In a 2020 report, the NCCPA showed an increase in median educational debt for recently certified PAs of $137,500. Although many PA school students rely on student loans to pay for their education, other sources exist. Most scholarships don’t cover the total cost of PA school, but they can help ease some burdens.
If you have extra time, you should be looking for scholarship opportunities. Many applications are open in the spring, with deadlines in May or June and some as early as March.
Here is a list of some scholarships for PA students:
PA Student Scholarships
PA Foundation Scholarships
Application deadline: June 16, 2023
The PA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the AAPA (American Academy of PAs) and provides a few options for scholarship opportunities. They range from $1000 to $2000 and have different qualifications. For a complete list of opportunities; and more information on applying for PA Foundation scholarships, visit PA Foundation Scholarships.
National Health Service Corps
Application deadline: April 27, 2023
The National Health Service Corps offers scholarships for those interested in primary care. If you commit to working at least two years at an NHSC-approved site after graduating, the scholarship pays tuition, fees, other education costs, and a living stipend.
TYLENOL® Future Care Scholarship
Application period: Opens in spring
The TYLENOL® Future Care Scholarship is awarded annually to students pursuing careers in health care. There are ten $10,000 scholarships and thirty $5,000 scholarships available. For rules and information on applying, check out: https://www.tylenol.com/news/scholarship.
AAPA Constituent Organization PA School Scholarships
PAOS | Susan Landahl Memorial Scholarship
Application deadline: April 30, 2023
Susan Landahl Memorial Scholarship provides four scholarships of $5000. It is for students interested in a career in orthopedics.
AASPA Scholarship | Susan and Tom Lusty Memorial Scholarship
Application deadline: July 15, 2023
Susan and Tom Lusty Memorial Scholarship award $1000 to students in either their didactic or clinical year.
Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants | Paul S. Robinson Award
Application deadline: November 30
The Paul S. Robinson Award is for PA students interested in working in emergency medicine after finishing PA school. There are two awards available for $1500 each.
PA State Chapters
Scholarships might be available through PA state chapters. However, this depends on the location of your school and where you are a resident.
For residents of Florida, the Florida Academy of PAs offers a scholarship for current PA students. You can apply online at https://fapaonline.site-ym.com/page/studentscholarship.
University Scholarships
Once accepted to a PA program, check with your school to see if they have any scholarships available. Often donors will give money to a specific program only for students attending that program.
Chapman University | Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program
Application deadline: September 30
Chapman University offers the Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program for those seeking a full-tuition scholarship—a program designed for students facing adversity. The scholarship provides an opportunity to attend PA school with limited debt upon graduation. Qualified applicants to Simon Scholar PA program scholarship must also meet Chapman University PA program admissions requirements and be willing to commit to clinical practice as PA in Orange or San Diego County post-graduation.
Summary of PA School Scholarships
In most cases, scholarships won’t cover the total cost of PA school, but they can help ease the burden. If scholarships are not the answer for you, look for other opportunities to have your school paid, such as joining the military or committing to working in an underserved area.
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