National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment

The purpose of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) is to recruit and retain medical, nursing, dental, and behavioral/mental health clinicians in eligible communities of need designated as Health Professional Shortage

The purpose of the NHSC LRP is to recruit and retain medical, nursing, dental, and behavioral/mental health clinicians in eligible communities of need designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). The purpose of the NHSC SUD Workforce LRP is to recruit and retain medical, nursing, and behavioral/mental health clinicians with specific training and credentials to provide evidence-based SUD treatment and counselling in eligible communities of need designated as HPSAs. The purpose of the NHSC Rural Community LRP is to recruit and retain medical, nursing, and behavioral/mental health clinicians with specific training and credentials to provide evidence-based SUD treatment in rural communities designated as HPSAs. The purpose of the NHSC S2S LRP is to enter into contracts with students who are in their last year of medical, dental, or nursing school to provide loan repayment assistance in return for a commitment to provide primary health services in eligible communities of need designated as HPSAs.

For specific program and eligibility requirements, please see: https://bhw.hrsa.gov

Primary care, oral health, mental and behavioral health and SUD professionals are eligible for the Loan Repayment Program(s). Specific specialties within these professions are selected for LRP awards based on community demand for health services.

Health/Medical, Higher Education (includes Research) NHSC LRP - Awards up to $75,000 (full-time practice) and up to $37,500 (half-time practice) for primary care medical providers assigned to a primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas and maternity care health professionals assigned to a Maternity Care Target Area of greatest need. Awards up to $50,000 for dental care and mental health care providers towards participants' qualified educational loans in exchange for 2 years of full-time practice (up to $25,000 for 2 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved service site under a written agreement with this program. NHSC SUD Workforce LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $75,000 towards applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment with qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $37,500 for 3 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. NHSC Rural Community LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $100,000 towards applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment with qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $50,000 for 3 years of half-time practice) at a rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. NHSC S2S LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $120,000 to participants in their last year of school for qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $120,000 for 6 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved service site.

Health/Medical, Higher Education (includes Research) NHSC LRP - Awards up to $75,000 (full-time practice) and up to $37,500 (half-time practice) for primary care medical providers assigned to a primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas and maternity care health professionals assigned to a Maternity Care Target Area of greatest need. Awards up to $50,000 for dental care and mental health care providers towards participants' qualified educational loans in exchange for 2 years of full-time practice (up to $25,000 for 2 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved service site under a written agreement with this program. NHSC SUD Workforce LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $75,000 towards applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment with qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $37,500 for 3 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. NHSC Rural Community LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $100,000 towards applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment with qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $50,000 for 3 years of half-time practice) at a rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. NHSC S2S LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $120,000 to participants in their last year of school for qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $120,000 for 6 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved service site.

NHSC LRP - Loan repayments for 2 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. NHSC SUD Workforce LRP - Loan repayments for 3 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. NHSC Rural Community LRP - Loan repayments for 3 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. NHSC S2S LRP- Loan repayments for 3 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. STAR LRP - Loan repayments for 6 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service.

NHSC LRP - Priority will be given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to practicing in underserved communities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, priority may be given to applicants whose training is in a health discipline or specialty determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be needed by the NHSC and who the Secretary determines are committed to serve in health professional shortage areas. NHSC SUD Workforce LRP - Priority will be given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to practicing in a NHSC SUD treatment facility in underserved communities within a HPSA. Priority is also given to applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment which has been determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be needed by the NHSC. NHSC Rural Community LRP - Priority will be given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to practicing in a NHSC Rural SUD treatment facility in an underserved communities within a HPSA. Priority is also given to applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment serving in a rural community, which has been determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be needed by the NHSC. NHSC S2S LRP- Priority will be given to applicants who have a disadvantaged background and characteristics likely to remain in a HPSA as identified by their essay and letters of recommendation.

Each application opportunity is offered on an annual application cycle. Applications that meet the basic eligibility criteria are reviewed against the priority of the program. Once HRSA determines that the application meets the eligibility requirements the following steps take place. 1) Applications are ranked by priority; 2) Application is reviewed by HRSA staff; and 3) HRSA designee countersigns the contract and award is made.

Notifications to all applicants are made no later than September 30th of the application year.

NHSC LRP and S2S LRP: Contract continuations will be considered according to the availability of appropriated funds and eligibility criteria applied to the individual and the site at which that individual is employed.