Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts Expands Scholarship Program to 10 Awards for Advanced Practice Clinicians

For the second consecutive year, Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts, a leading provider of continuing medical education, will award scholarships to adult learners enrolled in Nurse Practitioner (NP), Physician Assistant (PA), and Registered Nurse (RN) programs at accredited U.S. universities. The organization has increased the number of scholarships from four to ten, with each award valued at $500. Applications are open until March 31, 2027, and winners will be announced on April 30, 2027.

The expansion follows an overwhelming response in 2026, when more than 1,500 applications were submitted for just four scholarships. "The overwhelming interest made it clear that NPs, PAs, and RNs need greater financial support as they pursue their education," said Chuck Dillehay, creator of Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts. "By expanding the program to 10 scholarships, we will ease some of that financial burden and support more healthcare professionals."

This news matters because it directly addresses a critical barrier to entry and advancement in healthcare: the cost of education. With this expansion, the program is injecting $5,000 into the pipeline of advanced practice providers, helping to offset expenses such as tuition, books, and program fees. These funds can make the difference for students who might otherwise delay or abandon their educational goals, ultimately contributing to a more robust healthcare workforce. The scholarship is open to adult learners, a group that often balances education with work and family responsibilities, making financial assistance particularly impactful.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts to support the healthcare community. Since its founding in 2011, the organization has become one of the most popular and fastest-growing CME events in the country. According to the organization, 25,628 nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians have attended its conferences, learning from 160 speakers at 106 CME conference sites and earning nearly 680,000 CME credit hours. This track record demonstrates a sustained commitment to the professional development of healthcare providers.

For Texas, which faces its own challenges in healthcare access and workforce shortages, supporting the education of NPs, PAs, and RNs is especially important. These professionals are often on the front lines of care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. By easing the financial burden of education, this scholarship program helps ensure that more qualified clinicians are available to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.

Students interested in applying can find more information and submit their applications through Bold.org. The application requires candidates to provide insight into their motivation for pursuing advanced education and describe how the scholarship will personally benefit them. This approach not only identifies candidates with financial need but also those with a clear sense of purpose and dedication to their field.

To learn more about the CME conferences offered by Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts, visit SkinBonesCME.com. The organization's investment in both continuing education and scholarship support underscores its role as a catalyst for healthcare excellence. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, initiatives like this scholarship program are vital for ensuring a well-prepared and sustainable workforce.