Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships
Key Dates
| October 14 | 2026 applications open |
|---|---|
| January 20, 2026 | 2026 applications close at 4:59 p.m. EST |
2026 Guidelines and Instructions
Pre-candidacy Scholarships
Candidacy Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded annually. Applicants may be awarded up to four awards totaling $45,000.
- Pre-candidate Phase
An annual award of $7,500 to support the coursework phase of academic research doctoral studies prior to candidacy.
- Candidate Phase
An annual award of $15,000 to support the candidacy phase of academic research doctoral studies.
Who is Eligible?
Licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants who are APTA members pursuing a PhD, EdD, DSc or other academic research degrees who intend to pursue a career in PT-related research.
Areas of Study*
Three awards recognize both academic achievement and career intentions:
- Viva J. Erikson Award for extraordinary academic merit and leadership
- Bella May Award for creative approaches to one’s doctoral education by an awardee intending to teach
- Mildred L. Wood Award for an outstanding student who intends to teach in a PT education program
Eight awards focus on specific research areas:
- Acute Care
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary (both awards)
- PT Education
- Geriatrics (both awards)
- Health Services Research/Implementation Science (both awards)
- Neurology (both awards)
- Pediatrics (candidates only)
- Pelvic Health
*Pre-candidate students only unless otherwise indicated as “both awards” or “candidates only”
FAQs
The latest FAQs about the 2026 Promotional of Doctoral Studies Scholarship.
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Appreciation
The Foundation relies on a range of contributions from APTA and its components and from the estate planning of individuals and families that have established endowment funds or contributed to funds that help make our scholarships possible. Our sincere thanks to our donors.
- Bella May Endowment Fund
- Board-designated Goergeny Fund
- Charlene Mae Nelson Endowment Fund
- Florence P. Kendall Endowment Fund
- Mildred L. Wood Endowment Fund
- Phoebe Rhomberger Endowment Fund
- St. John Family Foundation
- Viva J. Erickson Endowment Fund
Our special thanks to APTA for its support through the APTA Supporting the Profession Endowment Fund.