NHSC loan repayment program with HPSA 12 at FQHC

marigoldey · Dec 22, 2015

I thought I would reply and list my experience (even though different). I applied for the HRSA Nursing Loan Repayment program as an RN at a FQHC with a HPSA score of 19 last February 2015. I am in the rural NW. I realize you are asking about the NHSC program as a provider, but in many ways, it appears they calculate eligibility similarly. At any rate - it took 7 months of waiting. Two weeks before the review period was over, I received a short email stating I was not selected, but no reasoning given. So far, the HRSA site has not updated their website to indicate what HPSA score was the cutoff for the 2015 applicant pool (2014 data showed one needed at least a HPSA of 14). I can only guess that each pool of applicants are scored based on their total eligible nursing debt: income, and HPSA score. In my case, I assume there were applicants who had higher HPSA scores, and there were more total applicants, or the program mis-calculated my total eligible nursing student loan debt:income (well above the required 20%). Please let me know if you know of any other programs for NP repayment, as I'm currently struggling to decide if I should go for the NP track, with my biggest concern being the added student loan debt. Sadly, my State has nearly no loan repayment programs for either RN nor NP loans. Thank you.

phosphorus · Dec 22, 2015

I had a similar experience with nurse corps but applying via a major urban hospital system as an RN. In general I believe it takes 7-10 months (took 10 months for me previously to receive a rejection). I'm not sure if nurse corps uses the same criteria or not, and not sure whether the volume is the same. I do get the impression though that those with higher income:debt ratios often have priority and most NPs I've heard of applying have around 100% (myself included) in the ballpark of 100k.

Personally knowing what I know now I'd be weary of the promises of the NHSC as a debt solution. As a new NP getting into primary care is not as easy as it sounds and generally involves waiting 1-2yrs, though maybe in rural areas that's not an issue. It involves substantial time commitment without any guarantees with another year+ before you'll hear when trying again. All of this is predicated on continued funding which seems likely, but you never know when political winds can shift and austerity strikes. Avoiding debt for school in general seems best in this economic climate. Some states (generally progressive ones) have different criteria. California has one that includes clinics with lower HPSA scores if the clinic agrees to pay half the cost, but then you're limited to such clinics vs. the federal NHSC. There's give and take. In many instances you could actually make more money just choosing where you work strategically, unless you want to work with the underserved (which I do).

bebbercorn · Dec 22, 2015

I read they go from the highest tier down, selecting those with the highest debt/income ratio. I am in the same boat as PP, with a huge debt/income ratio. For that reason, I'm only looking at sites with 18 or higher. Here's hoping.

Pachinko · Jan 13, 2016

Being passed up when working at a place with a 19 score is insane. I am shocked.

Do you become more likely to be selected the longer you work at an FQHC?

sadiemae1123 · Jan 13, 2016

I applied to the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program about this time last year. I found out in August that I had been awarded the money.

With the Nurse Corps LRP, the award is determined by both the HPSA score - which has a cutoff of 14 between the 1st and 2nd tiers - and your loan debt to income ratio. My facility's score was 18 or 19, and my debt to income ratio was about 100%.

I was the 1st person at my facility to apply for a LRP, as everyone kept insisting that we didn't qualify.

My advice would be to check into any and all LRPs and find out directly from them if you are eligible to apply. Don't rely on hearsay.

marigoldey · Jan 13, 2016

I was shocked to be turned down with a HPSA score of 19. The only thing I can figure is that they calculated my debt: income ratio incorrectly or that it simply wasn't high enough.... My total nursing school debt is approx 30K (I know, not bad). My total annual income is approx 51K. That is greater than 50%. So a HPSA of 19 with a total debt:income of 50%+. This was not enough.

bay area FNP-to-be · Mar 2, 2016

For those that have been accepted, did you happen to be at an eligible site or choose your place of work specifically to increase your chances of getting accepted? Also, out of curiosity, have you found the sites you're familiar with more welcome to new grads? Thanks!!