National Health Service Corps (NHSC) - For Providers

How health care providers can apply for academic loan assistance

The purpose of the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Loan Repayment Programs is to recruit and retain eligible health care providers in eligible communities of need.  

Why NHSC?

FAQs

Do I qualify to be an NHSC provider?

To qualify you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen (born or naturalized) or a U.S. national.
  • A provider (or eligible to participate as a provider) in the Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as appropriate. 
  • Fully trained and licensed to practice in the NHSC-discipline and state in which you are applying to serve. 
  • A health professional in an eligible disciple with qualified student loan debt for education that led to your degree.
  • Working at an NHSC-approved site. 
What factors determine who receives an award?

This informational video created by HRSA explains how applicants are determined. 

Will I be notified if I do/do not receive an award?

Yes. If you receive an award, you will receive notification from HRSA, and it will include your service obligation dates. If you do not receive an award, you will receive an email from HRSA no later than September 30. 

 

 

 

NHSC Loan Repayment Program 

Who is eligible?
  • Physicians (MD/DO)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NP)
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM)
  • Health Service Psychologists (HSP)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Psychiatric Nurse Specialists (PNS)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT)
  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Dentists (DDS/DMD)
  • Dental Hygienists (RDH)
Award amounts and service commitment

Full-Time Service:

  • Up to $75,000 for a two-year service obligation. This is for primary care medical providers that are assigned to work in a primary care Health Professional Shortage Area. This includes maternity care health professionals that are assigned to work in a Maternity Care Target Area. 
  • Up to $50,000 for a two-year service obligation. This is for mental and oral health care providers that are assigned to work in a mental or dental Health Professional Shortage Area. 

Half-Time Service:

  • Up to $37,500 for a two-year service obligation. This is for primary care medical providers that are assigned to work in a primary care Health Professional Shortage Area. This includes maternity care health professionals that are assigned to work in a Maternity Care Target Area. 
  • Up to $25,000 for a two-year service obligation. This is for mental and oral health care providers that are assigned to work in a mental or dental Health Professional Shortage Area. 
What sites can I work at?

You must work at an NHSC approved service site that is located within a Health Professional Shortage Area. These sites are typically outpatient facilities, that provide primary medical, oral, and/or mental and behavioral health services. 

 

NHSC SUD Workforce Loan Repayment Program 

Who is eligible?
  • Physicians (MD/DO)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NP)
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM)
  • Health Service Psychologists (HSP)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Psychiatric Nurse Specialists (PNS)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT)
  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Substance Use Disorders Counselors (SUD)
  • Pharmacists (PHARM)
  • Registered Nurses (RN)
Award amounts and service commitment

Full-Time Service:

  • Up to $75,000 for a three-year service obligation. 

Half-Time Service:

  • Up to $37,500 for a three-year service obligation. 
What sites can I work at?

You must work at an NHSC approved substance use disorder treatment facility located within a Health Professional Shortage Area. These sites are typically outpatient facilities, that provide primary medical, oral, and/or mental and behavioral health services. 

 

NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program

Who is eligible?
  • Physicians (MD/DO)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NP)
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM)
  • Health Service Psychologists (HSP)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Psychiatric Nurse Specialists (PNS)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT)
  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Substance Use Disorders Counselors (SUD)
  • Pharmacists (PHARM)
  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
Award amounts and service commitment

Full-Time Service:

  • Up to $100,000 for a three-year service obligation. 

Half-Time Service:

  • Up to $50,000 for a three-year service obligation
What sites can I work at?

You must work at an NHSC approved substance use disorder treatment facility located within a Health Professional Shortage Area. These sites are typically outpatient facilities, that provide primary medical, oral, and/or mental and behavioral health services.