Scholarships & Awards
The following are special awards and scholarships awarded annually. The Department's Honors and Awards Committee may announce others that become available during the year. In addition, the Department maintains a notebook file located in the Reading Room on other sources of financial assistance specifically for Physical Therapy students. This supplements sources available through the Financial Aid office.
- Department awards
- UTHSCSA-PTAA scholarship
- UTHSCSA scholarship
- Local awards
- State awards
- National awards
- Past UTHSCSA Award Recipients
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Certificates awarded to MPT-3 students at graduation recognize exceptional achievement in the following areas, based on performance during the professional phase of the program:
Outstanding Academic Achievement - Awarded to the student with the highest cumulative GPA in the professional phase.
Clinical Excellence - Awarded to the student showing consistent superior performance throughout clinical affiliations.
Exemplary Service to the Professional Community - Awarded to the student who has shown superior leadership abilities and who is actively involved in professional PT associations, as well as community, Department, and UTHSCSA activities or services. Active participation, as well as holding elected offices in TPTA, Central District TPTA, and APTA programs are also considered.
Exemplary Service to the Department - Awarded to a student who has an outstanding record of participation and leadership in the SPTA and other department related activities.
Outstanding Professional Growth- Shown significant improvement in one or more of the following: clinical performance, academic performance, professional involvement.
Outstanding Teaching Assistant – Awarded to student demonstrating excellent teaching skills during teaching practicum coursework.
UTHSCSA-PTAA scholarships
UTHSCSA Physical Therapy Alumni Association Student Scholarships ($500 each) – These are awarded in the Fall and Spring semesters to one PTAA student member from each MPT class. These awards are funded from the UTHSCSA-PTAA endowment for student scholarships.
UTHSCSA scholarships
Dorothy Banks Charitable Scholarships ($1000 each) – These scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in School of Allied Health Sciences programs. The primary criterion for the scholarship is financial need, although preference is given to students with higher grade point averages. During the 2000-2001 academic year, 59 scholarships were awarded to Allied Health students. Potential recipients must have applied for financial aid, and the Office of Financial Aid must verify financial need.
David Green Scholarship ($800) – The David Green Scholarship is awarded to one student enrolled in a School of Allied Health Sciences program. The primary criterion for the scholarship is financial need, although preference is given to students with higher grade point averages. Potential recipients must have applied for financial aid, and the Office of Financial Aid must verify financial need.
Bennie Schreck Charitable Trust Scholarships ($500) – These competitive scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in degree and certificate programs at UTHSCSA. Requirements for Allied Health students are:
a. Minimum UTHSCSA GPA of 3.0
b. Enrollment in 4000 level courses or scheduled completion of the educational program in 12 months.
c. Financial need verified by Office of Financial Aid (applicants must complete financial aid forms)
- Submission of a competitive essay (400-500) words on "Why I Have Chosen a Career in a Health Profession."
- Submission of at least one letter of recommendation from faculty member, not to exceed two letters.
A letter of application, essay, and letters of recommendation should be submitted to the Office of the Dean, School of Allied Health Sciences, by July 15 each year.
Local awards
Central District of Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) Scholarship ($500) – MPT1 and MPT–2 students are eligible to apply for this competitive scholarship. Requirements are:
- Membership in APTA with residence in Central District
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA in professional program
- Demonstration of personal and professional growth
- Proof of financial need, completed application, two letters of recommendation, and copy of transcripts must be submitted by March with notification of recipient in April.
State awards
Texas Society of Allied Health Professions (TSAHP) Scholarship ($250) – Beginning MPT-3 students are eligible for this competitive scholarship. Requirements are:
- High level of service to the community and health professions
- High level of scholastic achievement (minimum of 3.0 GPA in professional program)
- Documentation of future professional potential
After being nominated, the nominee completes an application form to accompany the Nomination Form completed by one of the student's professors.
- Enrolled in last year of an accredited PT Program
- Nominee has passing GPA
- Nomination letter from program ACCE documenting clinical initiative/performance and strong leadership role in TPTA, Central District, SPTA, and University activities
Nomination deadline is January 30. Recipient is notified three weeks prior to TPTA Annual Conference held in May, during which the award is presented.
George Scofield Student Award, TPTA Scholarship ($l50) – This award recognizes a student from a Texas PT School who has demonstrated outstanding service to patients, school, and profession. Requirements are:
- Enrolled in last year of an accredited PT Program
- Nominee has a passing GPA and endorsement of the Department Chair
- Nomination form and letter documenting active participation and contribution to professional organizations and community activities
Nomination deadline is January 30. Recipient is notified three weeks prior to TPTA Annual Conference held in May, during which the award is presented.
