External Scholarships
Baylor Scholarship Universe
Description: Scholarship Universe is a helpful new resource to connect Baylor current and admitted prospective students to millions of dollars in outside scholarship opportunities. Access your account today and start answering questions in a personal questionnaire. Based on your answers you will be matched with outside scholarship opportunities in the database tailored to your talents and specific criteria.
The Power of 1 or 2
The Power of 1 or 2 Scholarships include a graduate scholarship which recognizes graduate college students who always let their light shine bright for others in a way that is impactful and inspiring. Each year, $5,000 scholarships are awarded closing in April and awarded in May. The Power of 1 or 2 also offers a Representation Matters scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate BIPOC student pursuing higher education. This scholarship is awarded each February during Black History month. Starr Taylor a Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy alumnus is one of the co-founders of this organization alongside her brother, Blaise.
Allina EMPOWER Scholarship
The Allina EMPOWER Scholarship, administered by Courage Kenny Foundation, encourages and supports ethnically diverse students who are pursuing a career in a medical or rehabilitation field.
The scholarship is made possible by a generous gift from the David M. Hersey Endowment Fund of the Courage Kenny Foundation.
Applicants must identify how they will use their education and training and demonstrate their interest in rehabilitation. Selection is based on the applicant’s stated intentions, past achievements, need, and graduation ranking.
The annual application period is Jan 1 - April 15. Scholarships are awarded in June.
American Occupational Therapy Foundation
Amount: Varies
Description: For students enrolled in an occupational therapy program. Over 50 scholarships are available from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation and state occupational therapy associations. Applicants complete only one online form to apply for all qualifying scholarships.
Click Here for AOTF Scholarships
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OccupationalTherapy.com Scholarship
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Mary Will McKenzie Endowed Scholarship: For a student who has expressed an interest in and/or demonstrated work specializing in physical disability, particularly spinal cord injury, neurologic conditions, stroke and arthritis. Eligible candidates will be enrolled in an accredited Master’s or OTD program in the United States.
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Charles Christiansen and Beth Jones Endowed Scholarship: Preference given to students who will contribute to greater ethnic diversity in the occupational therapy profession.
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Mary Minglen Scholarship
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Willard & Spackman Scholarship
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Carolyn Kohn Memorial Scholarship: Must be a New York State resident.
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Kappa Delta Phi Scholarship: Priority given to residents of AZ, CA, FL, IA, IN, KY, MO. 2 scholarships are typically awarded.
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Lela Llorens Endowed Scholarship: Candidates who have shown outstanding leadership in the Student Occupational Therapy Association on their campus and as a member of the Black Occupational Therapy Association and/or Caucus on their campus, in their state, or at the national level.
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Linda Botten Memorial Scholarship: Preference given to those active in public policy.
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Martha Kirkland Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE) Endowed Scholarship: Demonstrated leadership potential. Aspire to roles in education, practice, or research. Must be a member of Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE).
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The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Endowed Scholarship
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The Network for LGBTQIA+ Concerns in OT Endowed Scholarship: Member of the local campus Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Transgender (LGBT) organization.
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Ruth Peterson Memorial (Kappa Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon) Scholarship: Must be currently enrolled in OT program at the University of North Dakota.
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Robert and Sharon Ryan Endowed Scholarship: Preference given to under-represented minority students
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Florence M. Stattel Endowed Scholarship: Student must attend New York University or Nova Southeastern University
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Dian Blicksilver Aja Scholarship: Focus on ergonomics.
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Lila Daut and Allen Jacobson Occupational Therapy Scholarship: Eligible candidates for the scholarship must be enrolled in an accredited OTA, MOT, MSOT or OTD program in the state of Wisconsin. Well qualified candidates should demonstrate their passion for occupational therapy and their need for financial assistance.
AMBUCS Scholarship Program for Therapists
Amount: Up to $6,000
Description: For graduate students enrolled in a graduate physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech pathology program.
Daughters of the American Revolution Physical/Occupational Therapy Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Description: For students accepted to or enrolled in an accredited PT or OT program.
