For 50 years, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has been building healthy communities by connecting highly qualified health care providers to underserved areas nationwide. The NHSC provides financial support to skilled health care workers in exchange for service in high-need rural, urban, and tribal areas that are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas.
The NHSC supports three principal programs to offset the cost of a medical school education:
- Students to Service Loan Repayment
- Students in their last year of medical school may be eligible to receive loan repayment assistance in exchange for service at an NHSC-approved site. The NHSC Students to Service (S2S) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) is currently open for applications. Read on for details.
- Loan Repayment
- Licensed primary care physicians (MDs and DOs) may be eligible to receive loan repayment in exchange for service at an NHSC-approved site. The NHSC Loan Repayment Program typically opens for applications in the winter. To sign up for email notifications about the Loan Repayment Program, click the link above.
- Scholarship
- Medical students pursuing a career in primary care may be eligible to receive funding for their education in exchange for practicing at an NHSC-approved site, upon graduation and licensure. The NHSC Scholarship Program typically opens for applications in the spring. To sign up for email notifications about the NHSC Scholarship Program, click the link above
50 Years of Commitment, Compassion, and Community
NHSC scholarship and loan repayment programs provide a unique career path for service-minded health professionals who want to be part of the communities they serve. Since 1972, NHSC physicians have been building trusting, long-lasting relationships with patients who otherwise may be apprehensive about seeking health care. Over time, these relationships are not only rewarding for the health care provider; they help address health equity and make a difference in the way that the community responds to treatment recommendations. Within their clinics, NHSC health care providers have opportunities to work on integrated care teams and often go on to serve as medical directors or other leadership positions.
The 2023 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service (S2S) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) is currently accepting applications. Final-year students studying to become a medical doctor (MDs and DOs) can apply for awards of up to $120,000. In exchange, they serve for a three-year commitment providing primary care services at NHSC-approved sites in high-need, underserved areas. The NHSC S2S LRP application cycle closes on December 1, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. ET. If you’re interested and eligible, apply now!
Please share this information with other health career professionals who may be interested.
