Your physician assistant (PA) education is not inexpensive. However, paying for it IS possible and there is money available - but you have to know where to look for it - and how to get it.
The cost of your PA education varies based on which PA program you elect to attend. Begin evaluating the cost and start your financial aid research at the same time you apply to a PA program. You will want to figure out the total amount of expenses for completing the program, such as books, supplies, travel and lodging for rotations, exams, and tuition. Many schools will have information available about the expected costs for completing their PA program and you will want to request this information for all of the schools you are thinking of attending. Once you have that information you will want to consider how you are going to pay for these expenses, as PA school is demanding and you will have limited time (if you have any) to work while you are attending school.
FUNDING SOURCES
Money from federal loan programs will probably form the foundation of your financial assistance package. Many states also offer financial assistance programs. In addition, there are other specialized scholarships, traineeships, and loan programs available. Inquire at local hospitals and clinics to find out if they will provide tuition and a stipend in exchange for a commitment to work at the facility for a specified period of time.
Remember, apply the resources from scholarships and grants before you accept loans. Then, only accept loans that you need . It is your responsibility to make sure you can finance your education. Work closely with your financial aid department. They will be able to inform you of special loans and scholarships which you may be eligible to receive.
FEDERAL AND STATE RESOURCES
Federal sources of financial assistance include various loans and grants guaranteed by the federal government. For more information, visit the Web site for Federal Student Aid sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
State sources of financial assistance include an agency in each state that guarantees federal student loans. Also, some states offer their own educational assistance programs of loans or grants. Check with your financial aid office to locate the office(s) in the state in which you are a resident.
Sallie Mae also offers information about lending on their Web site (http://www.salliemae.com).
Tax credits would be another source for you to consider. You can also take advantage of tax credits offered by the federal government and can potentially deduct your student loan interest from your federal taxes. You will want to visit the IRS Web site for the most accurate information (http://www.irs.gov/individuals/students/index.html).
SCHOLARSHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS
The Physician Assistant Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). The PA Foundation offers competitive scholarships for physician assistant students who are currently attending an accredited PA program, are in the professional phase of the program, and are student members of AAPA. PA Foundation scholarships are designed to help students complete their education. Around 40 scholarships are disbursed annually. Applications are available in mid-September with a submission deadline of January 15. Scholarships are judged by committee, and applicants are notified and funds are distributed by mid-May. Visit the Foundation Web page for the current application.
The United States Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP) is designed to provide financial incentives for college students in designated health care professions while completing baccalaureate degree requirements. After graduation, you will receive a reserve commission as a physician assistant in the Medical Service Corps, U.S. Navy.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) scholarship program provides financial assistance for American Indian and Alaskan Native (federally recognized only) students only enrolled in health professions and allied health professions programs. For this program, there are service obligations and pay-back requirements that the recipient incurs upon acceptance of the scholarship funding. Priority is given to graduate students, and to junior and senior level students, unless otherwise specified.
The National Health Service Corps Program (NHSC) is a competitive federal program. Students dedicated to practicing primary care in communities of greatest need can compete for educational scholarships. In return for this scholarship support, they must agree to practice in communities across the nation where need is greatest. This highly competitive scholarship program is available for health professional students interested in the primary care specialties and committed to serving part or all of their careers in a health professional shortage area (HPSA). It offers payment of tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment for up to 4 years of education and a monthly stipend.
PAs are an integral part of the U.S. Army Health Care team, so the Army is offering more comprehensive education programs, career growth opportunities, and substantial benefits to PAs, as a three-year loan repayment program for any PA-C who wants to serve as an Army PA. In addition to monetary benefits, the Army offers greater autonomy, responsibility in team-oriented environments, and skill enhancement.
AMERICORPS is a national network of hundreds of programs throughout the U.S. and is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents aged 17 or older. This program helps pay for education in exchange for a year of service. After completing one year of full-time service (from 10 to 12 months), AmeriCorps embers are eligible to receive an education voucher, which can be used to cover future costs of college or vocational school and to pay back student loans.
AAPA CONSTITUENT ORGANIZATIONS SCHOLARSHIPS
AAPA has a network of state chapter, specialty, caucus, special interest, and federal service constituent organizations representing physician assistants. Many of these constituent organizations offer financial assistance to PA students. In addition, the organizations offer student memberships and student leadership opportunities.
- Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants Scholarship is pleased to offer awards to first and second year Physician Assistant Students. Scholarships to first year students are $1000 and scholarships to second year students are $1500. Awards are made to those who are student members of the AFPPA, demonstrate a special interest in primary care medicine, and are in good academic standing.
- Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology (APAO) offers a $2500 award for PA students. The award is two parts with $500 to help with travel to AAPA's annual conference to receive the award and $2000 is unrestricted. Applicants must complete an application by March 1. For more information about the scholarship contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , PA-C of the APAO Scholarship Committee.
