Policy Updates

Program enhancements or changes to NHSC program policies may occur throughout each year.  Check here for updates to the programs that apply to you.

Loan Repayment Program

Half-Time Option
A half-time option has been added that allows providers to work less than full time and receive loan repayment. Learn more

Service Credit for Teaching
The NHSC allows service credit for time spent teaching, within certain rules. For all full-time participants, up to eight (8) hours per week may be spent teaching in the clinical setting at the NHSC-approved service site. These eight (8) hours may be considered a part of a provider's direct patient care hours at the approved site.  As of February 2011, the NHSC offers an additional option for Corps members serving at HRSA-approved Teaching Health Centers (THCs). 

See Teaching Credit FAQ (PDF - 59 KB) to learn more. 

Scholarship Program

Scholar Placement HPSA Score Threshold
NHSC Scholars must fulfill their service commitments at NHSC-approved service sites in Federally-designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) of greatest need throughout the United States. Each year, a HPSA score threshold is published to determine which HPSAs are of greatest shortage for priority assignment of NHSC Scholars. Scholars are subject to the HPSA score threshold in effect during the time of their placement.  The minimum HPSA score for the 2012 Placement Cycle is 16 for all disciplines.  

NHSC-approved Sites

Service Site Reference Guide
The Service Site Reference Guide (PDF - 536 KB) is available.

May Now Hire More than One Scholar
The NHSC has reviewed its current policy on Scholar placement and will now consider site requests for up to two Scholar placements per site for all disciplines on an exceptional/case-by-case basis. To make a request, complete the Additional Scholar Request Form (PDF - 89 KB). 

Critical Access Hospitals May Now Apply
Critical Access Hospitals may now apply to become an NHSC-approved site.  For additional information, please see our NHSC Service Site Reference Guide (PDF - 543 KB) or Frequently Asked Questions (PDF - 58 KB).

Critical Access Hospital Webinar
Critical Access Hospital Announcement Webinar PowerPoint presentation is now available. (PPT - 469 KB).