Scholarships

The University of Cincinnati Doctor of Physical Therapy program has a variety of scholarship opportunities. 

Established in 2013 by an anonymous donor and supported by family and friends in memory of Amanda Heitkamp.  Provides tuition assistance for a second year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student who is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati Health Sciences program in the College of Allied Health Sciences. Preference will be given to a student who exhibits characteristics that Amanda Heitkamp exemplified (ie: dedication to the profession, caring, perseverance, compassion for others).  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. Department faculty nominate and vote for a second year Doctor of Physical Therapy student and the recipient is notified. 

Established in 2015 by Harold M. Thomas in honor of Beth Bextermueller, retired clinical coordinator.  Provides assistance for scholarships, stipend, and/or clinical experience support (including travel for professional or clinical experience) for candidates of the Doctoral Physical Therapy program, and/or students in the undergraduate Health Sciences program in the College of Allied Health Sciences. Students who have applied and been accepted into these programs will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.  

Established by Timothy B. and Terri A. Hollenkamp, a speech-language pathology alumna and owner of REHAB on the Run and Rehab Resources, as well as Scott and Tina Whalen with matching funds from the University of Cincinnati Health.  Recipient(s) must be enrolled in the College of Allied Health Sciences, and have a diverse background, based upon factors including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  Recipient(s) must have and maintain at least a 3.2 GPA.  Preference shall be given to a first-generation student. Scholarship is awarded based on program director nomination of eligible students.

Established February 2018 by Harold M. Thomas and Eugenia S. Thomas.  Annual spendable funds are to be divided in five equal scholarships. Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 and have been accepted as a first year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student. Scholarship shall be renewable for up to 3 consecutive years provided fund availability and student eligibility. Students who have applied and been accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship.  

Established July 2017 by Cathy A. Guenthner, owner of Guenthner Physical Therapy.  Provides tuition assistance for a student(s) enrolled or accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.  Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, based upon factors including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  If there are no eligible students, the scholarship would be open to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program. Students who have applied and been accepted into these programs will be notified if they are a recipient of this scholarship

The Graduate Incentive Scholarship is funded by the Graduate School. The appointing program sends scholarship offers to students who apply to the program, including information about the amount and duration of the award and the terms of the offer. Students must maintain all of the required eligibility requirements in their offer letter to maintain their tuition scholarship.

Graduate assistants (GAs) are, first and foremost, graduate students pursuing an education. The opportunity to work closely with faculty members and undergraduate students in teaching, research, or administrative environments is an integral part of that education.

Graduate students who hold assistantships benefit educationally and professionally. They gain further expertise in their field; enhance their research skills and develop pedagogical skills; acquire experience in leadership, interpersonal effectiveness, and performance evaluation; acquire academic administrative experience; and enjoy collegial collaborations with advisors that may result in joint publications and other professional activities. Skills learned in assistantships prepare students not only for the academy, but also for corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Assistantships also provide graduate students with the financial resources necessary to pursue their degrees. This financial support stipend, tuition remission, and benefits' are part of the university's commitment to the success of our graduate students. Tuition remission and the stipend award cover the first year of coursework. 

Graduate assistantship (GA) recipients must register for at least 12 graduate credit hours for fall and spring semester of the year they are working. The GA will work with their advisor for 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters of the first year of coursework.

The department will award assistantships to four exemplary first year graduate student that meet the high end of the requirements to get into the program: 3.0 GPA or higher, 300 GRE, and three letters of recommendations. This student should also have research and/or teaching experience.

Established in November 2008 by Scott D. and Tina F. Whalen and supported by many alumni.  Provides tuition assistance for a student(s) enrolled in the undergraduate Health Sciences program or the Doctor of Physical Therapy program (must also be a graduate of the University of Cincinnati undergraduate Health Sciences program).  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. Department faculty nominate and vote for the recipient of this scholarship.  

Established February 2018 by Rose L. Smith, DPT and Donald R. Smith who spent their careers in higher education and social services.  Provides tuition assistance to student(s) entering year 2 of their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.  Scholarship is renewable for an additional year, provided fund availability and student eligibility. Min Cumulative GPA: 3.5. Preference given to Athletic Trainers pursuing a DPT. 

Provides emergency funds for currently enrolled CAHS students who are in good standing and experiencing financial need. Recipient(s) can be undergraduate or graduate students.  Submit online Emergency Scholarship Application

Questions? Contact Lauren McCants at lauren.mccants@uc.edu

Established in 2016 by UC Health.  Recipient(s) must be enrolled in the College of Allied Health Sciences, entering their professional program. Eligible programs are: Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) (seniors), Dietetics Coordinated Program (juniors), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Advanced Medical Imaging Technology (AMIT) (juniors), Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Audiology, Master of Social Work (MSW).  Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, hold a 3.2 GPA or better and must have desire to practice in a hospital setting.  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. Scholarship is awarded based on program director nomination of eligible students. 

We've compiled a list of national scholarships opportunities.  Be sure to read through the description of each scholarship to determine if you are a good fit.  

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Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

(513) 558-7767