National awards
Mary McMillian Scholarships, APTA Scholarship and Plaque ($l,500) – These nationwide competitive awards are granted to each entry-level physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, and post-professional Masters degree student recipient selected. It recognizes students exhibiting superior scholastic ability and potential for future professional contribution. Requirements are:
- Enrolled in final year of study
- Demonstrates superior scholastic performance,evidence of potential contribution to physical therapy and past productivity
- Member of APTA
- Nominee must be selected by faculty and student body of the Physical Therapy Department
- Student application form completed by nominee and nomination form from the Department with support letters from a faculty member and a student representative
Nomination deadline is December l. The APTA Awards Committee makes recommendations to the APTA Board of Directors who selects recipients. Recipients receive monetary award when notified; the plaque is awarded at the APTA Annual Conference in June.
Minority Scholarship for Academic Excellence, APTA and Foundation for Physical Therapy, Inc. Scholarship ($l,000) – This nationwide competitive award acknowledges a student who demonstrates academic excellence, concerns for minority issues, and the potential for superior professional achievement. Requirements are:
a. Students in final year of professional education who are members of ethnic and racial minority groups.
b. Student must show high scholastic achievement, contribution to minority affairs and concerns, and a record of past professional and service activities that indicates potential for professional excellence.
c. Submission of application form and resume by the student with professional phase transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
Application deadline is in early January with the award presented at APTA Annual Conference in June.
Past UTHSCSA Award Recipients
Mary McMillian Scholarship, APTA 1988 Tammy Sosolik 1992 Margaret Martinovich 1993 Jose Santos |
Warren C. Smyth Scholarship, TPTA 1981 Charles C. Martin 1983 Susan Krouse 1986 Melissa J. Briley 1993 Jose Santos
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George Scofield Student Award, TPTA 1981 Robert C. Kunkel 1982 Nina Snyder 1987 Laurie Brown 1989 Jennifer Astbury |
National Hispanic Scholar Award 1993 Jose Santos 1993 Shannon Pena 2002 Claudia Ramos 2003 Claudia Ramos 2004 Claudia Ramos 2004 Karrie Johnson
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MedRec Research Award 1997 Michael Geelhoed and Jennie Willingham 1997 Richard Kyle and Stuart Saunders 1997 Matthew Holland and Scott Fontenot 1997 Carolyn Karlin and Cathleen Sanders 1998 Charles Hardy, Lori Wilson, 1998 Amy Klepzig, Susan Denham, 1998 Am Thomas Stacy Thornton, 1998 Patricia Brady, Dan Falchetti, 1998 Angelica Garcia, Andrea Klepzig, 1998 Jennifer Rorbeson and Katie Thomas |
Central District TPTA Scholarship 1988 Kim Strauss 1989 Jennifer Astbury 1990 Lisa Williams 1991 Tim Ahern 1992 Daniel Paulson 1993 Denise Gobert 1996 Wendy Salome 1998 Michael Geelhoed 2000 Lori Mendez 2001 Andrew Morgan 2002 Emily Berman 2003 Melissa Clifton 2004 Jenifer Campbell 2004 Carissa Pool
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Texas Education Grant 1997 Jenny Martin |
APTA Minority Scholarship 1994 Denise Gobert and Anita Clvillo-Dietz
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School of Allied Health Scholarship 1993 Nathan Goff |
UTHSCSA, PT Student Scholarship 1998 Nancy Fielman
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Texas Society AH Professions Scholarship 1991 Denise Nance 1992 Margaret Martinovich 1993 Jon Esmonde |
Women’s Faculty Association 2000 Amy Tefertiller 2002 Christine Rogers 2004 Melissa Simon
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Ambassador Scholarship – SAHS 1993 Denise Gobert 2002 Michelle Wood
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Banks Allied Health Scholarship 2003 Mark De Anda 2004 Mark De Anda 2004 Michael Beville 2004 Ramon Billescas 2004 Emille Castillo-Angers 2004 Damaris Hernandez 2004 Lauren Hopkins 2004 Mary Krawietz 2004 Melissa Long 2004 Tiffany Moore 2004 Carissa Pool 2004 Sylvia Rodriguez 2004 Stacey Schiurring 2004 Tonya Stevens 2004 Michael Sullivan 2004 Rebecca Thomann 2004 Amanda Zwahr |
Bennie Schreck Charity Trust Scholarship 1994 Ruth Cummings 1994 Janice Neugebauer 2003 Kathryn Robinson 2004 Stacey Schiurring 2004 Baldemar Briones 2004 Damaris Hernandez 2004 Olivia Weisinger
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STARS 2004 Sylvia Rodriguez |
