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H H S Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration

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Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program Application Process

2012 Application is Closed. No New Applications Will Be Accepted Until the 2013 Application Opens. 

  • Applicants who submitted complete application packages will be notified, whether or not they are selected for funding, no later than October 31.
  • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
  • Sign up to receive e-mail notification when the 2013 Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program application opens.

What should I know before I apply?

In FY 2011, NELRP received 6,163 eligible applications and made 756 initial awards and 387 continuation awards to RNs working at Critical Shortage Facilities, in addition to 163 initial awards to Nurse Faculty working at eligible schools of nursing. The total amount awarded to NELRP participants was $55,370,301.

The deadline for submitting an application is: February 15, 2012.  Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon submission of an online application via the BCRS Program Portal.  Applicants will be notified by October 31, 2012 whether or not they receive an award.  

What should I expect if I am selected as a possible recipient of a NELRP award?

If your application is approved, NELRP will notify you by email that you have been identified as a possible recipient of a NELRP award.  You will be asked to verify whether you are still working full-time at the CSF or school of nursing identified in your online application.  You will then be required to complete the additional required forms (e.g., NELRP contract and banking information to facilitate electronic transfer of award funds) via the BCRS Program Portal.  This notification does not guarantee an award.  

There are two separate NELRP contracts: one for RNs, including advanced practice registered nurses such as NPs, serving at a CSF and one for RNs serving as nurse faculty at an eligible school of nursing. Once you enter into a NELRP contract that provides for a particular type of service (service at a CSF or at a school of nursing), you will not be allowed to switch to the other type of service during the initial 2-year service period or the third optional service year.  

NELRP frequently corresponds with applicants by email. It is critical that applicants use and maintain a current email address.  Please check your email during the application process for correspondence from NELRP and make certain to disable SPAM blockers (or check the SPAM folder).

If an individual is selected for a NELRP award, the individual’s contract is signed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or his/her designee.  Please note that a contract is not effective until signed by the Secretary or his/her designee. An awardee will be able to download the award letter, a copy of the awardee’s signed contract, a Payment Authorization Worksheet (PAW), and a welcome packet from the BCRS Program Portal.

Award payments are made monthly over 24 months through an electronic funds transfer to the participant’s checking or savings account identified on the banking information submitted by the participant.  The first direct deposit is made approximately 30 days after the effective date of the contract.

Individuals who are uncertain that they will be able to fulfill a service commitment under NELRP are advised not to apply to participate in this program.  An awardee who fails to begin or complete his or her service obligation will be placed in default and subject to the monetary damages specified in the NELRP contract.

Important Requirements

  1. Participants must use the NELRP payments to pay the lenders or holders of their qualifying educational loans, as indicated on a PAW that will be provided to participants with their award notice.  Periodically, NELRP will contact a participant’s lenders or holders to verify that award payments have been applied to NELRP approved loans.
  2. Participants must immediately notify NELRP, via the BCRS Program Portal, of any changes in mailing address, email address, name, or financial institution (bank) information to ensure an uninterrupted flow of loan repayment funds.  Participants must also notify NELRP of changes in service site and employment status.  In the case of a name change, please provide legal documentation, such as a copy of a marriage certificate.  
  3. If for any reason a participant does not receive a scheduled payment, the participant should contact NELRP as soon as possible through the BCRS Program Portal, phone (1-800-221-9393), or email (callcenter@hrsa.gov).  Please be advised that if NELRP has any questions concerning a participant’s eligibility for continuing payments, NELRP will delay payments pending clarification of the participant’s eligibility status.

next > Service Requirements

New in 2012

Nurse Practitioners will receive as much as half of NELRP award funding in 2012.

Nurse Faculty with greatest financial need working at schools of nursing with at least 50 percent enrollment of students from disadvantaged backgrounds will receive funding preference.

Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses will receive funding preference based on the greatest financial need, the type of facility, and the mental health or primary care HPSA designation.

Critical Shortage Facilities, where RNs and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses must work, must be designated as, located in or primarily serving a mental health or primary care Health Professional Shortage Area..

Get Help

GetHelp@hrsa.gov

1-800-221-9393 (TTY: 1-877-897-9910) weekdays (except Federal holidays), 8 am to 8 pm ET.