Millions of Americans do not have access to health care because they live where there are not enough health professionals to meet basic needs. Shortages of health professionals suggest many more may soon find themselves unable to see a primary health care provider when they need one.
HRSA health professions loan repayment, scholarship and loan programs help to encourage and enable clinicians to work in underserved areas.
Application Bulletin (PDF - 155 KB) describes HRSA scholarship and loan repayment programs, including who is eligible to apply and when the application opens.
National Health Service Corps
Competitive program for primary care medical, dental and mental health clinicians working at approved NHSC facilities in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Full-time clinicians working at high-need sites can receive $50,000 for their initial 2-year commitment and may be eligible to apply for additional years of support to repay their student loans. Part-time opportunities also available.
NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program
Registered nurses including advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, working in a Critical Shortage Facility can receive 60 percent of their total qualifying nursing education loan balance for 2 years of service. Full-time nurse faculty working at accredited public or private non-profit schools of nursing are also eligible. For an optional third year of service, participants may receive an additional 25 percent of their original total qualifying nursing education loan balance. Read more about NURSE Corps.
Faculty Loan Repayment Program
Degree-trained, health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds serving on the faculty at accredited health professions' college or university can receive $40,000 plus a tax benefit for 2 years of service to prepare future clinicians.
Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program
The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program awards full scholarships, including allotments for educational expenses and living stipends, to Native Hawaiians who are enrolled in health care programs. Recipients of the scholarships must agree to practice for a two-year period at an eligible health care facility in the state of Hawaii.
National Health Service Corps
Students committed to primary care and enrolled in allopathic or osteopathic medical, dental, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife training programs can receive tuition, fees, other educational costs and a living stipend, tax-free, for as many as 4 years in exchange for an equal number of years (2-year minimum) service at an approved facility in a high-need underserved area.
NURSE Corps Scholarship Program
Students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in accredited RN or graduate nursing training programs, located in the U.S. can receive tuition, fees, other educational costs and a living stipend in exchange for a minimum 2 year service after graduation at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program was formerly the Nursing Scholarship Program. More about NURSE Corps
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
Need-based, competitive program. Must be enrolled in and apply for aid to participating health professions program.
Loans for Disadvantaged Students
Need-based, competitive program. Must be enrolled in and apply for aid to participating school of allopathic, osteopathic, podiatric or veterinary medicine or dentistry, optometry, or pharmacy.
Health Professions Student Loans
Need-based, competitive program. Must apply for aid to participating school and pursue degree in dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, or podiatric or veterinary medicine.
Nursing Student Loans
Need-based, competitive program. Must pursue diploma, associate, baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing and apply for aid to participating school.
Primary Care Loans
Need-based, competitive program. Must pursue degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine and apply for aid to participating school.
Find out which financial aid you might be eligible for. Choose what best describes you. |