The international need for physician’s assistants has hit such levels that the nation of Australia has sent recruiters all over to seek them out. Many experienced American PA’s are in such demand domestically that they often work two jobs to meet the need. The salaries have escalated to where one can get $75,000 a year with a few years experience, a two year degree and certification, often financed with the help of grants online opportunities.

Still, the current economy is holding an incredible number of potential candidates back as they are unaware of these sources of funding. The cost of tuition has been rising faster than the current rate of inflation and even on a two to three year program (much less a Bachelor’s) many people are highly hesitant of facing a decade or more of student loans in order to enter the profession.

As it happens, the main professional society for physician’s assistants, the American Academy of Physician’s Assistants, states it is very possible for a student to not take out any loans at all. They report an astonishing series of programs out there to assist students in getting an education. With a little research and advice from a career counselor, the Academy feels one can have it all paid for. This is some of the ways they say one can do it:

(1) Federal and State Government – By that they don’t mean just the standard grants for online college The Academy notes many of its students are working women, thus entitled to Working Mom grants for starters. As it turns out, the armed services and government agencies like AmeriCorps will also be glad to educate physician’s assistants for several years’ service, depending on the branch. Students (and their parents) should also look into programs like the SEOG, Pell, Hope and ACG, as well as a group of new tax credits President Obama has put through this year.

(2) Internships – There’s actually a way one can end up being paid to learn. Many major medical institutions have put together work-study/internship programs as a way to fill their ranks. This usually involves taking courses with an online college and then clocking into the job when not studying. One should check in with the HR departments of hospitals and see what they have to say as this accomplishes the dual goals of hands on experience with book education.

(3) Professional Societies – The Agency itself gives $1,000 a year to a number of student physician assistants. They also note that many of their sister professional groups, mainly from specialized areas such as oncology, have similar programs. If anyone knows what the current job conditions are, it’s them.

(4) Corporate Scholarships and Grants – A number of private, for-profit companies also put in their fair share of financial assistance. For example, the Tylenol Scholarship awards over $250,000 a year to medical students of all stripes and colors, including physician’s assistants.

(5) Ethnic, Religious and other Fraternal Societies – The Academy points out that organizations such as the Elk’s Club, National Organization for Women, American Legion, the United Negro College Fund and even the Girls Scouts will pitch in several hundred dollars per group. Any port in a storm, as they used to say and the need for PAs is so huge it’s at tsunami level.

Finding information on scholarship and grant online possibilities just requires a bit of time and some narrowing down of the myriad of choices. Not every person will be eligible for every one, so finding the scholarships and grants that fit your situation may take a few extra minutes, but end up saving an amazing amount of money.