act doesn’t mean you’ll pay more for school, but you might end up doing a lot of scholarship work only to find out it won’t boost your financial award.
Every student’s financial situation is different, so check with the financial aid office at your school about their policies. They can help you determine if an outside scholarship will boost your overall financial aid. And if you don’t qualify for financial aid, a scholarship can only help you.
To apply for a scholarship, start by reading the entire application. Answer every question, gather all requested documents and recommendations, and submit your application by the deadline.
There are many different kinds of scholarships out there, and we’ve compiled a list tailored especially to the allied healthcare fields. Take a close look at scholarships with more general titles—many are for a broad range of professions, including medical billing and coding, medical assistants and medical technicians.
Apply early—and good luck!
Communication Sciences/Speech Therapy Scholarships
American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASLHF) Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Apply by: May 13
Who’s eligible: Students enrolled in, or accepted into, a full-time graduate program (master’s or doctoral) in communication sciences and disorders for the entire academic year. Research and clinical doctoral students are eligible.
Award details: $5,000 each for 15 students
Application requirements: Complete online student information form and letter of application with career goals, statement of good standing, official transcript, essay response to the provided question, and three letters of recommendation from faculty members, a work supervisor or, if returning from the workforce, a work colleague and supervisor.
Dental Assisting Scholarships
American Dental Association (ADA) Dental Student Scholarship Program
Amount: At least $11,000
Apply by: April 3
Who’s eligible: Students who are strong academically and demonstrate outstanding promise in leadership, public service, and/or research. Must be enrolled in second or third year of study in a U.S. CODA-accredited dental school, be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a minimum 3.4 GPA, as well as demonstrate financial need.
Award details: An unspecified number of scholarships, each at least $11,000.
Application requirements: Complete the application online.
American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) Dental Student Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Apply by: March 15 for scholarships and June 30 for awards
Who’s eligible: Students who demonstrate academic achievement and are enrolled in an eligible dental assisting program. Several scholarships and awards are available.
Award details: Varies; maximum of 10 recipients
Application requirements: Create a profile on the website in the student section.
Dr. Kyle Hornby Annual Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Apply by: July 1
Who’s eligible: Undergraduate student enrolled at a college or university in North America with an interest in dentistry (dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant). Must have minimum 3.5 GPA.
Award details: One-time award of $1,000 to one student
Application requirements: Online application that includes transcript and a short essay explaining your reasons for pursuing a career as a dental professional.
Hispanic Dental Association Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000–$4,000
Apply by: July 15
Who’s eligible: Several scholarships are available to members of the Hispanic Dental Association and the Hispanic Student Dental Association who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited dental, dental hygiene, or dental assisting or dental laboratory program. Scholarship requirements vary depending on the type of program and award amounts.
Award details: Varies depending on which area of dentistry you’re pursuing but range from $1,000–$4,000. Some also offer a $500 travel reimbursement for the regional conference and award ceremony.
Application requirements: Email application to hdafoundationscholarships@gmail.com or mail to address on the web site scholarship page.
Institute of Oral Health (IOH) Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000–$2,000
Apply by: February 1
Who’s eligible: The American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) offers financial assistance to dental hygiene students each year through a number of associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate–level scholarships. Students must be enrolled in an accredited dental hygiene program and have completed or are completing their first year, meet minimum GPA requirements (see specific scholarship requirements), and be a student or professional member of ADHA.
Award details: $1,000–$2,000 to multiple students
Application requirements: Applicants must choose one scholarship to be considered for. See the website for the list of scholarships at each level. Applications are available in October.
National Dental Association Colgate-Palmolive Scholarships Program
Amount: Varies
Apply by: May 15
Who’s eligible: Eligibility varies according to the type of scholarship. Scholarship options include dental hygiene, dental assistant, pre-doctoral, first-year, and post-doctoral studies.
Award details: $500 for dental assistant scholarship and $800 for dental hygiene scholarship
Application requirements: Apply online, where you will specify the scholarship you’re applying for. Application includes passport photo, letter of request, three letters of recommendation, FAFSA, membership in the Student National Dental Association, and acceptance letter to school.
Massage Therapy Scholarships
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Apply by: May 31
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be enrolled in or admitted to a 500-hour minimum, entry-level massage therapy program.
Award details: $5,000 to one student
Application requirements: Complete an application and explain why you want to be a massage therapist. Apply online, or download an application and email to scholarships@amtamassage.org or mail to the address on the website.
