American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (Recovery Act) funds of approximately $200 million will enable the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) to help more than 3,300 physicians, dentists and other primary care providers who are seeking opportunities to serve in our Nation’s neediest communities.
The NHSC is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the U.S. Government agency that provides access to health care for many in this nation and will play a key role in providing jobs and services to people impacted by the economic downturn. One way HRSA is going to do this is by investing in health care providers through its National Health Service Corps program.
National Health Service Corps clinicians are a unique group of dedicated and caring primary care providers who care for millions of people who live in communities where health care is scarce.
In exchange for two years of service at an eligible high-need site, the NHSC Loan Repayment program offers repayment of educational loans for clinicians who are providing full-time clinical services. Up to $50,000 (less if the total outstanding loan balance is lower than $50,000) towards qualifying educational loan debt is available. Clinicians who stay at their sites longer may be eligible to apply for additional years of support.
How to Apply: Clinicians can begin applying for this NHSC opportunity on June 2, 2009 at:www.nhsc.hrsa.gov. Or for more information, call 1-800-221-9393.
New Features
More Choices of Sites and Vacancies Eligible for Loan Repayment: More than 4,500 already eligible service siteswill be able to post significantly more new vacancies and increase the number of clinician’s eligible for loan repayment awards at their sites. Additionally, more sites are being approved by the NHSC every day.
First-come, First-served: Primary care clinician applicants who are interested in loan repayment will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, opening new opportunities for areas in high-need sites located in Health Professional Shortage Areas with lower HPSA scores.
More Application Flexibility: For the first time, primary care clinicians interested in NHSC’s loan repayment program do not need to be employed at the site at the time of application.
More Efficient Application Process: Applications will be accepted until all Recovery Act funds are expended -- 15 months or sooner. Most applications will be processed within 8 weeks of receipt of a complete application (i.e., all application supporting documentation received).
