HRSA Loan Repayment?

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Specializes in Psych.

Anyone out there currently working in an HRSA high need area and having their student loans repaid by the government? Or did you apply and not receive any loan repayment for the HRSA approved sight you are working?

Just looking to hear of anyone's experience with this loan repayment program. From looking at their website there are quite a few areas of the country I'm interested in working that have high scoring HRSA sites and I was wondering what other's experience is with applying and/or receiving this repayment of student loans.

Thanks

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I was awarded the loan repayment back in 2009. I had a 2 year obligation to my site, which stretched out to almost three years since they took so long to award the grants. I started my job in July, submitted the application in September, and didn't hear anything until February. Still, the award made a tremendous difference in my life. I was able to pay off about 90% of my loans through this program. I really didn't have much to do with NHSC during my tenure at my site. I submitted my quarterly required reports and then received my "discharge papers" when I fulfilled my 2 year obligation. I have heard it is more difficult to qualify for repayment now, and not as much money is available as it was a few years ago. The application process was extremely cumbersome when I applied, but I have heard it is more streamlined now.

My site was tough. We were expected to see a very high volume of patients, and administration was not very supportive. They knew they had us captive for 2+ years and did not treat us very well. It was all about the numbers-see more and more patients. There were times I felt I was not giving the best care I could, due to that pressure. I was more than ready to leave once my obligation was fulfilled. I hope not all sites are like that, but be aware that you will likely be expected to see a high volume of patients. Still, I have no regrets. Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych.

Thanks for the insight. Does this program only assist with payback of Nursing related loans or all applicable school loans do you know? Curious because I have a BA, MS in psych and a BSN, soon MSN ed, and then will go on to a PMHNP. My loan breakdown will be about 1/2 psych and 1/2 nursing in the end. I'm used to be treated poorly by administration so this unfortunately will not be new for me. My plan is to complete the pmhnp and then hopefully get hired at a high scoring site for best chance of funding. I'm willing to relocate anywhere to get my loans repaid.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

It will only pay for nursing loans (and maybe just your PMHNP and not your MSN) and there is a maximum amount. It used to be $60,000-not sure what it is now.

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