APAO Physician Assistant Scholarship

Name: APAO Student Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,500

Information and Eligibility:
The APAO Student Scholarship is a competitive academic award offered by the (APAO) to support Physician Assistant students who demonstrate a clear and sustained interest in pursuing a career in oncology. This scholarship is specifically intended for PA students who are in the clinical phase of their training and approaching graduation, a critical period when students are refining their professional focus and preparing to enter specialized practice environments.

Oncology is a demanding and rapidly evolving field that requires strong clinical reasoning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The APAO Student Scholarship recognizes PA students who have shown academic strength, intellectual curiosity, and early engagement with cancer-related care, research, or patient advocacy. Applicants do not need to have completed an oncology clinical rotation to be eligible, though exposure to oncology through coursework, electives, shadowing, research, or professional interest is strongly encouraged and may strengthen an application.

This scholarship also reflects APAO’s broader mission of supporting the development of future oncology practitioners and reducing financial barriers during professional training. As part of this commitment, APAO provides free student membership, and all scholarship applicants are automatically enrolled as APAO Student Members at no cost. This allows applicants to access educational resources, professional development opportunities, and oncology-focused networking early in their careers.

Applicants must be in good academic standing and must not have previously received a PA Foundation scholarship or any other specialty organization scholarship. The selection committee conducts a holistic review of each application, considering academic performance, the quality and clarity of personal statements, demonstrated interest in oncology, and the strength of supporting references. Attention is also given to the applicant’s readiness to transition into oncology-focused clinical practice after graduation.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be an AAPA member or applicant.
• Must be a PA student in the final year of an ARC-PA-accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Must be in the clinical phase, having completed or nearly completed basic science coursework.
• Must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in oncology.
• An oncology clinical rotation is encouraged but not required.
• Must not have previously received a PA Foundation or specialty organization scholarship.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• If enrolled in a pass/fail program, the program director or designee must provide a written explanation of the grading system.

Application Requirements:

• Completed scholarship application form (typed; electronic submission preferred).
• Two personal statements, each no more than 500 words.
• One official or signed unofficial transcript from the PA program.
• Completed Program Director or Designee Reference Form (submitted separately).
• One letter of reference from a healthcare professional who can attest to the applicant’s interest in oncology.

Deadline: April

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