Exxat Student Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Description: The Exxat team is proud to support all aspects of health sciences education, including the students who are the future of healthcare. This year, we are awarding a scholarship in the amount of $1000 to four (4) students who exemplify excellence in Scholarly Productivity, Diversity and
Inclusion, Leadership, and Care for Underserved Communities.
F.A. Davis Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Description: F.A. Davis is dedicated to developing teaching and learning solutions that meet the needs of nursing and health science students, educators, and practitioners. To stay committed to our goal of shaping the future of nursing and health science education, F.A. Davis is proud to offer annual scholarships to support those aspiring to work in healthcare.
HIE Help Center Scholarship for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Students
Amount: $1,000
Description: This scholarship is for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech pathology students with a 3.0 GPA in a US program.
IHS Health Professions Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Description: This scholarship is for American Indians and Alaska Natives who are pursuing a degree full time in a health profession. They must have a 2.0 GPA, practice at an Indian health facility for 2 years following graduation and be US citizens who are members of a tribe or village that is federally recognized.
International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons Health Careers Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Description: This scholarship is for US citizens in various health fields. PT students must have completed 2 years of study.
VA National Education for Employees Program (Employee Incentive Scholarship Program)
Amount: Up to $40,000 over 3 years of full-time coursework
Description: This scholarship is for students who are VA employees and are pursuing health care careers through degrees that are first-time certification programs requiring practicum hours. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. Must work at the VA during academic breaks and for 3 years after graduation.
Employer Sponsored Scholarships
Big Stone Therapies Scholarship Program
In the interest of recruiting high quality employees and to assist Therapy students with their educational pursuits, Big Stone Therapies, Inc. (BST) has developed a scholarship program to help pay a portion of the educational expenses associated with obtaining a degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology (we currently do not have scholarship opportunities for Therapy Assistant students).
We desire to develop a scholarship relationship with Therapy students who are willing to make an employment commitment to BST following the completion of their Therapy degree. The scholarship amount is currently $10,000 (subject to change).
Veterans Affairs (VA) Scholarships and Loan Repayment and Reimbursement
Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs
The Department of Education (ED) Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
This program has very specific qualifying requirements and approval has been challenging for many, so it is recommended that you examine your eligibility very closely and contact PSLF program representatives with all questions.
State Occupational Therapy Scholarships:
Click Here for AOTF State Scholarships
Arizona - The Adelaide Ryerson Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to an occupational therapy student at the post-baccalaureate degree level or occupational therapy assistant level. Students must be enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy education program and must be residents of Arizona, attending any curriculum in the state of Arizona. Must be a current member of the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association.
Arkansas - The Florence Wood Scholarship
Amount: $500
Description: One scholarship to an Arkansas resident enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy educational program in Arkansas.
District of Columbia
Amount: TBD
Description: One scholarship awarded annually to a student currently enrolled in the occupational therapy education program at Howard University, Trinity Washington University or George Washington University (OT, OTD or OTA programs) and who is a member of the DCOTA and who resides in the Washington, DC metropolitan area (i.e., the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia)
Florida - The Myra McDaniel Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to students in good standing attending an accredited occupational therapy educational program located in the state of Florida. Must be a member of the Florida Occupational Therapy Association.
Illinois
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to students in good standing attending an accredited occupational therapy educational program located in the state of Illinois and who are members of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association.
Kansas - Gloria Scammahorn Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to one entry-level occupational therapy student and/or one entry-level occupational therapy assistant (OTA) student who are members of the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Scholarships winners are required to present a brief statement at the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference about how the scholarships has positively impacted his/her education.
Louisiana - The Todd Poche Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to occupational therapy students within the state of Louisiana.
Massachusetts - The Karen Jacobs Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: One scholarship for a Massachusetts resident enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy educational program in Massachusetts at the professional degree level. Applicants must be members of the Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy.
Michigan - The Fred Sammons and Barbara Rider Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to students enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy educational program in the state of Michigan. Preferences will be given for students who are residents of Michigan and who are members of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association.
