Available Scholarships
6 Best Options for PA School Scholarships
Admission to PA school is a huge financial endeavor. There are, however, things you may take to cut expenses. As you pursue a career as a PA, take advantage of the numerous organisations and government programmes that are accessible to you. Also, keep in mind that you should apply for scholarships and grants throughout your academic career, not only at the beginning. Only you can decide whether a PA degree is worthwhile after conducting your research.
The field of physician assistants (PAs) is one of the fastest-growing in the United States, with employment anticipated to increase by 31% from 2018 to 2028. To put this in context, the BLS predicts only 7% growth for physicians within the same time period.
Physician assistants can practise in any medical setting (hospitals, nursing homes, workplace clinics, etc.) and in a wide range of specialisations. PAs are also well-paid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual compensation for a physician assistant is $108,610.
Cost of Attending PA School
Whether you want to start school as soon as possible or want to save up before enrolling, prices can help you make an informed decision.
The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) publishes data on PA school expenses and trends across programmes on a regular basis. The group reported an increase in average PA school tuition costs in its 2019 report.
Students must pay fees to cover extra costs in addition to tuition. Laboratory fees, clinical fees, and student services fees are examples of these. The PAEA reports that the average cost of these fees is $3,775.
Remember that these are averages, which means that around half of PA programme prices are above this amount and half are lower. There are also numerous schools that provide online PA programmes.
Since PA school tuition are increasing rapidly, it’s time to consider options to reduce the cost. PA scholarships and grants are accessible through a variety of foundations. In this article, we shall discuss PA scholarships that can help you mitigate the cost of becoming a Physician Assistant.
Funding Sources
Your financial help package may include funds from government loan programmes. Many states also provide financial assistance. There are also specific scholarships, traineeships, and loan programmes available to assist with the cost of your education.
Remember to seek scholarships and grants before taking out federal or state loans, and then only take out loans that you truly need. Work carefully with your financial aid office; they will be able to tell you about any unique loans or scholarships for which you may be eligible.
6 Best Options for PA School Scholarships
1. Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship
The Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship programme assists American Indian and Alaska Native (federally recognised exclusively) students participating in health professions and allied health professions programmes with financial aid. The IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) was developed to assist this aim by giving health professionals the financial freedom to pursue their professional aspirations. The IHS LRP provides up to $20,000 per year to repay qualifying student debts in exchange for a two-year service commitment to practise full-time at an Indian health programme location.
2. Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology (APAO) – Student Scholarship
The Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology provides generous awards to PA students interested in oncology. You must be an AAPA member (or applicant) and enrolled in a PA programme that is accredited. Applicants must have “a significant desire in pursuing a career in cancer.” The award is for $2,500, with $2,000 designated as unrestricted.
3. National Health Service Corps Program (NHSC)
The National Health Service Corps Program (NHSC) is a federally funded competitive programme. Students who are committed to providing primary care in underserved regions can apply for educational scholarships. I was an NHSC Scholar, which you can read about here. In exchange for two years of service in a designated healthcare deficit area, they also offer a significant NHSC loan repayment programme.
4. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Full tuition, a monthly stipend, all educational costs reimbursed, and book/supply reimbursement are all part of the scholarship. In exchange, you will serve on active service for each year of your scholarship (two years of scholarship = two years of active duty).
5. Charles and Dr. Diane D. Abercrombie Scholarship
Charles and Dr. Diane D. Abercrombie created the Charles and Dr. Diane D. Abercrombie Scholarship in April 2015. The goal of this physician assistant scholarship is to help students majoring in Physician Assistant Studies at the College of Allied Health Professions. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, have an excellent record of community involvement to underserved populations, have an exemplary professional attitude, and be committed to serving the underserved. Preferences are provided to students who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, hail from a rural and/or underserved community, fit criteria, or are members of an underrepresented minority group.
6. Thomas Hospital Auxiliary’s Health Career Scholarship Program
The Thomas Hospital Auxiliary awards health career scholarships to Baldwin County citizens seeking degrees in healthcare every spring. Applicants must be juniors or seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an authorised college or university, or in the final year of an associate’s degree programme, to be considered. Undergraduates must provide formal proof from their schools confirming full-time enrollment. After completing their undergraduate studies and being accepted into a health career programme, graduate and medical school students are also eligible for this stipend. Letters of acceptance into a programme must be given.
Conclusion
Scoping out potential scholarships takes some work, but so does getting into PA school. If you spend a little time now mapping out a financial plan for school, you can save yourself some serious money stress in the future.
FAQ
The PA Foundation has granted more than $2.3 million in scholarships to PA students over the years, benefiting over 1,400 future PAs. Scholarships are given based on the availability of monies supplied by AAPA members, other people, and corporate partners.
Maintain a strong GPA, take the GRE, and gain at least some shadowing hours or job experience to improve your chances of admission to PA school. Next, your best chances of success are to write an outstanding personal statement and to ace the admissions interview.
Family practise and general medicine continue to be the most popular certification options, accounting for 19.2% of active PAs. This is closely followed by 18.5% of surgical practitioners.
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