Medical Assistant Scholarships
Alice Newell Joslyn Medical Fund
(San Diego residents only)
Amount: $500–$2,000
Apply by: March 30
Who’s eligible: Latino students living in San Diego County, California, and enrolled in a medical assistant program, including dental/medical assistant, nursing, physical therapist, or students seeking their Bachelor of Science, master’s, or doctorate in the health field.
Award details: $500–$2,000
Application requirements: The online application requires a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, a transcript, and your estimated family contribution to school based on your FAFSA. The judges take into account financial need and community/cultural awareness.
American Medical Technologists (AMT) Outstanding Student Award
Amount: $250
Apply by: April 1
Who’s eligible: Students who have been nominated by their instructors and program directors. Students who receive the award typically go above and beyond to learn and participate in class. AMT is a credentialing board that administers exams for students in lab, medical, dental, and health education.
Award details: $250
Application requirements: Areas of consideration include academic record, extracurriculars or professional activities, attendance, conduct, initiative, and the ability to get along with others. Nominations are taken until April 1 through an online form to be completed by the nominating instructor or school official.
American Medical Technologists (AMT) Technical Writing Award
Amount: $135–$200
Apply by: April 1
Who’s eligible: Students who enjoy writing. Submit work to the AMT by the deadline each year to be considered for this scholarship. You must be enrolled in an accredited program leading to eligibility for AMT certification:
- Dental assistant
- Medical assistant
- Medical administrative specialist
- Medical laboratory assistant
- Medical laboratory technician
- Medical technologist
- Phlebotomy technician
Award details: First place receives $200, second receives $165, and third receives $135.
Application requirements: 1,000-word research paper on a technical topic in healthcare, professionally formatted and referenced. See guidelines for other submission requirements.
American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants Zelda Walling Vicha Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Apply by: May 15
Who’s eligible: Students entering the fourth year of podiatry school with financial need and high scholastic achievement.
Award details: One award of $2,000
Application requirements: Online application, personal statement, official transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of financial indebtedness from podiatry school. Submit by email to aspmascholarship@gmail.com, Attn: 2020 Zelda Walling Vicha Memorial Scholarship.
Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) Scholarship of Excellence
Amount: $1,000
Apply by: June 5
Who’s eligible: Outstanding students in the allied health professions who are nominated by their college or career school. Must be enrolled in a college or school that’s an institutional member of ASAHP and have completed at least one term in a qualifying field at the associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate level. Financial need not considered.
Award details: 11 Awards of $1,000 each, plus another $1,000 Elwood Scholarship will be awarded to the most outstanding Scholarship of Excellence recipient.
Application requirements: ASAHP Scholarship nomination form; letter endorsed by the ASAHP institutional representative supporting the nomination that describes the candidate’s qualifications; nominee resume; and essay by the nominee that includes reason for career selection and intended contribution to the field. Email completed package to jacoby@asahp.org or mail to the address on the scholarship page.
Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant
Amount: Up to $900
Apply by: FAFSA deadline (opens October 1 and closes June 30)
Who’s eligible: Iowa residents enrolled either part or full time in career education programs at an Iowa community college. To quality for this award, you must also demonstrate financial need. Maximum grant is $900 per year for up to two years for full-time students.
Award details: The maximum award is $900 per year for up to two years of education.
Application requirements: Fill out the FAFSA.
Kibbie Grant (Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant)
Amount: Varies
Deadline: FAFSA deadline (opens October 1 and closes June 30)
Who’s eligible: Iowa residents enrolled in specified career or technical education programs at Iowa community colleges may be eligible. Fields include dental assistance, health/healthcare administration, medical insurance coding, medical assistant technology, occupational therapy assistant and more. Part-time students may be eligible for prorated amounts. Must demonstrate financial need.
Award details: Maximum Kibbie Grant award is one-half of the average Iowa community college tuition and mandatory annual fees for up to two years of education.
Application requirements: Fill out the FAFSA.
Maxine Williams Scholarship Fund
Amount: $1,000
Apply by: February 15
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be currently enrolled and have completed one term at a college-level medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Award details: $1,000 and a one-year membership in the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Application requirements: Students must ask a program director of a medical assisting program for an application.
Prosper Shaked Scholarship for Future Medical Professionals
Amount: $1,500
Apply by: August 15
Who’s eligible: Applicants applying to a variety of healthcare fields, including a medical assistant degree. Must be enrolled full time at an accredited college or university and maintain a 3.0 GPA through the application period.
