Getting your master’s degree in any field means that you’re automatically qualified for better jobs. If you work in health administration, there are a number of different kinds of advanced degrees your can earn to help you achieve your career goals, one of which is the Masters in Health Science, or MHS. MHS degree programs are available both at typical campus colleges and through online colleges, but regardless of the source of your degree, you’ll end up with better job opportunities and a higher pay rate.

One of the main reasons why many health administrators never go on to get an MHS or other kind of advanced degree is that the cost of your education can be staggering. Even online, where you’ll typically save money on tuition cost, MHS degree programs can cost thousands of dollars, making it impossible for some would-be students to pursue higher education.

Scholarships give you the chance to get your degree without paying money out of pocket. Unlike grants, scholarships are available to all students who qualify, regardless of financial need. That’s good news for MHS students, since it’s likely that you already have a job, which might disqualify you from certain grants. Just because you have a job, though, doesn’t mean that affording education is easy.

Begin by looking for scholarships from your school. Most schools offer scholarships to students who excel in certain areas, such as academic achievement. They can also alert you to programs from outside organizations, such as alumni groups and local organizations, which sometimes have scholarship funds that aren’t highly publicized.

Organizations also offer scholarship to MHS student. When you’re getting a master’s degree, many organizations call their scholarships “fellowships,” but the idea is the same – free money for college based on merit. Some of the organizations that offer scholarships or fellowships for MHS students include the following:

• Association of School of Allied Health Professionals
• Tylenol
• National Health Service Corps
• O.C. Hubert Charitable Trust, CDC Foundation
• Society for Public Health Education

In addition, you can find college scholarships that aren’t related to a single field of study. These fellowships are available to students regardless of you program, as long as you go to an accredited school. While there are typically more applicants for these funds, if you qualify, you should apply. The more applications you fill out, the more likely you are to collect enough money to pay for college completely.

Don’t forget to also talk to your employer about scholarships and other funds for advanced education. If you already work at a hospital or other type of medical facility, your employer may have a budget allocated for employees who want to pursue a master’s degree. Combined with other scholarships, this could help you avoid student loans and out-of-pocket expenses as you work toward your MHS.