Information for Students and Clinicians

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) is dedicated to improving the health of the Nation’s underserved. For more than 30 years, our programs and initiatives have united underserved communities and thousands of dedicated clinicians. Our efforts have fostered commitments by communities to improve their health care systems, which has made a difference in the lives of millions of people.

NHSC clinicians devote all or part of their careers to serving underserved populations, making lasting contributions to the health of their communities. To date, over 24,500 NHSC clinicians have provided or continue to provide primary and preventive health care—including oral, mental and behavioral health care services—to millions of people. Although the NHSC has been a resounding success in serving the Nation’s neediest communities, much work remains to be done.

+ Where Do NHSC Clinicians Serve?

NHSC clinicians practice in a broad range of community-based systems of care operating in rural and urban federally-designated health professional shortage areas. NHSC clinicians serve in communities in every State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Pacific Basin, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NHSC sites accept Medicare and Medicaid and make a commitment to treat all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay for services. Whether it is treating children in the inner city of Philadelphia, the elderly in rural towns of Kansas, or teenage mothers in border towns of Texas, the NHSC is making a difference in the health of individuals and communities.

+ Opportunities for Working in Underserved Communities

The NHSC’s toll-free helpline and Web site can assist you in locating opportunities in communities where you can make a difference. Some of these opportunities may include participation in the following programs:

+ Scholarship Program The Scholarship Program is highly competitive. Applicants who are selected to participate receive payment of tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment, plus a monthly stipend for up to 4 years of education. For each year of support you receive, you will be required to serve 1 year in an approved practice site located in a federally–designated health professional shortage area of greatest need. There is a minimum service commitment of 2 years, which must begin upon completion of your health professions training or primary care residency.

   The NHSC Scholarship Program is open to full-time students enrolled or attending fully accredited U.S.:

+ Allopathic or osteopathic medical schools
+ Family nurse practitioner programs (master’s degree in nursing, post-master’s or post-baccalaureate certificate)
+ Nurse-midwifery programs (master’s degree in nursing, post-master’s or post-baccalaureate certificate)
+ Physician assistant programs (certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or master’s degree program)
+ Dental schools

+ Loan Repayment Program The Loan Repayment Program is highly competitive. Applicants who are selected to participate agree to provide full–time primary care services in an approved practice site located in a federally–designated health professional shortage area. For the 2-year minimum service commitment, the NHSC will pay up to $50,000, based on the participant’s qualifying educational loans. Opportunities to continue participating in the program beyond 2 years may be available.

   The NHSC Loan Repayment Program is open to fully trained:

+Allopathic or osteopathic primary care physicians
+Primary care certified nurse practitioners
+Primary care physician assistants
+Certified nurse-midwives
+General practice dentists
+Registered clinical dental hygienists
+Health Service psychologists
+Clinical social workers
+Licensed professional counselors
+Marriage and family therapists
+Psychiatric nurse specialists

+ State Repayment Program NHSC grants matching funds directly to States to operate their own loan repayment programs. This initiative is part of the overall strategy of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to improve and expand access to health care for Americans nationwide. Eligibility requirements and benefits vary from State to State. A list of contacts for these State programs is available by calling our toll-free helpline or visiting our Web site.

+ Together, We Build Healthier Communities

If you are interested in working with medically underserved populations, the NHSC has information on how you can help. For a complete listing of communities currently recruiting health professionals, or for additional information on how you can work with the NHSC to improve the health of underserved communities, call our toll-free helpline or visit our Web site.

National Health Service Corps
1-800-221-9393
http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov/

The National Health Service Corps is part of the Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). HRSA improves the Nation's health by assuring equal access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality health care for all.