Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Career Resources

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Financial Aid

How to Pay for Physical Therapy School (With Less Student Debt)

Physical Therapy Student Grants

Additional Grants (Source: Teach.com – Powered by 2U):

American Association of University Women—Career Development Grants
These grants are awarded by the AAUW to “provide funding to women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or reenter the workforce.” Award amount varies but can range from $2,000 to $12,000. The money awarded in these grants can be used for tuition and other educational expenses, including books and transportation.

Foundation for Physical Therapy—Acute Care Research Grant
The Foundation for Physical Therapy funds several academic research grants each year. These are awarded to graduate students who are undertaking research related to physical therapy.. This specific grant is awarded to “an emerging investigator seeking to advance the practice of acute care physical therapy.”

National Athletic Trainers Association—Educational Grants
If you are an athletic trainer or looking to work in that field post-graduation, explore the grants offered by NATA. These awards provide “funding to support research grants designed to produce educational research in athletic training.” In order to qualify, you or a member of your research team must be a NATA member and a certified athletic trainer.

National Strength and Conditioning Association—Graduate Student Research Grant

This program funds the research of graduate students in strength and conditioning related areas. Graduate students must submit a proposal detailing expenses. The maximum amount awarded for this grant is $15,000. However, the NSCA offers other grants with higher award amounts. The student must be actively pursuing a doctoral agreement at the time of application.

AMBUCS—Scholarship Program for Therapists
This award is open to physical and occupational therapy students pursuing a doctoral degree. FAFSA information and a personal statement are required to apply. You do not have to be affiliated with an AMBUCS chapter to qualify for this scholarship. Award amounts range from $500-$3,000.

HIE Help Center—Scholarship for Physical and Occupational Therapy Students
Each year, the HIE Help Center awards $1,000 to a student pursuing a career in physical or occupational therapy. This is open to graduate-level students and can be awarded to someone currently in a PT program or planning to enroll in one. Applicants must submit an essay detailing what drew them to the field.

ASDAR—Katherine H. Dilley Scholarship Fund
If you are studying at an accredited Arizona university or plan to, consider applying for this award. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to physical or occupational therapy students. The application calls for two letters of recommendation. It also asks for an outline of the candidate’s future plans.

John Randolf Foundation—Franklin D. Boyce Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded based on many factors, including applicant academic history and community involvement. It takes into account financial backgrounds, so applicants must demonstrate financial need. The $2,500 award is open to graduate students in health-related fields.

Brightlife Direct—Physical Therapy Scholarship
The $1,000 annual Brightlife Direct Scholarship is open to PT and PTA students. To qualify, you must be a full-time student who has completed at least one year of PT education. Also required is a letter of recommendation and a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Scholarships

- Challenge Scholarship
  Multiple awards are given out each year to students pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree in a strength and conditioning-related field. Physical therapy students are welcome to apply for this $2,000 award. Students are eligible to win this award twice, meaning this award could help you for two years if you qualify.
- Jerry Martin Memorial Scholarship
  If you are planning to become a strength and conditioning coach, consider applying for this scholarship. As the requirements outline, this award has “the specific purpose of providing tuition assistance to students planning careers as strength coaches, and majoring in a related field.” Physical therapy does qualify as a related field per NSCA guidelines. The amount awarded is $2,000.
- Legacy Scholarship
  This Scholarship is established to recognize the lasting impact of NSCA members who are/were devoted strength and conditioning professionals with a love of teaching/research and applying the science of strength and conditioning; the NSCA Foundation has developed the Legacy Scholarship. A Doctoral student who plans to pursue a long-term career in the Strength & Conditioning Industry or academic/research practice will receive this educational, financial Scholarship.
- Markus Paul Memorial Scholarship
  This scholarship was created by the New York Giants, close friends and family of Markus. The scholarship will assist in the development of Black American coaches in the Strength & Conditioning profession. Each year a $5,000 tuition scholarship will be awarded to a Black American student preparing to coach in the Strength & Conditioning profession.
- Minority Scholarship
  For minority students seeking a DPT scholarship, this award offers $2,000 in tuition assistance. The NSCA states that applicants “must demonstrate they have been accepted into an accredited institution working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in the strength and conditioning field.”
- Women’s Scholarship
  This scholarship is designed to support those who identify as female, ages 17 and older, to enter into the field of strength and conditioning. Applicants must demonstrate they have been accepted into an accredited institution and are working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in the strength and conditioning field. Awards in the amount of $2,000 are granted and are to be applied toward tuition charges accrued by the student.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarships:
If you’re a woman pursuing higher education, the AAUW is a great resource. The AAUW awards $4 million annually.

Top Physical Therapy Scholarships in August 2022