One of the biggest problems the new college graduates face is student loans. In order to finish their college education, almost 60 percent of freshmen take out student loans. Since over 20 million Americans go to college each year, 12 million of them are already buried in debt by the time they are 21 years old and out looking for a job. Today, over 37 million Americans have outstanding student loans. This is where scholarships and grants come in.
Is there a difference between a scholarship and a grant?
To apply for ultrasound technician scholarships and grants, students have a list of requirements they need to complete, usually a grade point average (GPA) they have to maintain. Other scholarships and grants will simply require that the student maintain no failing grades while they complete the undergraduate program they chose.
However, the main difference between the two is in terms of amount. Grants will give the student a set amount of money, either for an entire year or semester, which he or she can spend on school expenses. When a student is given a scholarship, he or she is not given money or a check, but rather the tuition fee is waived and a book or living allowance is given every month or every semester.
However, the main difference between the two is in terms of amount. Grants will give the student a set amount of money, either for an entire year or semester, which he or she can spend on school expenses. When a student is given a scholarship, he or she is not given money or a check, but rather the tuition fee is waived and a book or living allowance is given every month or every semester.
The SDMS Foundation
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS) is a foundation dedicated to improving sonography practice and education, through different programs – scholarships and grants included. To help aspiring sonographers finish their education, they offer the following (requirements are listed below as well):
- Scholarships: Acceptance letter or proof of enrollment, Federal Student Aid Report, Employer Affirmation (for working students)
- Certification Examination Grant: Proof of acceptance to take the ARDMS/CCI certification exam, Employer Affirmation
- Annual Conference Grant: Program Director Affirmation, Employer Affirmation
Does the money have to be returned or paid back after graduation?
A scholarship or grant is not a loan; the organization, foundation, or individual who gave it to you doesn’t expect anything monetary in return. Some sonography scholarships will require students to work for a particular place for a specified amount of time, especially if the scholarship was given by a health care institution. Sometimes, even simple thank you letters will do.
If you have a need for financial assistance, there are many scholarships and grants offered in the US, not just by SDMS. More than 200 schools with sonography programs are accredited by CAAHEP in the US, each offering specific financial assistance programs to its students. Studying doesn’t have to put you in debt, different people and organizations will be glad to fund your education as long as you keep good grades and become well-functioning sonographers in health care.
If you have a need for financial assistance, there are many scholarships and grants offered in the US, not just by SDMS. More than 200 schools with sonography programs are accredited by CAAHEP in the US, each offering specific financial assistance programs to its students. Studying doesn’t have to put you in debt, different people and organizations will be glad to fund your education as long as you keep good grades and become well-functioning sonographers in health care.