Online Resources & Scholarships for Surgical Tech Students
From scholarships and grants to professional organizations and online communities, finding support for financial wellness as a surgical tech student is easier than you might think. This guide gives an overview of some of the best scholarships for online health students. Help can go beyond scholarships and grants, however. With advice on subjects such as budgeting and fee waivers, you can secure both your surgical tech degree and your future. If you’re in a surgical tech program, make sure to check out these essential funding resources.
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An Overview of Scholarships and Grants for Surgical Tech Students
Scholarships and grants are some of the most popular and beneficial ways to finance your education. Most colleges and universities offer their own scholarships for their students. If you’re a surgical tech student, you may also find scholarship opportunities from local nonprofits, professional organizations, and other businesses.
Scholarships and grants are ideal funding sources for your online surgical tech program because they don’t need to be repaid, unlike student loans. There are plenty to be found, especially if you’re diligent in finding ones in niche areas. Don’t be afraid to apply to the more competitive ones as well.
If you would like to find funding for your surgical tech program, the list of scholarships below is an excellent starting point.
Academic Surgical Technology Scholarships
These scholarships are for those with the desire and ability to pursue a career in the operating room and need financial assistance to do so. Recipients have superior academic ability and are enrolled in accredited programs that make them eligible for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam.
Amount: Varies
Al Coleman/Bev Peratino Allied Healthcare Scholarship
Administered by the Weld Community Foundation, this fund supports students pursuing additional education in ancillary healthcare positions, including surgical tech. Applicants must be enrolled at least part-time at any accredited two-year college or vocational school or be advancing through a certificate or other degree. This scholarship is renewable, and students must be residents of Colorado.
Amount: Varies
Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program (AHSP)
The AHSP’s purpose is to increase the number of well-trained allied healthcare professionals providing direct patient care in California facilities. Funding includes scholarships and loan repayments to health professional students and graduates working in eligible communities. Funding is received in exchange for working in an underserved community for a year.
Amount: Up to $15,000
Chris Keegan Memorial Educator Scholarship
This scholarship supports professional development for surgical technology or surgical assisting educators and program directors. It is intended to ensure that the next generation of surgical technologists is prepared for the demands of the operating room and that they develop to be good patient advocates. Applicants must be enrolled in programs that meet accreditation requirements.
Amount: $500
ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence
This scholarship from the Association of Schools Advancing the Health Professions (ASAHP) recognizes outstanding students in the health professions. Recipients have demonstrated their potential to be future leaders in healthcare and have completed at least one term at an ASAHP-affiliated institution. Applicants must be enrolled in a degree-granting program. Financial need is not a factor.
Amount: $1,000
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Service League Volunteer Scholarships
From the Washington Hospital Service League, Service League Volunteer Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a health-related field and who are residents of the Washington Hospital District, which includes Fremont, Newark, Union City, and parts of Hayward. Applicants can also be current Washington Hospital volunteers. Awards are renewable for up to three additional years for students in good standing.
Amount: $1,000
Mary Alice Hartigan Scholarship
The Mary Alice Hartigan Scholarship financially supports students in nursing and surgical services. Applicants must be full-time students in an accredited program and indicate prior or current volunteer service to humanity and healthcare, if applicable. Two letters of recommendation are required, as is residency within the Mosaic Life Care Foundation service region.
Amount: Varies
This scholarship provides financial support for education and training in any surgical-related field. As with the Mary Alice Hartigan Scholarship, applicants must be full-time students in an accredited program and indicate prior or current volunteer service to humanity and healthcare, if applicable. Two letters of recommendation are required, as is residency within the Mosaic Life Care Foundation service region.
Amount: Varies
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Scholarship
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital created this scholarship for those who wish to pursue an educational degree, license, or certification and acquire the professional skills that are essential to the care of the hospital’s patients. Recipients must be residents of South Maryland and commit to work in critical positions for MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.
Amount: Varies
The Minne L. Maffett Scholarship provides financial assistance to promote medical and nursing education for women. Applicants must be female and currently attending an accredited Texas college, university, or certificate program. They must also have completed at least two semesters of studies or be registered and paid in full for their certificate program.
Amount: $5,000
Essential Keys for Succeeding at Surgical Tech Scholarship Applications
If you’ve found a scholarship that you believe you qualify for, you want to make sure you set yourself up for success. Follow the scholarship application instructions carefully. Each award is different, and selection committees often ask for specific documents or pose unique questions, especially for essay prompts.
Here are some additional keys for maximizing your chances of winning your surgical tech scholarship.
Key #1: Review Your Application Closely
Triple-check all your materials before you submit them. This might seem like an obvious tip, but even the smallest errors can make a significant difference. This means reviewing directions thoroughly and proofreading. It is also smart to ask for input from someone you trust, as they can review your materials with fresh eyes.
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. Make sure your references can speak about the qualities you have that are important to the scholarship or grant.
Key #3: Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
If you have questions about the scholarship or the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the point of contact. 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
Be sure that you submit all your application materials on time. Create a spreadsheet of all the scholarships you apply to and put submission dates on your calendar. It’s also a good idea to submit more applications than you think you’ll need. If you’re persistent with finding 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. Spend time only on awards you know you qualify for and don’t shy away from ones that require a lot of work.
Financial Resources and Support for Surgical Tech Students
If you have filled out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then you likely know that funding resources for surgical tech students can go beyond scholarships and grants. Financial assistance can also come from student loans, work-study placements, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Other funding-related resources to consider include professional associations and networks, fee waivers and discounts, and college resources. Below are some examples of additional help for your certificate or degree.
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
AST advances surgical technology through innovative research and advocacy. It aggregates public policy information and sponsors scholarly publications. It also administers continuing education programs and professional development 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 has 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 3,500 members discuss work opportunities, on-the-job issues, and funding assistance.
College Application Fee Waivers & Discounts for Students
College application fees can add up to a large expense. This guide tells 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 everything related to working in this field, from income potential to 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
In this article, ZipRecruiter discusses 15 of the highest-paying surgical tech jobs. It also provides salary ranges for each and tells you how you can qualify for each position.
Brookline College
Another example of the resources colleges and universities like Brookline College provide students, this article helps surgical techs prepare for school. It tells you about program requirements and expenses, launching your career, and more.
