Scholarships

Scholarships for Respiratory Care Students

Students in the University of Mary Respiratory Therapy Program are invited to apply for the scholarships listed below. Applications typically require an essay and/or letter of reference. Essay responses should attempt to let the reviewer know who you are, your background, and what you are planning to do in your future endeavors. Recipients should always take time to write a “Thank You” note to the donor for a scholarship as they enjoy knowing how their contribution has helped you attain your educational goals.

Essay Writing Tips

Read, read, and read again! Read the instructions for each scholarship a few times just to make sure you truly understand what the scholarship requirements are and what it is asking you to write about.
Research the organization offering the scholarship. It may give you an idea what the committee is looking for.
Draft an outline once you understand the scholarship topic, making sure to fully encompass every portion of the topic.
When you write the essay, elaborate from your outline, but don’t go overboard! Use succinct and straightforward language throughout the essay.
Don’t brag! Highlight your achievements without boasting, but don’t restate what is already in your resume.
Proofread! Your essay may be disqualified if you misspell or misuse words or phrases.

Scholarship Thank You Note Tips

Thank the donor or scholarship. Sincerely express your gratitude.
Illustrate with specific details how the scholarship helped your pursue your college, career, and life goals.
Take your time to ensure your letter has correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
See an example template here

Available Scholarships

As a respiratory therapy student, you are eligible to apply for scholarships through CHI St. Alexius Health:

Tuition Sponsorship Program

Looking for a way to jumpstart your career without having to take on the burden of student loan debt? Explore the CHI St. Alexius Health Tuition Sponsorship Program! Get your schooling paid for AND a guaranteed job after graduation.

Must be:

College Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
Have interest in respiratory therapy
Be willing to work in Bismarck
1-2 year schooling sponsored = 3 yr work commitment

Applications open in September

Brita Eriksen Memorial Scholarship - $1,500

The Brita Eriksen Memorial Scholarship was established by Dr. Johan Eriksen in memory of his wife, Brita. The scholarship is for students attending health education programs conducted by or associated with CHI St. Alexius Health. It’s also offered to a CHI St. Alexius Health associate who is paying for their continuing education while employed at CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck. Such programs may include radiology, medical technology, anesthesiology and respiratory therapy.

https://www.chistalexiushealth.org/bismarck-foundation/scholarship-opportunities

Sanford Health would love to help you achieve your career goals as an RT. The RT Sponsorship is financial assistance to support tuition and other expenses while you progress through your schools RT program. Upon graduation, Sanford and the sponsored student will partner for a full time employment commitment at Sanford Health as an RT for two or three years. Current students are eligible to apply. This sponsorship can be used in conjunction with other financial aid

Additionaltiona Scholarship opportunities at Sanford Health:

North Dakota Society for Respiratory Care

Morris Opp Scholarship - $750.00

As a respiratory therapy student enrolled in a ND Respiratory Therapy Education Program, you are eligible to apply for the Morris Opp Scholarship

https://www.ndsrc.org/morris-opp-scholarship

Morris Opp was a respiratory therapist at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND from October, 1983 to May, 1987. He completed respiratory therapy school at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD in 1977 and became a registered respiratory therapist in 1979. After completing the RT program he then completed his Bachelors Degree at Augustana College also in Sioux Falls. Morris worked as a respiratory therapist in South Dakota until beginning work at MeritCare Hospital. Morris had been previously diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, but at the time he joined the staff at MeritCare, he was in remission.

Morris eventually moved into a position as supervisor of the RT float team. He was well respected by his employees and peer associates as a therapist and as a leader within the department. Morris was active in our professional organization as well, serving as the treasurer of the Dakota Society for Respiratory Therapy during the mid-1980's.

In 1987, hoping for a cure for his Hodgkin's disease, Morris pursued the possibility of a bone marrow transplant. A transplant was performed in Omaha, Nebraska in May of 1987. Following the surgery, and the subsequent chemotherapy, Morris developed numerous complications, from which he did not recover. Morris died on May 12, 1987. Morris is remembered by those who knew him for his love of life and positive attitude, his awesome sense of humor, and the way he treated others with a sense of respect and fairness. In honor of his memory as a respected professional and friend, the North Dakota Society for Respiratory Care established the Morris Opp Scholarship, which is presented annually to a deserving student enrolled in a respiratory care program in North Dakota.

As a respiratory therapy student, you are also eligible to apply for scholarships through the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC). The American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF)offers three scholarships for undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited respiratory care education program.

Undergraduate Awards:

https://arcfoundation.org/how-we-give/student-awards/

The Morton B. Duggan, Jr. Memorial Education Recognition Award is open to students in any state, with preference given to candidates from Georgia and South Carolina. The scholarship is awarded in an amount up to $1000.
Students who receive the Jimmy A. Young Memorial Education Recognition Award will be awarded up to $1000 in memory of Jimmy A. Young, a past president of the AARC. Preference is given to students of minority origin.
Up to $2500 may be awarded through the NBRC/AMP Robert M. Lawrence, MD Education Recognition Award, which is open to students in their third or fourth year of an accredited respiratory care education program leading to a Baccalaureate degree.

Graduate Awards:

The ARCF offers the following Education Recognition Awards to respiratory therapists who are pursuing an advanced degree. All awards include a certificate of recognition, coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration for the AARC Congress.

https://arcfoundation.org/how-we-give/student-awards/#postgrad-awards

The NBRC/AMP Gareth B. Gish, MS, RRT Memorial Postgraduate Education Recognition Award honors the memory of a pioneer in the respiratory care profession and carries a monetary award of up to $1500.
The William F. Miller, MD Postgraduate Education Recognition Award was established by Dr. Miller to recognize postgraduate achievement in the profession and also carries a monetary award of up to $1500.

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