If you are pursuing a career as a physician, dentist, optometrist, physician assistant, or clinical psychologist, the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) can cover your tuition and fees for up to four years and provide a monthly stipend. Read further!
Additionally, the Navy reimburses all required books and equipment for your professional school.
Over a four-year program, this scholarship could be worth over $300,000. After graduation, you will serve as a commissioned officer in the Navy, with a service commitment of a minimum of two years on active duty or one year for each year of the scholarship, whichever is longer.
For physicians or dentists in residency training for critical specialities, the Financial Assistance Program (FAP) covers educational tuition, provides a monthly stipend, reimburses required books and equipment, and offers an annual grant of $45,000.
Overview of the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is one of the most comprehensive scholarships available for current and future medical students, significantly aiding in the payment for an advanced medical degree.
School Curriculum
As an HPSP recipient, your medical school experience will largely mirror that of your civilian peers, but with the addition of unique military electives and specialized training to prepare you for a role as an officer in the U.S. Military.
You will take the same classes as your peers, not need to wear a uniform to class, and will not be pulled away for deployments.
Scholarship Details
HPSP provides two-, three-, and four-year military scholarships covering civilian medical school tuition, fees, and a monthly living stipend, varying by Service branch. Some scholarships also include a signing bonus.
The program is available through the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with consistent benefits across all branches.
Selection boards review applicants’ leadership, extracurricular activities, fitness, grades, and scores to identify those most likely to succeed in both medical school and the military.
Tuition and Pay
The HPSP covers tuition, provides a living stipend, and reimburses required books, equipment, and supplies.
Upon acceptance, your Service branch will coordinate with your medical school to cover tuition, and you will begin receiving your stipend through direct deposit on the 1st and 15th of each month.
During the 45-day annual training period, you will receive the same active-duty pay and benefits as a second lieutenant in the Army and Air Force or an ensign in the Navy.
Specialized Officer Training
Unlike your civilian peers, you will attend officer training for your Service branch and participate in annual training periods.
These 45-day periods may include research rotations or clinical rotations at military hospitals, during which you will wear a uniform. Administrative staff will keep you informed about deadlines and requirements during your training.
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Health Professions Scholarship Program Eligibility
HPSP Scholarship Eligibility:
- Accepted to or enrolled in an AMA or AOA school of medicine in the US or Puerto Rico.
- Accepted to or enrolled in an ADA school of dentistry in the US or Puerto Rico.
- Accepted to or enrolled in an accredited optometry or physician assistant master’s program in the US or Puerto Rico.
- In the first year of didactic education for a Ph.D. or PsyD degree in clinical psychology from an APA-accredited school in the US or Puerto Rico (application deadlines vary but are not before February of the first year of didactic education).
- A U.S. citizen (dual citizenship is not permitted).
- Physically qualified for commissioning as a Navy officer.
- Must not be older than 42 at the time of entering active duty after completing your education.
FAP Scholarship Eligibility:
- A U.S. citizen (dual citizenship is not permitted).
- Physically qualified for a commission in the U.S. Navy.
- Accepted into an accredited residency training program in a speciality needed by the Navy.
Application Checklist
- Determine eligibility.
- Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores.
- Apply concurrently with your medical school applications to avoid increased competition.
- Contact recruiters for the Services that interest you (Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Schedule a preliminary interview with your recruiter.
- Complete separate applications for each Service of interest.
- Schedule a physical examination at a Military Entrance Processing Station.
- Complete your application upon acceptance to an accredited medical school.
- A selection board will evaluate your application.
- If accepted by multiple Services, choose your preferred branch.
For active-duty service members, ROTC members, or Service academy cadets, the application process is similar but requires additional steps such as requesting a contingent release from active duty and submitting an education delay form.
Active-duty enlisted members or officers need a Letter of Approval from their commander, and Reserve members must obtain permission from their commanding officer.
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