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 – whether it’s a scholarship to help pay your tuition, financial tips from other healthcare professionals, or assistance from a variety of sources. This guide will connect you to scholarships for medical and health programs and other financial and academic resources. Keep reading to learn more about scholarship opportunities and additional resources for PTA students just like you.
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An Overview of Scholarships and Grants for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Students
If you’re studying in a physical therapy assistant program, then you probably already know you will be entering a high-demand field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that work for this occupation will increase by 27% through 2028, which is much faster than the national average. However, getting your PTA degree can be expensive.
This is where scholarships and grants can help. Scholarships and grants are among the most beneficial forms of financial aid for PTA students. This is because you are not required to pay back these awards, and they are often renewable for multiple years. Below, we’ve compiled some scholarships made specifically for PTA students.
Summit Physical Therapy Scholarship
This scholarship is dedicated to training physical therapy assistant scholars in the highest standards of pain management and rehabilitation practices. Applicants must be attending an accredited college or university by the listed deadline. They must additionally be residents of the U.S. or Canada with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. As part of the application, prospective recipients must submit a 1000-word essay that discusses 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. Interested students must be enrolled in the final year of an accredited or developing physical therapist or PTA program and be active APTA members.
Amount: $500
Physical Therapist Assistant Scholarship
This scholarship offered by PTA Guide is designed to support future physical therapy assistants. To qualify, applicants must be currently enrolled in a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited PTA program and upload a resume. They must also write an essay discussing how they plan to use their professional skills to improve the world.
Amount: $500
ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence
This scholarship recognizes outstanding students in the health professions. Eligible students must be enrolled in an Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP)-affiliated school with at least one completed term of study and be nominated by their institution. Along with their application, they must provide a current resume and submit an essay that discusses why they chose their health profession.
Amount: $1,000
Daniel Altmiller and Elizabeth Altmiller Memorial Scholarship
This award is open to all graduating seniors from the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation planning to study physical therapy at an accredited institution. Preference is given to those focusing on special education. Qualified students must create an account with the Heritage Fund and complete the provided application form. Additional materials may also be required.
Amount: $1,000-3,000
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Leadership Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship granted by the North Carolina chapter of the APTA recognizes PTA students who demonstrate leadership skills that have a momentous impact in one area. To meet criteria for eligibility, leadership excellence may be demonstrated through scholastic achievement and through leadership in a PTA program at the local, regional, national, or international levels.
Amount: Varies
Another scholarship granted by the North Carolina chapter of the APTA, this award is geared toward physical therapy and PTA students who demonstrate legislative advocacy for the advancement of physical therapy practice through leadership, service, and other efforts. Applicants must exhibit excellence in scholastic achievement and unpaid leadership, service, or other advocacy-related activities that are directly related to the profession of physical therapy.
Amount: Varies
This scholarship is available to student physical assistants in Georgia who demonstrate superior capabilities. To be eligible, applicants must have completed one year of the credit hours required for graduation from their program. They must also upload their official transcripts indicating their cumulative GPA and prepare a headshot and nominee statement.
Amount: Varies
Granted by the Virginia chapter of the APTA, this scholarship is awarded to PTA students who have demonstrated participation in minority affairs activities and services. Applicants must be within 12 months of meeting all criteria for graduation from their PTA programs to be eligible. They must additionally be a member of a specified racial or ethnic minority group.
Amount: Varies
This award supports students enrolled in an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-accredited program within 12 months of graduation. It recognizes superior scholastic ability and professional potential. 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: $3,000
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Scholarship
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students and assist them in their academic and professional goals. Applicants must be enrolled in the PTA Program at Wabash Valley College (WCV). Six selected students will receive scholarship funds to waive tuition costs. Another additional six students will be awarded a full book scholarship.
Amount: $5,000
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. It was established to provide a financial award to excelling PTA students. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in the second year of the Central Piedmont PTA program, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need.
Amount: $600
Scholarship for Physical Therapist Assistants
Eligible applicants must be studying as a physical therapy student at an accredited institution in the U.S. during their year of application. Application materials include a completed online form and a 1000-word essay. The essay must address 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 application process for each PTA scholarship is similar, but specific details, criteria, and requirements can vary. Be sure to carefully follow all instructions. This is especially important if your application requires a written essay. Each selection committee will specify different prompts or questions, so make sure that your responses address what is asked and include as much detail as possible. Follow our additional advice below to ensure your application’s success.
Key #1: Reach Out to References Early
Most scholarships will ask for at least one reference or letter of recommendation. Once you know the deadline, contact your references several weeks early to make sure everything arrives on time. When choosing references, think of teachers, community leaders, work managers, and others who can truly speak to your skills.
Key #2: Be Punctual
If there is an interview as a part of your application process, make sure that you are on time. 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. Responses made to fit every application can sound canned and impersonal. It is okay to reiterate similar points, but tailor your language to meet the specifics of each award. It pays to be as precise and detailed as possible.
Key #4: Demonstrate Your Passion for Physical Therapy
You most likely want to become a PTA to help physical therapy practices deliver better care. Convey that passion in scholarship application essays, short answers, and interviews. If unsure where to start, journal about why you decided to pursue your degree and pull points from that entry when filling out applications.
Key #5: Stay Positive
You will probably apply for many, many scholarships. Some of these awards will likely go to someone else. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t win a scholarship you apply for. It’s part of the process and isn’t a reflection on you or your potential. It only takes one application to be successful!
Financial Advice and Resources for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Students
What if you have received some financial aid but still need help covering the costs? Scholarship and grant opportunities are an affordable means of financing your education but they aren’t the only ones. Scholarship and grant recipients who need to make up the difference often turn to help from student loans and other financial aid opportunities. To discover more options, read the examples listed below.
APTA Podcasts
Sponsored by the APTA, these podcasts include good financial practices in the discipline and offer useful advice to both students and experienced professionals. Recent episodes look at marketing and self-promotion, outpatient procedures, and telehealth concerns.
Budgeting for College Students
This 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 both while you are pursuing your degree and after graduation. Our financial wellness guide can help you do so with ease.
Guide to the FAFSA
If a scholarship asks you to demonstrate financial need, you’ll most likely have to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a federal application used to determine your financial need based on your family’s income.
Physical Therapy Assistants Facebook Page
This Facebook group is for active physical therapy assistants and students. New and experienced professionals gather to share their experiences, provide resources for students and professionals, and raise awareness surrounding the occupation.
Physical Therapy Assistant O*NET Page
O*Net Online provides career exploration and job analysis tools to students and new professionals. Its physical therapy assistant page details a number of technology and applied skills specific to the profession. It also looks at required knowledge bases and describes common occupational tasks.
Subreddit for PTA Students
The physical therapy assistant forum on Reddit is a great place for students and recent graduates to find useful professional development tools. Some users share their experiences studying for the national certification exam and offer advice on how to master it. Others come seeking advice on topics such as managing finances during school.
Tuition Payment Plans
Typically, students pay tuition each semester, which can lead to quite a large bill. To help make costs more manageable, many programs offer payment plans. Read our guide to determine if this option is right for you.
