Veterans Day: Scholarships & Funding Opportunities

Veterans Day is November 11, and each year, we not only celebrate our profession’s military roots, but also share important resources and funding opportunities available.

Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarships

The U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force offer prospective military physician assistants a paid medical education in exchange for service as a commissioned medical department officer.

• U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program
• U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program
• U.S. Airforce Health Professions Scholarship Program

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides financial assistance to students receiving education or training in a direct or indirect health care services discipline (Title 38 and Hybrid Title 38 occupations) and assists in providing an adequate supply of such personnel for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). HPSP helps the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) meet its need for qualified health care professionals for which recruitment or retention is difficult. The HPSP Scholarship Portal is open year-round. Learn more.

Veterans Caucus

The Veterans Caucus is a recognized affiliate caucus of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). The Caucus represents Physician Assistants (PAs) who are veterans of the Uniformed Services. Many members continue to serve our country in the active, reserve, or guard components. Each year, the Caucus seeks to recognize the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in a PA program. Click here to see the scholarships that were given during the 2020-2021 cycle.

Naval Association of Physician Assistants

The Naval Association of Physician Assistants (NAPA) has opportunities available for civilian PA students, active duty enlisted sailors or marines, and student loan assistance for current PAs. Learn about the available resources.

United States Navy Health Services Collegiate Program

The United States Navy Health Services Collegiate Program is designed to provide financial incentives for college students in designated health care professions while completing baccalaureate degree requirements.

U.S. Army Health Care Team

The U.S. Army Health Care team offers a three-year loan repayment program for any PA-C who wants to serve as an Army PA.

Additional Resources

National Guard Healthcare Bonuses and Loans

• Physician Assistants and Social Workers:
  • $20,000 per year for a three-year contract
  • $15,000 per year for a two-year contract
  • $10,000 per year for a one-year contract

National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program

• Must have 1 or more qualifying and disbursed Title IV federal loans
  • State and private loans are ineligible for repayment
  • PLUS loans are eligible
  • Loans must be listed on the Department of Education National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) aid summary website
  • Must enlist for a minimum 6-year term of service
  • Must enlist for a critical skills (CS) vacancy in the grade of E-4 or below
  • Information:
    • Payments will not exceed $50,000 with annual repayments not to exceed the maximum amount established by law
    • Must enlist into a qualifying position in a MTOE or Medical TDA unit only
    • Must score a minimum of 50 on the Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT)

Navy Clinical Care Provider

• To qualify for Active Duty employment consideration as a Physician Assistant in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you must meet these basic requirements:
  • Be a U.S. citizen currently practicing in the U.S.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
    Completion of a physician assistant education program approved by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA)
  • Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
  • Be willing to serve a minimum of three years of Active Duty
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 41
  • Be in good physical condition and pass a full medical examination
  • General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you intend to serve Active Duty or Reserve Duty and whether you are currently serving, have served before or have never served before.

Commissioned Corps of the U.S Public Health Services

• The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps offers excellent opportunities for students to serve their country while completing or continuing their education.