HRSA receives $900 million to support loan repayment, scholarships

The Health Resources and Services Administration’s Bureau of Health Workforce has opened its loan repayment and scholarship application cycles for health professionals and students.

As part of the Biden administration’s stimulus package, HRSA received $900 million in new funding to support, recruit and retain qualified health professionals, through the National Health Service Corps and Nurse Corps programs. As a result, HRSA said it is anticipating recruiting “the largest class of clinicians in program history,” according to a news release.

The ADA advocated for the funding to be included in the stimulus bill, which is called the American Rescue Plan, and is encouraging dentists and dental students to apply for the National Health Service Corps opportunities.

The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program awards up to $50,000 in exchange for a two-year commitment to provide health care, including dental care, at approved sites in high-need, underserved areas. Recipients are also eligible to extend their service and potentially pay off all of their educational debt with continuation contracts.

The  National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program provides funding for health professional students studying to become dentists and other providers who are dedicated to practicing in underserved communities. In exchange, scholars commit to serving a minimum of two years in high-need, underserved communities and receive one year of financial support for each year of service at an NHSC-approved site for up to four years.

For more information, visit the Bureau of Health Workforce website. The application cycle closes on May 6 for the Loan Repayment Program and May 11 for the Scholarship Program.