• Paying for your education can be particularly challenging for graduate students, since a lot of aid is geared toward undergraduates. However, for those studying to be physician assistants (PAs), there are a number of scholarships and grants available to support their educational pursuits. Whether opting to enter a master's degree or Ph.D. program, available aid will allow students to complete their education and enter the field as surgical physician assistants, emergency care physician assistants or more specialized disciplines like orthopedics or cardiothoracics.
  
  Aside from aid from private organizations or professional associations, also look into federal and institutional programs. For some federal aid, students must complete the Federal Application For Student Aid, so that appropriate funds can be doled out. As for institutional aid, information about PA grants and scholarships can be found through the particular department or the school's financial aid office.
  
  

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

• An option available for graduate physician assistant students is the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program. The yearly scholarship is open to students before their first year of their graduate program or once they have completed one or more years of schooling. In order to apply, students must submit a completed application, including transcripts, proof of citizenship, answers to essay prompts and other such information. Students are selected not only by how academically accomplished they are, but factors such as whether they've won the award previously and their financial need are also weighed.
  
  

Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals Graduate Student Recognition Award

• One option for graduate physician assistant students looking to fund their education would be the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals Graduate Student Recognition Award program. While not specifically geared toward those studying to be physician assistants, the award targets any graduate student focusing in a health-related field. Students applying for the award do not need to be members of the organization, though they should have a demonstrated interest in rheumatology and should be planning to study some aspect of this subject. To apply, students must submit an application, project proposal and a letter of recommendation from a mentor. Winners will be given a $500 prize, registration for the annual scientific meeting and free membership to the organization.
  
  

Physician Assistant Foundation Annual Scholarship Program

• Established in 1977, the Physician Assistant Foundation Annual Scholarship Program is geared toward helping students offset their tuition and school expenses. All American Academy of Physician Assistants student members pursuing their studies at the professional level are eligible for the $2,000 award. To be considered, students must submit all paperwork by January 15. The applications are available both online as well as through the organization's national office. Scholarship winners are chosen based on a number of criteria, including financial need, academic standing and ability, future plans within the PA profession as well as past employment experience.