Medical assistants are health professionals working in clinical settings to support the work of physicians and other health professionals. Also referred to as clinical assistants, they become certified through medical assistant degree programs offered by accredited institutes. Though such courses are abundantly available, there are some students who have to worry about financing their education. Dedicated to all such students, this article intends to provide information about different types of financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, and financial aid which are available for students wanting to pursue medical assistant courses.

Scholarships
Awarded based on different criteria like merit, financial need, and academic performance, scholarships can be availed by those wanting to earn their medical assistant degree. Some scholarships cover the entire tuition fee while others only provide initial financial help. These scholarships are offered by a wide range of organizations, such as non-profit organizations, state and local governments, employers, religious entities, and universities across the country.

Because of the niche nature of the field of study, finding medical assistant scholarships can be challenging. However, if you are watchful enough and know online sources that offer comprehensive information on financial aid opportunities there for the taking, then it is altogether a different scenario. You would not face any difficulty finding financial aids for your medical assistant degree. Following are some of the websites that serve as reliable sources of information regarding scholarships offered to those interested in becoming medical assistants:

• College board
• Fastweb
• Peterson’s
• Scholarships.com
• Unigo.com

Grants
Grants are based typically on the financial need of a student. Two main federal grant programs available for students wanting to pursue a medical assistant degree are The Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. The Pell Grant is for students who have not completed a bachelor’s or a professional degree. The amount of this grant offered is subject to the student’s enrollment status and the cost of the medical assisting program.

Steps to get scholarships and grants

• Students first need to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines their eligibility for financial aid.
• You need to become competitive candidates in order to avail medical assistant scholarships, which are limited.
• Get organized and develop a list of targeted scholarships.
• Get all the documents together and prepare yourself for scholarship applications.