Mary McMillan Scholarship Award

Name: Mary McMillan Scholarship Award

Award Amount: Up to $5,000

Information And Eligibility:
The Mary McMillan Scholarship Award is a prestigious, nationally recognized honor presented by the American Physical Therapy Association to outstanding physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students who are nearing completion of their professional education. Named after Mary McMillan, a pioneering figure in physical therapy and the association’s first president, the award reflects APTA’s commitment to academic excellence, professional leadership, and service to the profession.

This scholarship is reserved for students in the final phase of their education who have demonstrated exceptional achievement both inside and outside the classroom. Recipients are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of scholastic performance, leadership ability, professional engagement, and contributions that advance physical therapy practice, education, or research. The award is not solely based on grades; it recognizes students who actively contribute to the profession through service, advocacy, scholarly activity, and involvement at the institutional or association level.

Eligibility is limited to students enrolled in CAPTE-accredited physical therapy or physical therapist assistant programs who are within 12 months of degree completion. Each academic program may nominate only one PT student and one PTA student per award cycle, making institutional nomination a critical and competitive step in the process. Nominees must be members of APTA in good standing and demonstrate meaningful participation in professional activities, including service to APTA at the student, component, or national level.

The Mary McMillan Scholarship Award serves both as financial support and as a significant professional distinction. Recipients are recognized as emerging leaders in the field and often go on to contribute to clinical practice, education, research, and professional governance. Award funds may be applied toward education-related expenses and help offset costs during the final year of training.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program.
• Must be within 12 months of completing the degree program.
• Must be a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association in good standing.
• Must be nominated by the academic program, with only one PT and one PTA nominee allowed per institution.
• Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service to the profession.

Application Requirements:

• Completed student application form submitted by program faculty.
• Verification of current enrollment.
• One personal essay as outlined in the official application.
• Two letters of support, including one faculty letter and one student body letter.

Deadline: December

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