Award details: $1,500 to one student
Application requirements: Application form, essay outlining medical field goals, transcript, and proof of enrollment. Email to scholarships@prosperlaw.com or mail to the address on the application page.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Career and Technical Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per quarter
Apply by: Application opens three times a year in October, February, and July
Who’s eligible: Washington state residents with financial need as determined by the FAFSA who plan to attend an eligible Washington career or technical school in an eligible healthcare field, including medical assisting, dental assisting, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, and more. Students shouldn’t be planning to enroll in a bachelor’s program.
Award details: Up to $1,500 per quarter
Application requirements: Online application, transcript or GED scores, and FAFSA or WASFA.
Washington State Opportunity Baccalaureate Scholarship
Amount: Up to $22,500
Apply by: February 6
Who’s eligible: Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a Washington college in an eligible major, including communication sciences, community health medicine, dental hygiene, healthcare administration, and more. You must qualify for financial need as determined by the FAFSA and in accordance with the scholarship requirements, and you must have a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Award details: Up to $22,500 available for scholarships to multiple students
Application requirements: Online application, transcript, and FAFSA or WASFA
Medical Billing and Coding Scholarships
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation Merit Scholarships
Amount: $1,000–$2,500
Apply by: September 30
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be a member of AHIMA and pursing degrees in health information management (HIM) or health information technology (HIT) programs, including medical billing and coding. They must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours toward a degree, have completed 24 credits for the degree, have at least six credit hours remaining after the award date, and have earned a minimum GPA of 3.5. Scholarships are offered for associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Award details: $1,000 for associate’s degree, $1,500 for bachelor’s, $2,000 for master’s, and $2,500 for doctoral degrees
Application requirements: Essay, transcript, recommendations, and verified enrollment. Applicants will provide details of academic history, career objectives, work and volunteer experience, and educational/professional goals. Apply online.
Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarships
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships
Amount: $500–$10,000
Apply by: April 20
Who’s eligible: Students must be enrolled in one of the following programs for a minimum of four months:
- A baccalaureate program in dietetics; junior or senior year
- A dietetic technician program (second year of study), dietetic internship or graduate program
Scholarships might be reserved for membership in a specific practice group, residency in a certain state, or students in underrepresented groups.
Award details: The number of scholarships varies each year; they range from $500–$10,000.
Application requirements: Apply online by application deadline.
Occupational and Physical Therapy Scholarships
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Mary McMillan Scholarship Award
Amount: $3,000 and $5,000
Apply by: Nomination submitted by December 1
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be nominated by a professional education program in physical therapy or a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Student nominees must be in their final year of study.
Award details: $3,000 for physical therapist assistant students and $5,000 for physical therapy professional education students
Application requirements: Upload a student application, enrollment verification, student essay, and two letters in support of the nomination, one from a student body representative and one from a faculty member. Faculty must submit nominations online by December 1.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Minority Scholarship Award
Amount: To be determined
Apply by: December 1
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be physical therapy or physical therapy assistant students in their final year of an accredited program and must demonstrate high scholastic achievement and the potential for excellence as a physical therapist. They must also be African American/Black, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Hispanic/Latino, and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Award details: Awards (amounts to be determined) are granted to physical therapy students and physical therapy assistant students.
Application requirements: Applicant must be nominated by December 1 by a faculty member. The nominator is responsible for acquiring and submitting the documents through the online portal, including an application, personal essay, three reference forms, and official transcripts.
Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarship by Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
Amount: $2,000
Apply by: February 15
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be U.S. citizens with financial need who have been accepted to or are attending an accredited school of occupational or physical therapy (including art and music therapy).
Award details: $2,000 to two students
Application requirements: Each scholarship has specific requirements, but all require these documents: personal statement outlining career objectives, high school transcript, financial need information, proof of U.S. citizenship, list of extracurricular activities, honors and achievements, statement of why you’re a worthy candidate, and contact information for letters of recommendation. Apply online.
Ophthalmic Scholarships
Education and Research Foundation Inc. Scholarships (Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology)
Amount: Varies
Apply by: Varies
Who’s eligible: Students seeking training/certification in ophthalmic studies.
Award details: Amount various by scholarship
Application requirements: See specific requirements for the scholarship you want to apply for. Some scholarships are small and pay for certification fees. Others are for training programs, certification from the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO), and continuing education.
Public Health and Healthcare Information/Administration Scholarships
Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship, American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Amount: $5,000
Apply by: March 31
Who’s eligible: Minority students enrolled in their final year of full-time study in a healthcare management program, such as a Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health (MPH), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) in a healthcare degree program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be U.S. or Canadian citizens.