- California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA) offers three annual student scholarships for student members. Application and more information can be found on-line and deadline for all of the awards is December 31. Link to more information and application.
- Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Physician Assistant Caucus (LBGPA) offers $1000 grants for two PA students to attend AAPA's annual conference and help foster involvement and awareness of the caucus within the AAPA. Applications must be postmarked by January 15. The application and more details can be found at the Student Scholarship link on the LBGPA Web site.
- Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants has 6 annual student leadership scholarships and 3 scholarships for students who chose to enter the writing competition. Application and more information can be found on-line and deadline for all of the awards is June 30.
- Physician Assistant Academy of Vermont (PAAV) offers a scholarship for PA students who are residents of Vermont. The scholarship is for $1000 and free attendance at the annual PAAV Winter CME conference in the year of the award. Applications are due June 30th.
- Physician Assistants for Latino Health Caucus offers two scholarships for PA students interested in Latino health issues or leadership in the Latino community. Applications must be received by April 1 and can be found on-line along with additional details.
- Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS) offers the Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship Fund to cultivate and attract young physician assistant students into the field of orthopedics. The deadline is August 1. PAOS will grant one or two $500-$1,000 scholarships.
- The Society of Army Physician Assistants (SAPA) honors the memory of Captain Sean P. Grimes, a physician assistant who was killed in action while serving as the battalion physician assistant in Korea, through the annual scholarship, the Captain Sean P. Grimes Physician Assistant Educational Scholarship Award. Applications and details about the scholarship and Captain Grime's life can be found on the SAPA Web site. The deadline for the scholarship is February 1 and it will be awarded annually at the annual SAPA conference to a deserving student selected by the SAPA Board of Directors.
LOANS, REPAYMENT PROGRAMS, AND CONSOLIDATION SERVICES
MedCAP® Alternative Loan for Health Professionals is a private loan offered through Wells Fargo for student in health professionals. Wells Fargo also offers several other loans for students, both in graduate and undergraduate programs.
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program is available to primary care physician assistants. You must agree to provide primary care services in a priority health professional shortage area for a minimum period of two years. You may extend the obligation beyond two years for one year at a time. You must be a U.S. citizen with a valid, unrestricted state license and/or certificate to practice in the state in which you plan to serve.
The NHSC State Loan Repayment Program is offered in the 37 states participating in this program, which awards grants for the purpose of increasing primary health care in federally designated health professional shortage areas (HPSA). The federal government and states provide a dollar-for-dollar match for educational loans. Program participants must serve in a HPSA for a minimum of two years. For more information, visit the site and select your state.
OTher RESOURCES
Grants are similar to scholarships and availability is based on resources and financial need. They are the reason it is so important to get your FAFSA submitted as early as possible. The later in the year you complete your application, the less likely you are to receive money from Grants. When you submit your FAFSA form, you will be considered for Pell Grants. Unfortunately, these grants are not available to persons who already hold a Bachelors Degree or higher. Grants do not have to be paid back, unlike loans. As with scholarships, check your place of employment, organizations, and place of worship for any grants which you may be eligible.
PUBLICATIONS
OCTAMERON Associates publishes numerous books and guides on college financial assistance and how to obtain it.
The American Legion publishes Need a Lift?, which contains information on loans and scholarships. Especially comprehensive is a section on financial assistance for veterans and their dependents.
There are also several Web sites which provide information about financial aid, such as FinAid. Check with the U.S. Department of Education for information on financial aid.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Civic, fraternal, and service organizations often offer financial assistance for college students. Financial assistance may be in the form of a loan or grant based on financial need and academic achievement. Some examples include the American Legion, Elks, Girl Scouts, Optimists, National Organization for Women, Civitan, AMVETS, and Business and Professional Women's Foundation. You can check with your local Chamber of Commerce for additional companies to contact.
Religious organizations occasionally provide grants or scholarships to members of their congregations. For more information, contact the denomination's national office or a college financial aid officer.
Ethnic organizations often offer educational assistance to people who share their ethnic origins. If you are of an ethnic origin, contact your national organization, if one exists.
Employers sponsor scholarship programs for employees and/or their children. Inquire directly at the Personnel or Human Resources Department of your company, institution, or military base.
Hospitals, clinics, and private practice settings sometimes sponsor PA students in exchange for a commitment to work a specified period of time after graduation. There is no listing of such programs, however. They are all arranged on the basis of individual initiative. Your local hospital is a good place to inquire.
State loan repayment programs are offered in several states through tuition-for-work commitment programs. Contact your state Department of Education or Health to see if your state offers this funding option.
- SimpleTuition offers an online student loan comparison tool that allows students and their families to make informed borrowing decisions. In addition, SimpleTuition.com contains a large online resource center full of relevant articles and blogs dedicated to preparing, paying and saving for college.