New Hampshire - The Mary Eileen Dixey Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students in accredited occupational therapy education programs, attending a curriculum in New Hampshire and who are residents of New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Amount: TBD
Description: Two annual scholarships will be awarded, one to a student enrolled in an occupational therapy degree program and one to a student enrolled in an occupational therapy assistant program. Eligible candidates must be a resident of New Jersey and must be current members of the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a school in New Jersey. Applicants should include in their application details as to why they need this award and the reasons they want to be an OT, OTD or OTA.
New Mexico - The Julia D. Sweeney Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to an occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant student within the state of New Mexico. Must be a member of the New Mexico Occupational Therapy Association.
New York
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships for occupational therapy students at the professional master's degree level or an accredited OTA program in New York state, who are residents of the state of New York and who are members of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association.
North Carolina - The Jane Davis Rourk Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: To honor the memory and legacy of Jane Davis Rourk, AOTF and NCOTA are proud to offer this scholarship to support an OT student in pursuit of their degree. Eligible students must be enrolled in an accredited associate or professional level occupational therapy program in the state of North Carolina and must be members of the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association.
North Dakota - Ruth Peterson Memorial
(Kappa Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon)
Amount: TBD
Description: One or more scholarships in the amount of $750 to be awarded to occupational therapy students currently enrolled at the University of North Dakota.
Ohio
Amount: TBD
Description: Three levels of awards are available to Ohio occupational therapy practitioner students including scholarships for: 1. Occupational therapist students enrolled in accredited occupational therapy education programs within the state of Ohio. 2. Occupational therapy assistant students enrolled in accredited occupational therapy education programs within the state of Ohio. 3. Post-professional students: The Rosa Hartsook Memorial Scholarship is available to occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants enrolled in a post-professional occupational therapy program or doing graduate study in a field related to occupational therapy in an Ohio university. Students must be residents of Ohio and current members of the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association.
Oklahoma
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to students at the associate, professional, or post professional level. The student must attend an accredited occupational therapy program within the state of Oklahoma. The student must also be a member of the Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association and reside in the state of Oklahoma.
Oregon
Amount: TBD
Description: One scholarship for a professional level student who is a resident of Oregon and is attending Pacific University or Linn-Benton Community College in Oregon.
South Carolina - The Chris Ebbers Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to one occupational therapy student and one occupational therapy assistant student within the state of South Carolina.
South Dakota - The Harlan and Rita Temple Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to a student or students in good standing enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy educational program within the state of South Dakota. Students earning professional level degrees or occupational therapy assistant degrees. Preferences will be given for students who are residents of South Dakota and students who are members of the South Dakota Occupational Therapy Association.
Texas
Amount: TBD
Description: Two scholarships to be awarded annually: one at the post baccalaureate degree level and one at the associate degree level to Texas residents attending any curriculum in the state of Texas and members of the Texas Occupational Therapy Association.
Utah
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to at least one occupational therapy student and one occupational therapy assistant student annually who are enrolled in entry-level OT programs, are members of the Utah Occupational Therapy Association, and are residents of Utah.
Virginia - The Fred Sammons Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to students enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy educational program within the state of Virginia. Preferences will be given for students who are residents of Virginia and who are members of the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association.
Washington
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to at least one occupational therapy student and one occupational therapy assistant student annually who are enrolled in entry-level OT programs, are members of the Washington Occupational Therapy Association, and are residents of Washington state.
West Virginia - The Charlotte Prudich, Elizabeth B. Devereaux, and Deborah Shamblin Endowed Scholarship
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships awarded to occupational therapy students enrolled in an accredited OT, OTA, MOT or OTD program in the United States of America, is a resident of West Virginia and is a member of the West Virginia Occupational Therapy Association.
Wisconsin
Amount: TBD
Description: Scholarships for occupational therapy students who are residents of the state of Wisconsin and are members of the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association or for research by members for the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association.
The Health Services & Resources Administration (HRSA) Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP)
Navy Health Professions Student Loan Repayment Program
Additional Funding Opportunities:
The Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
NIH Central Resource for Grants and Funding Information