Financial aid to be able to go to college is incredibly important, particularly given the economic situation that is prevalent in the United States at this time. However, depending on student loans is not ideal, particularly since you will eventually have to pay them back. It is much better to use scholarships to further your education.
The Foundation For Surgical Technology
The Foundation for Surgical Technology offers several different scholarships. In order to be considered, you need to be enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited technology program, AND to be a member in good standing of the Association for Surgical Technology, also known as AST. There are also available funds for current Surgical Technologists who are pursuing an advanced education in this, or a similar, field.
You might be able to receive a scholarship if you are planning a medical missionary trip when you are done with your education. To apply, or for more information, visit their website at http://www.ffst.org/
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
NBSTSA has scholarships for student Surgical Technologists, in the amounts of either 500 or 1000 dollars each year. In order to be considered, you will have to provide:
1) Proof that you have enrolled in, and are attending, a NBSTSA recognized surgical technology or surgical assisting program.
2) An official transcript of your cumulative GPA, on a 4.0 scale
3) An application that is completely, accurately, and honestly filled out, including any sections that have to be filled our by staff at your school.
4) Letter of Recommendation from someone who is familiar with you and your skills
5) An essay between 1200-1500 words, detailing how you plan to use your education
To get an application, you’ll need to go to their website at: http://www.nbstsa.org/. Deadlines do apply, so you should apply as soon as possible.
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Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology/Surgical Assisting
This organization gives at least two scholarships each year in sums up to a thousand dollars. Future Surgical Technologists should submit all of the required information by February 28, 2011, and in addition to the standard qualifications for this type of scholarship, should have at least a 3.0 GPA. Their website is: http://www.arcst.org/2011_scholarship.htm
It’s important to note that you may be eligible for more than one scholarship, and that it may be possible to qualify for certain scholarships that do not discriminate on what you are majoring in. Therefore, you should always speak to the financial aid office at your school to find out about scholarships that they know about, since scholarships are not always well advertised. It is often possible to use a scholarship along with other financial aid, or for your scholarship to defray the cost of what you, or your family, are responsible for out of pocket. Finally, applying for as many scholarships as possible means that you will have the possibility for as many scholarships as possible.
