PT Students: Snag Grant Money for Education
Popular Sources for Free Tuition Aid
Physical Therapy as a field has been red-hot for some time. Flexibility and specialization are two major reasons for this high-demand. Study physical therapy and your options professionally range from in-hospital physical therapist, sports and athletic trainer (from high-school to elite athlete), private practice, and well-paying jobs in the fitness and personal trainer world.
Because these are specialty specific your best bet for grant money is from college and universities and from private and professional organizations and associations.
**Tip: Never underestimate the amount of grant money for which you could be eligible. Fill out and file and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is your one ticket that opens doorways to countless scholarships, low-interest loans, and grants not only from federal sources, but state, college, and public and private sources as well.
Physical Therapy Grants from Colleges and Universities
Wherever you choose to go to school to study Physical Therapy this should be one of your first sources for potential grant money. Ask the Admissions and Financial Aid personnel to provide you with a complete list of the school’s free financial aid programs, including grants.
Regardless of the price of tuition you must understand that many colleges and universities give way millions of dollars annually to students otherwise unable to pay the full tuition. AND some schools may negotiate on the financial aid package. Best strategy for your favorite schools is to see what they’ll give you outright in grant money to attend their school as a PT major.
Another tactic is to see if the department through which you’ll study has any grant programs.
PT Grant Money from Professional Associations
Your eventual field of study could put you in a public or private healthcare job or in a private business. Depending upon your job you could have access to a variety of professional associations that cater to Physical Therapists and related professionals.
The mission behind many such organizations is to provide support to student members while simultaneously providing support and nurture to working professionals. As a student you are best advised to find a good national or regional association related to your career goals. Check out their student membership benefits: Any scholarships or tuition grants? Travel or research grants for grad or post-grad students?
- The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) offers annual grants for professionals as well as Masters and Doctoral level student members. These are research grants and as such provide a couple of thousand dollars to offset related costs.