HRSA/NHSC, loan repayment

You need to go to the national student loan database (google it) and print out all of your loans that you have acquired for nursing school once you finish. Send that information to HRSA (they should have an address) along with the supporting documentation that shows where you work. The committment is made to HRSA that you will work at least 2 years at your place of employment. Based on your financial needs they will award you. I actually received an award letter but it stated that due to a lack of funds they could not award me. So I have to try again. You must start early with gathering your information.

From what I understand, there are 2 ways to go about it. You can apply while you are still in school, but then you are obligated to go wherever they send you. Or, you can wait til you graduate, and try and get a job at an HRSA designated site. I applied after I graduated and got a job at a community health center that was designated as a high need area. I'm still waiting to hear if I've received the award.

It's quite a cumbersome process. You have to fill out an application, supply documentation for all your loans, write a personal statement, and get up to 4 letters of reference. You need to supply evidence of your employment, degree, certification, and licensure. When all was said and done I sent them over 30 pages of documents. They'd probably have more money to award if there wasn't so much paperwork involved...lol. People who work at centers with a higher score are given priority. Scores are basically a reflection of how underserved the particular population is in a given area. If you receive an award you are then obligated to complete a two year service commitment, or they want the money back.

I'm not sure if it's bette to apply before or after graduation, but it's certainly worth looking into. Go to their web site and see what you can find.

Good luck!

I remember someone came to my school when I was in NP school and spoke about the NHS scholar program. Maybe that's different from the loan forgiveness program.....I wish I still had the info but that got thrown out after graduation!!

Good luck to you. I hope you find the info you need.

According to the website at http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/, applicants must have advanced credentials in a primary care discipline (MD, DDS, LSW, PCNP,CNM, etc). The information for applicants states that applicants must already possess advanced certification and have graduated from an accredited MSN, Post-MSN, or doctoral program.

Just found out today I was awarded a grant through this program! The million pages of paperwork were worth it!!!

I was told by someone loosely affiliated with NHS that they have a lot of money right now, through Obama's stimulus program. If the NHS scholar program still exists, I'd look into it now!