Award details: $5,000 each to 15 recipients
Application requirements: Online application that includes a resume, official transcript, three current letters of recommendation (one from your graduate program director), essay detailing career goals, history in the field, volunteer experience, civic engagement, and evidence of financial need.
American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) Scholarship Fund Program
Amount: $1,000–$5,000
Apply by: May 22
Who’s eligible: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in public health, healthcare administration, and other related areas for the coming academic year. Must be a student member of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). The scholarships are not intended for degrees in medicine, physical therapy, nursing, or other clinical professions.
Award details: Multiple scholarships ranging from $1,000–$5,000
Application requirements: They vary by scholarship, but students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program specific to the scholarship requirements. Some are specific to individual states. Apply online.
Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship, American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Amount: $5,000
Apply by: March 31
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be enrolled in their final year of full-time study in a healthcare management graduate program such as Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Business Administration (MBA) in a healthcare program or similar. Students must be U.S. or Canadian citizens and demonstrate financial need.
Award details: $5,000 each to 15 recipients
Application requirements: Online application that includes a resume, official transcript, three current letters of recommendation (one from your graduate program director), essay detailing career goals, history in the field, volunteer experience, civic engagement, and evidence of financial need.
Radiology and Ultrasound Scholarships
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation Scholarships
Amount: $250–$5,000
Apply by: Check website for details
Who’s eligible: ASRT members in good standing who have completed at least one full term of radiologic science courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must attend a college, university, or medical institution that is accredited in the U.S., and they must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.
Award details: About 65 scholarships; $250–$5,000 scholarships are available for entry-level recipients and $500–$5,000 for professional scholarship recipients. More than $190,000 in scholarships were awarded for the 2019–2020 academic year.
Application requirements: Online application requests information about your education, employment, resume, and financial data. Eligibility criteria varies by scholarship.
Ann Jones Scholarship Program, Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
Amount: $1,000–$2500
Apply by: March 2
Who’s eligible: Students attending an eligible CAAHEP-accredited program with a focus on vascular or non-invasive vascular study and a minimum 3.5 GPA. Must be an SVU student member and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Award details: Three $1,000 scholarships and one $2,500 scholarship
Application requirements: Application that includes an official transcript, essay outlining career objectives and reason for pursuing vascular ultrasound, two letters of professional recommendation, and a resume. Email the application to tedwards@svunet.org or mail to address on the application page.
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Foundation Sonography Student Scholarships
Amount: $2,500
Apply by: June 30 and December 31
Who’s eligible: Sonography students who have been accepted to or are enrolled in an educational program in diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular technology, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP). Must be a current SDMS member and cannot have received a prior SDMS scholarship.
Award details: One award of $2,500, available twice a year
Application requirements: Online application, short essays to provided prompts, employer affirmation form (if employed), college acceptance letter, attached FAFSA. Questions can be directed to scholarship@sdmsfoundation.org.
General Scholarships
180 Medical Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000
Apply by: June 1
Who’s eligible: Designed to support students with spinal cord injuries and other serious medical conditions. Applicants must be under a doctor’s care for a spinal cord injury, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or ostomy (ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy) and a legal U.S. resident. Must be planning to attend school full time for an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree.
Award details: Seven $1,000 awards annually
Application requirements: Print application from the website, essay or video of your story, transcript, diagnosis documentation, and college acceptance letter. Email the materials to scholarships@180medical.com or mail to the address on the application site.
Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program
(California only)
Amount: Up to $8,000
Apply by: February 25
Who’s eligible: Students who are currently enrolled in an eligible program (see list online). You must be taking at least six units, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be eligible to work in California. Recipients do not need to currently live in California but must be willing to work in a medically underserved area in that state under a 12-month service commitment that comes as a stipulation of the scholarship.
Award details: More than one recipient but number unspecified; up to $8,000 per student
Application requirements: Complete and submit your application through the OSHPD Funding Portal.
Education Matters Scholarship by Unigo
Amount: $5,000
Apply by: November 30
Who’s eligible: Requires current or pending enrollment in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education.
Award details: One award of $5,000
Application requirements: 250-word (or less) essay answering the question: “What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?” Create a free account on Unigo to apply.
Foundation for Seacoast Health Steven Cutter Award for Outstanding Undergraduate
(New Hampshire and Maine residents)
Amount: Up to $5,000
Apply by: April 1
Who’s eligible: Candidates pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level degree in a health-related field. Residents in the following towns are eligible to apply: Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, Newington, and North Hampton in New Hampshire; and Kittery, Elliot and York in Maine. Available to multiple candidates.
