Financial Aid

Scholarships for UNC Clinical Laboratory Science Students

The following scholarships are available only to UNC Clinical Laboratory Science Students.  Students may apply by completing the Department of Allied Health Sciences Departmental Scholarship Application, and giving permission on that form for the selection committee to review your student file.  For scholarships with a need-based component, it may also be necessary to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  We strongly encourage all students to complete this application and file the FAFSA by March 1 each year so that you can be considered for every scholarship available to you through the department, however, applications may be submitted after that date for CLS awards, up to June 1.  Recipients will be chosen and notified by August 1 each year.  The primary criteria considered are:

• potential for contributing to the CLS profession
• academic excellence
• personal characteristics

Louise M. Ward Scholarships

A bequest from the estate of Louise M. Ward, a former director of the UNC-Chapel Hill CLS program, has provided funds to assist and reward students at UNC studying to become Clinical Laboratory Scientists. Three Louise Ward Scholars are chosen each year. Each scholar will be awarded $2000. One award is made to an entering first-year CLS student, and two are made to second-year CLS students. Each scholar is chosen based primarily on the criteria listed above, but one of the second-year awards also has a financial need component.

McLendon Labs Scholarships

Beginning in 2006, the McLendon Laboratories of UNC Hospitals is offering full tuition scholarships (plus assistance with books) for UNC CLS students who will agree to work there for two years post-graduation. This scholarship requires an application separate from the departmental application.  Information will be sent to all accepted students.

Class of 1978 Scholarship

In recognition of their 30^th anniversary, the Medical Technology Class of 1978 established a scholarship for a first- or second-year Clinical Laboratory Science student. The members of the Class of 1978 seek to support a student who will follow in their footsteps and make important contributions to the profession of clinical laboratory science.  One scholar will be chosen to receive $2000.

Raleigh Pathology Laboratory Associates Scholarships

The Raleigh Pathology Laboratory Associates/ WakeMed Scholarships were established to support the education of future laboratory professionals. By helping current CLS students with the financial burden of higher education, the RPLA/ WakeMed Scholarships seek to increase the number of highly qualified laboratory practitioners in the future.  One first-year student and one second-year student will be selected.  Each scholar will be awarded $2000.

Lanning-Taylor Scholarship

A gift from Susan Lanning-Taylor ('85), with matching funds from the Loyalty Fund, has provided for a scholarship for a second-year Clinical Laboratory Science Student.  The Lanning-Taylor Scholar will be chosen based on the criteria listed above plus financial need.  One scholar will be chosen to receive $2000.

Other Aid Sources

• College Foundation of North Carolina has links to many sources of aid and tools to help you find those for which you are eligible.
• All UNC students are eligible for assistance through the UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. When applying for aid, be sure to tell the financial counselor that you are in the Clinical Laboratory Science program.  Some scholarships may require a statement of enrollment; if you need this please contact the CLS office.

• CLS students are also eligible for aid from the Department of Allied Health Sciences' Student Services Office.
• Professional Associations such as ASCLS, ASCP and NCSCLS provide some scholarships for students enrolled in clinical laboratory education programs. The Program Director will provide information and applications to students whenever we are made aware of opportunities. ASCLS also provides a list of available awards at http://www.ascls.org/education/index.asp#Anchor-Educational-3800
• The June C. Allcott Fellows in Allied Health are chosen from those students who apply and demonstrate exemplary, ongoing or new community service. The commmunity service may be in any arena, and is not restricted to health projects. Financial need will be considered. The fellowship is valued at $3000. The proceeds may be used by the student to assist with his/her tuition and community service work as they see fit. Contact Dr. Hilger for more information and an application.
• Educational Assistance Committee (Hospital Auxiliary). Nominal financial assistance is available to full time certificate, baccalaureate, and masters students, enrolled in the Cytotechnology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Science, Radiation Therapy Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Speech and Hearing programs. Assistance is intended to be a supplementary, rather than a primary, means of support. Student aid is available through three mechanisms, depending on the individual need and situation of the student.
  
  1. Emergency/Contingency Assistance, up to $300, is available to students who encounter emergencies or unanticipated expenses that cannot be met with his/her available resources. In most instances, students are required to repay funds borrowed, but repayment schedule is determined by the financial status of the individual student.
  2. Student Loans are available to medical allied health students for $300 and must be repaid within twelve months following graduation. The loans are interest free.
  3. Fellowship Awards are available to deserving medical allied health students who, in addition to having financial need and scholastic ability, exhibit characteristics of emerging professional excellence. Each award is $300 and is intended to supplement other sources of support. Awards are made to students in their first or second (if applicable) professional year of study.