About Nursing Education Loan Repayment

NELRP is a competitive program that repays 60 percent of the qualifying nursing educational loan balance of Registered Nurses (RNs) selected for funding in exchange for 2 years of service at a critical shortage facility. Participants may be eligible to work a third year and receive an additional 25 percent of the qualifying nursing educational loan balance.

The NELRP is authorized by Section 846(a) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. The purpose of the NELRP is to assist in the recruitment and retention of professional RNs dedicated to providing health care in facilities with a crucial shortage of nurses and to provide an opportunity for RNs to consider a career in such facilities. The program offers RNs substantial economic assistance to repay a portion of their qualifying nursing educational loans in exchange for full-time service at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses.

If you are selected to participate in the NELRP, you enter into a contract with the U.S. Government. There are serious consequences for breaching this contract. Please read the 2009 Applicant Information Bulletin carefully before deciding to apply to the NELRP.

You may be eligible to apply if you meet all of the following requirements by the next application due date:

• Has received a baccalaureate or associate degree in nursing (or an equivalent degree), a diploma in nursing or a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing in a State;
• Has outstanding qualifying educational loans obtained for qualifying nursing education leading to a degree or diploma in nursing as specified above;
• Has completed the nursing education program for which the loan balance applies;
• Is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.;
• Is employed full-time (32 hours or more per week) at a critical shortage facility;
• Has a current permanent unrestricted license as an RN in the State in which he/she intends to practice or is authorized to practice in that State pursuant to the Nurse Licensure Compact (Please refer to the Nurse Licensure Compact State listing ; and  has submitted a complete electronic application and banking information through BCRSIS, all required supplemental forms (including the “BCRSIS Receipt of Submission”), and all required supporting documentation by the NELRP application deadline.

You are not eligible to apply if you:

• Has any judgment liens against his/her property arising from a debt owed to the United States.  Debtors with judgment liens for Federal debts are ineligible to receive Federal financial assistance.  Please be advised that a credit check will be conducted as part of the application process; 
• Has an existing service obligation (see Definition of Terms) that will not be satisfied by the application deadline;
• Has defaulted on any Federal payment obligations (e.g., Health Education Assistance Loans, Nursing Student Loans, FHA Loans, Federal income tax liabilities, etc.) or non-Federal payment obligations (e.g., court-ordered child support payments), even if he/she is currently considered to be in good standing by that creditor;
• Has defaulted on a prior service obligation to the Federal government or a State or local government, even if he/she subsequently satisfied that obligation through service, monetary payment or other means;
• Had any Federal or non-Federal debt written off as uncollectible or had any Federal service or payment obligation waived;
• Is currently excluded, debarred, suspended, or disqualified by a Federal agency from participating in a covered transaction;
• Works for nurse staffing agencies or travel nurse agencies;
• Works on an "as needed" basis (this includes PRNs, Pool Nurses, or other RNs who are not scheduled in a full-time capacity by NELRP definition);
• Has a temporary or inactive RN license;
• Is a licensed practical/vocational nurse;
• Is a nursing faculty member employed full-time in an educational institution; or
• Is self-employed.

Past Awards
During the past three funding cycles, all funded applicants were employed under First Funding Preference, which is awarded to applicants with greatest financial need who work in:

• Disproportionate Share Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Federally Designated Health Centers
• Federally Designated Migrant Health Centers
• Public Health Departments
• Rural Health Clinics
• Indian Health Service Health Centers

In FY 2008, NELRP received 6,078 eligible applications and made 232 initial (2 year) Awards and 203 amendment (3 year) awards. Total obligated funds: $18,898,427.87 this includes $1,342,990.95 Employer Tax paid. FY 2008 Awards by State

In FY 2007, NELRP received 4,711 eligible applications and made 315 initial (2-year) awards and 271 amendment (3-year) awards. Total obligated funds: $18,373,815.48 this includes $1,300,734.43 Employer Tax paid. FY 2007 Awards by State

In FY 2006, NELRP received 4,222 eligible applications and made 373 initial (2-year) awards and 242 amendment (3-year) awards. Total obligated funds: $18,134,846.19 this includes $1,109,807.27 Employer Tax paid. FY 2006 Awards by State

In FY 2005, NELRP received 4,465 eligible applications and made 599 initial (2-year) awards and 204 amendment (3-year) awards. Total obligated funds: $19,033,673. FY 2005 Awards by State