Award details: Up to $5,000 for one student
Application requirements: Three student assessments completed by professors and/or supervisors, as well as an application with grades, test scores, notable awards, professional and volunteer experience, statement of health-related career goals, and evidence of likelihood of working in the New Hampshire/Maine region. The application and the student assessment forms must be emailed to nhodgdon@communitycampus.org or mailed to the address on the application page.
John Randolph Foundation Scholarships
(Specific locations in Virginia only)
Amount: $2,500
Apply by: February 15
Who’s eligible: Students with demonstrated financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA planning to enter an eligible healthcare field, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiology, health administration, and more. Can be an undergraduate or graduate student.
Award details: Several scholarships of $2,500 are available. Scroll through website to find healthcare-specific scholarships.
Application requirements: Online application that includes transcript, FAFSA, and three letters of recommendation.
The Gates Scholarship
Amount: Varies according to need
Apply by: September 15
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be Pell-eligible minority high school seniors, have a minimum GPA of 3.3, and be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident. Eligible ethnicities include African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander, and Hispanic American. Highly selective scholarship.
Award details: Varies based on financial need and is determined by cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for the academic year.
Application requirements: Student application, nomination, and recommendation. Students are evaluated on academic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Apply online. Applications are due mid-September of senior year of high school. Semifinalist deadline: January of senior year.
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Scholarships
Amount: $1,000–$7,000
Apply by: March and April deadlines
Who’s eligible: HOSA-member students pursuing a healthcare career in a variety of fields, including dental/dental hygiene, numerous allied health professions, occupational therapist, public health, and more.
Award details: Several scholarships ranging from$1,000–$7,000
Application requirements: Join Tallo, a job site for minority and underrepresented populations, as directed on the scholarship page on the HOSA website and create a free profile to search for HOSA scholarships. Apply for individual scholarships.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Amount: $500–$5,000
Apply by: February 15
Who’s eligible: Students of Hispanic heritage who are high school seniors, undergraduates, community college students transferring to a university, and graduate students. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (high school) or 2.5 GPA (college), and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, fall under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or an eligible non–citizen as defined by the FAFSA. Candidates must be planning to enroll in a four-year college or graduate school.
Award details: $500–$5,000 based on need
Application requirements: Complete an online application by creating an account on the scholarship website. All majors accepted but STEM majors emphasized.
Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship Program
Amount: Tuition and fees, plus a monthly stipend
Apply by: February 28
Who’s eligible: American Indian and Alaska Native students committed to serving in medically underserved Indian health programs. Recipients must be enrolled in courses for an eligible health profession degree and be U.S. citizens and descendants or members of federally recognized, state-recognized, or terminated tribes. There are three scholarships: Preparatory (undergraduate), pre-graduate (undergraduate), and health professions (undergraduate and graduate-level).
Award details: Tuition and fees, plus a monthly stipend
Application requirements: Must be a high school graduate or the equivalent, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, be preparing to complete a health profession degree program, and intend to serve Indian people as a health professional. Apply online.
Melissa’s Hope Scholarship
(New Jersey residents only)
Amount: $1,000–$3,000
Apply by: March 15
Who’s eligible: New Jersey residents who will be enrolled in a career school, college, graduate school, or medical school. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a history of volunteering or community involvement.
Award details: $1,000–$3,000; must reapply annually
Application requirements: Application and transcript. Questions can be sent to info@melissashopenj.org.
National Merit Scholarship Program
Amount: $2,500
Apply by: Deadline to apply is early to mid-October; test scores are due December 31
Who’s eligible: College-bound high school students who are U.S. citizens or lawful U.S. permanent residents who intend to become a U.S. citizen.
Award details: Single-payment scholarships of $2,500 are available to thousands of qualifying students
Application requirements: The National Merit Scholarship Program features an academic competition for high school students based on the Preliminary SAT/National Scholarship Qualifying Test. To enter the competition, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT. Students are initially screened through the PSAT/NMST test and selected based on their scores.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children–Education Support Awards
Amount: Up to $5,000
Apply by: Application information available in late April
Who’s eligible: Women at least 17 years old with minor children and pursuing a first certificate or degree (vocational certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or professional/master’s/doctoral degree). Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited school and must be low-income, earning less than $28,000 for a family of four, less than $24,000 for three, and less than $20,000 for two.
