Physical Therapy Scholarships
Funding your physical therapy degree can be challenging. To help you, we have compiled a list of dozens of physical therapy and health care specific scholarships and loan repayment programs that you can apply to. Each scholarship is offered at the state or national level, so that you don’t have to sift through school specific scholarships. Remember to also check your school website to see if they offer any scholarships that you can apply to. If you are aware of any additional scholarship opportunities that should be on this list, please let us know!
Last Updated 3/22/22
National Physical Therapy Scholarships
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.
American Academy of Physical Therapy
Amount: Up to $2,500
Description: For PT and PTA students in their final year of training. Selection places an importance on contributing to minority affairs.
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.
Employee Incentive Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $40,000 over 3 years
Description: For employees of the US Department of Veterans Affairs pursuing a degree in health care. Recipients must continue to work for the department for 1-3 years after degree completion.
Arcadia University
College of Health Sciences
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Earn your DPT from a hybrid program. Experience on-campus immersions and apply skills learned online to patients in person. Complete the program in 25 months. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree but do not need to submit GRE test scores for admission.
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Complete in 25 months
- 32 weeks of in-person experience
SPONSORED
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.
Katherine H. Dilley Scholarship Fund
Amount: $1,000
Description: This scholarship is for students studying physical or occupational therapy at an accredited Arizona college or university.
Mary McMillan Scholarship Award
Amount: $5,000
Description: This scholarship is for students in their last year at an accredited PT or PTA program
Amount: Varies
Description: For minority PT students who are US citizens in their final year of schooling and have shown a commitment to minority affairs.
VA National Education for Employees 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.
National Physical Therapy Loan Forgiveness Programs
Education Debt Reduction Program
Amount: Up to $200,000
Description: Those who have earned their physical therapy degree can receive up to $40,000 in student loan repayment per year in exchange for working for the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Recipients may continue to receive aid for up to 5 years so long as they continue to work for the VA.
HRSA Faculty Loan Repayment Program
Amount: Up to $40,000
Description: For those in a health care profession who come from a disadvantaged background who commit to being a faculty member at a health professions institution for 2 years.
Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program
Amount: Up to $40,000
Description: For health care professionals who commit to serve 2 years in a health facility for American Indian or Alaska Native communities.
State Physical Therapy Scholarships
Arizona
Amount: Varies
Description: For students enrolled in an Arizona PT program
Hawaii
Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Description: This scholarship is for PT, OT, kinesiology, and sports medicine students who are Hawaii residents, have a 2.7 GPA or higher, and demonstrate financial need.
Illinois
Judith Harris and Dr. Monica Vohmann Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Description: This scholarship is for IPTA student PT members in good standing who are first year DPT students. Must have a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need.
Amount: $2,000
Description: This scholarship is for IPTA student PT members in good standing who are enrolled in an Illinois PT or PTA program. Must have completed a clinical experience and be within last 3 semesters before graduation if a PT student and final year if a PTA student.
Indiana
Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Description: This scholarship is for undergraduate students enrolled in a physical therapy, medicine, or sports medicine program at an Indiana university. Applicants must be US citizens, have a 3.0 GPA, and have completed 4 semesters of college.
Arcadia University
College of Health Sciences
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Earn your DPT from a hybrid program. Experience on-campus immersions and apply skills learned online to patients in person. Complete the program in 25 months. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree but do not need to submit GRE test scores for admission.
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Complete in 25 months
- 32 weeks of in-person experience
SPONSORED
Iowa
Olive C. Farr Scholarship Award for Physical Therapy
Amount: $500
Description: For physical therapy and PTA students enrolled at an Iowa institution who have completed their first year.
Michigan
Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP)
Amount: Up to $10,000 per year for 3 years, based on debt
Description: For Maryland residents providing public services to low income or underserved residents. Must earn a degree from a Maryland school, earn under $60,000 per year ($130,000 household if married)
New York
Teach NYC Physical Therapy Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Description: For students who agree to serve as a school PT in a New York City public school for 2 years.
Wisconsin
Amount: Unknown
Description: For WPTA members who are expected to graduate from an accredited PT or PTA program within one year.
Tracy L. Rasor Sports Medicine Scholarship
Amount: Unknown
Description: For WPTA members who are expected to graduate from an accredited PT or PTA program within one year.
Amount: Unknown
Description: For WPTA members who are expected to graduate from an accredited PT or PTA program within one year.