Occupational Therapy Scholarship & Financial Aid

Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean's Scholarship

The Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean’s Scholarship awards two eligible new OTD students entering the Occupational Therapy program $25,000 each, which will be dispersed over the two and a half years of the program ($10,000 first year; $10,000 second year, and $5,000 third year). Application details are made available upon acceptance to the program.

OT Department Scholarships

Rockhurst University also offers some scholarships to occupational therapy students who have completed their first year of coursework.

Teresa R. LaManno Scholarship
This scholarship was created by Teresa "Terri" LaManno's family after she was senselessly killed in 2014. Terri graduated from Rockhurst University in 2006, and worked as an OT at the Children's Center for Visually Impaired (CCVI) for eight years until her death. To honor her memory and her dedication to her family and the profession of occupational therapy, one OT student facing the demands and challenges of being a parent/caregiver and a graduate student in the OT program is eligible for this scholarship annually.

Rues Family Scholarship
This scholarship is named after Jane Rues and her family. Jane came to Rockhurst University in 1990 to develop the Master of Occupational Therapy Program. The Rockhurst University Occupational Therapy Education program prides itself on developing reflective, lifelong learners who become resourceful and productive practitioners who dedicate themselves to the service of others while showing a financial need. The Rues Family created the Rues Scholarship to recognize student achievement in these areas. This scholarship was first presented in 2005. Students who will enter into the 2nd year of study in the OT professional program are invited to apply for this annual scholarship.

Emerging OT Professional Scholarship
The distinctiveness of a Rockhurst University education comes from our Jesuit heritage.  We recognize learning, leadership, and service as being cornerstones of a well-rounded liberal arts education. These foundational concepts are important in the occupational therapy profession and in our educational program. This scholarship will be awarded annually to applicants in the program who have high scholastic achievement and dedication to Rockhurst’s values.

Assistantships and Work Study Positions

Assistantships - Departments within the Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences have paid assistantships available to students for assistance with faculty research, administrative tasks, departmental initiatives, or teaching assistance.  

Paid Work Study- Graduate students can qualify for work-study funds and assist with faculty research, administrative tasks, departmental initiatives, or as a TA.   

Positions are open for applications typically at the beginning of each semester. Please reach out to the department directly for more information on openings.

Athletics Graduate Assistant

We have several openings for Athletics graduate assistants. Reporting lines vary depending on sport or assignment. GAs will report to a coach, athletic trainer, or administrator.  Specific opportunities vary from year to year, but in general, we may have GAs serve in the following areas: 

Coaching (Contact the sport head coach to inquire about an opportunity, unless noted otherwise)   

• Softball 
• Baseball 
• Women’s Volleyball 
• Men’s and Women’s Soccer 
• Men's and Women's Basketball 
• Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse 
• Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) – Contact Assistant AD for Sports Performance and Student Wellness/Head Athletic Trainer 

Administration (Contact Associate Director of Athletics, Michael Koehler, to inquire about these opportunities): 

• Event Management (setting up, breaking down, and working at game events) 
• Event Marketing and Promotion (social media and website work to enhance presence and awareness of game events and team accomplishments) 
• Event Live Streaming (event production or camera operator of broadcasts of game events) 
• Use the Athletics Staff Directory to contact the coaches or administrator. 

*All GAs are expected to coordinate expectations and schedules with the academic and clinical faculty.

Student Loans

The Financial Aid Office can help you with everything you need to know about student loans, from understanding your options to applying online. Please contact Brett Ferguson, Senior Financial Services Counselor for Graduate Students at brett.ferguson@rockhurst.edu or 816-501-4238. 

Scholarship Resources

FastWEB (Financial Aid Search Through the Web)
FastWEB is the largest and most complete scholarship search on the Internet. It provides free access to a searchable database of more than 400,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants and student loans.

AOTA Scholarship Listing  
The American Occupational Therapy Association has developed a comprehensive list of scholarship opportunities.                                  

To answer questions about what criteria are needed to renew federal, state, and institutional awards download the document.

For more information:
Office of Financial Aid
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, Mo. 64110
(816) 501-4600
(800) 842-6776
financialaid@rockhurst.edu