Award details: Five scholarships of up to $5,000
Application requirements: Recipients are chosen based on five factors: Financial need, personal circumstances, educational path, vocational goals, and service-related or civic goals.
TwinStar Credit Union High School Scholarship
(Washington state and Portland, Oregon, only)
Amount: $2,000
Apply by: March 31
Who’s eligible: High school seniors who plan to attend college the fall after June graduation and are members of TwinStar Credit Union. Your high school must be within the credit union’s approved service area.
Award details: 15 $2,000 scholarships
Application requirements: Submit an application and high school transcript to any TwinStar Credit Union branch (via drive-through) or mail to the address on the application page.
TwinStar Credit Union Higher Education Scholarship
(Washington state and Portland, Oregon)
Amount: $2,000
Apply by: July 31
Who’s eligible: Must be out of high school for one year and be a member of the TwinStar credit union.
Award details: Eight $2,000 scholarships
Application requirements: Submit an application, high school or college transcript, and copy of school enrollment to any TwinStar Credit Union branch (via drive-through) or mail to the address on the application page.
Cheri Kennedy Child Daycare Scholarship (TwinStar Credit Union)
Amount: Up to $5,000
Apply by: Check website for updated information
Who’s eligible: Single working parents enrolled in a college, university, or vocational school and taking 8 credit hours per term.
Award details: Up to $5,000 is available to one person.
Application requirements: Check the TwinStar website for updated application requirements.
Truman Scholarships
Amount: Up to $30,000
Apply by: February 2
Who’s eligible: Candidates must be U.S. citizens with junior–level standing in college, and be committed to working in public service. They must have extensive involvement in student government or community service, demonstrate leadership potential, and have a desire to become “change agents.”
Award details: 55-65 scholarships of up to $30,000 are awarded each year
Application requirements: All candidates must be nominated by their undergraduate institution. Use the Faculty Rep Locator to the find the representative at your school (if none is listed, you might be able to find an interested faculty member to act as a representative) and learn about your institution’s requirements for nomination. Other requirements: application, nomination letter, three additional letters of recommendation, and transcript. Apply online.
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 and $10,000
Apply by: June 27
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be a resident of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico or Washington, D.C. They must be a graduate student or a college senior who will be enrolling in graduate school during the following academic year. Must have proof of enrollment in medical school or a graduate program in nursing or pharmacy.
Award details: 25 awards of $5,000 and 10 awards of $10,000
Application requirements: Application opens May 1 online with a deadline of June 27. Applicants are evaluated based on college GPA, academic records, community involvement, and an essay.
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program Inc.
Amount: Varies, average award $2,000
Apply by: Accepted anytime with a two-month review process
Who’s eligible: Women who have survived intimate partner abuse and are pursuing education to gain work skills to support their families. Must have been separated from your partner for at least one year but not more than seven. Must have sought services for six or more consecutive months from a nonprofit agency that provides services to abuse victims and agrees to be your sponsor, partnering with you during the application process and time in school. Must also have applied to or been accepted to an accredited course of study, demonstrate financial need, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Award details: Multiple awards available on an ongoing basis
Application requirements: Complete an online application through the website; includes education history, school contact information, course of study, monthly income and expenses, and tuition and financial aid for the semester.
Other Sources of Allied Health Scholarships
In addition to looking for private scholarships, be sure to check with individual schools, your state, and these potential sources:
1. College or Career School
You’re most likely to find medical assisting scholarships close to home. Start by asking at the college or career school where you enroll. For instance, Lake Washington Technical College in Seattle offers a range of competitive scholarships to its students in the spring and fall of each year. In Houston, students attending the city’s community colleges are eligible for dozens of scholarships, from the Black History Scholarship to the Women’s Business Support Network Scholarship. Schools often post a scholarship resource page that lists local, regional, and private scholarships.
2. State Education Agencies
Every state has a department of education and/or a higher education agency. The availability of scholarship funds varies greatly, depending on your location and state, but some states offer automatic scholarships for specific grades or test scores when you attend an in-state school.
3. Hospitals & Community Health Centers
The healthcare system needs skilled, caring medical assistants–nowhere more so than in underserved areas. Check with your local hospital or clinic system to see if it offers scholarships. Many awards are tied to post-graduation service commitments.
4. Private Organizations and Nonprofits
Thousands of businesses, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations offer scholarships to students based on a variety of criteria, such as income, academics, and ethnicity. Be sure to investigate local civic organizations such as the Elks, Rotary International, the Kiwanis, and the Junior Chamber International. Each of these has a long history of awarding educational scholarships to deserving students.