The purpose of the program: (1) provide financial assistance for the continuing professional education of allied health practitioners associated with the DAHS Divisions and the UNCH clinical services, and (2) provide supplementary financial aid to students enrolled in the Allied Health Sciences' Programs.

I. Professional Development Fund
This fund provides financial aid for the continuing education of the allied health professionals. Eligible applicants must be UNCH employees who are certified or licensed cytotechnologists, clinical laboratory scientists, radiologic technologists (radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, or diagnostic medical sonographers), occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, speech language pathologists, or audiologists whose current professional responsibilities include patient care and the clinical education /supervision of UNC_CH allied health students. Individuals with the academic rank of Instructor or above are not eligible for support.

Eligible applicants may request funds up to $300 to help cover expenses incurred attending professionally related educational activities, e.g., seminars, workshops, or credit courses. Also, unique, non-traditional, or more cost effective continuing education programs intended to reach a greater number of individuals or address a special clinical education need may merit Professional Development Fund support as well.

Funds may be requested for course tuition, registration fees, or course materials. Or, awards may be applied toward the rental, purchase, development of media or materials for education purposes. Funds may not be applied toward the purchase of major equipment. Funds may not be used for travel expenses.

Individuals interested in requesting funds should discuss the project with their division's representative on the Educational Assistance Committee before preparing and submitting a professional development application.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to explore all other avenues of support before submitting a request for funds. The maximum dollar amount per award is $300 and recipients are not eligible to reapply during the twelve months following an award.

Award recipients who use funds to attend workshops and seminars are expected to share information acquired with their colleagues and students upon return through inservice programs or other appropriate avenue. Contact a member of the Educational Assistance Committee for more information.

II. Student Educational Assistance Fund
Modest financial resources are available to students enrolled in the cytotechnology, clinical laboratory science, occupational therapy, physical therapy, radiologic science, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, rehabilitation counseling, and speech and hearing programs at UNC CH. Assistance is available through two mechanisms depending on the individual need and situation of the student.

Student Emergency Loans for up to $300 are available to students who encounter emergencies or unanticipated expenses that cannot be met with their available resources. Students are required to repay the funds borrowed, but the repayment schedule is determined by the financial situation of the individual student. In any case, repayment in full is expected within 12 months following completion of his/her current program. The loans are interest free.

Allied Health Student Fellowships are available to deserving allied health students who, in addition to having financial need and scholastic ability, exhibit characteristics of emerging professional excellence. Awards are based on the following criteria: (1) financial need, (2) academic achievement, (3) emerging professional excellence evidenced by two or more of the following: outstanding clinical performance, leadership potential, the degree of motivation and self-direction toward professional and life goals, ability to communicate well--written and oral, ability to work well with others, perceptive of thoughts and feelings of others, degree of responsibilities undertaken at own volition, interest in career related activities during enrollment, involvement in civic and academically related activities not professionally oriented.

The award is $300. Applications are accepted each academic term:

Fellowship award recipients are not eligible to apply again within the same academic year.

Forms for student Loans, fellowship, and staff professional development application are available from Division offices and/or Educational Assistance Committee Members. Students should submit the completed application to the Educational Assistance Committee member representing their Division. For more information contact: jrenner@med.unc.edu