Scholarship Money Sources for Occupational Therapy Students

Few Occupational Therapists make it anywhere in business without at least their Masters degree. Financially, we’re talking BIG student debt. In efforts to relieve that burden, here are some nice sources for scholarship funds.

Good news is that the profession is hot, hot right now. Aging Baby Boomers and longer life-spans are driving demand for professionals able to address daily disability issues, especially among the aging and rehab patient populations.

Government Scholarship Sources for OT Students

Various government agencies and sources provide nice scholarships especially to students pursuing health sciences or health care service careers. Often these are aimed at minority students.

  • If you’re a Native/Alaskan American student studying Occupational Therapy, why not take a look at the Indian Health Service Scholarships. This very competitive scholarship for service program selects a deserving crop of undergraduate and graduate students each year. Criteria include financial need as well as the area of healthcare specialization. Generally Occupational Therapy students are on the list of in-demand specialties, but be warned that these lists may change as needs change. Both the Health Professions Preparatory Scholarship and the Health Professions Scholarship programs accept applications from Pre-OT and Bachelors/Grad candidates, respectively.
  • Check with your state government for current scholarships available to OT students. Be aware that most of these are scholarship for service agreements.

Professional and Private Sources for OT Scholarships

Professional associations like those offered as examples below are excellent go-to scholarship sources. They typically support and encourage the work of students and as such fund a varying number of scholarships, often in partnership with deep-pocketed company sponsors.

  • The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. extends to student members, through its foundation, a stable of well-funded scholarships of various kinds. Depending upon your needs and the scholarship you could win up to $5,000. Absolute requirements include student membership in the AOTA and enrollment in an OT college program.
  • AMBUCS, a leading nationwide organization dedicated to bringing together professionals that work with individuals with mobility and other disability issues, offers a number of very nice scholarships. Maximum awards are $5,000 and students from undergraduate through doctoral level education programs are invited to apply.
  • Daughters of the American Revolution offers a variety of very well-funded scholarships to various student majors. Occupational Therapy students with financial need are welcome to apply for the annual Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarships.