Brenton
What states have loan repayment programs for rural healthcare providers?
I am a third year physical therapy student. Student loans are something that wears on every student, my only opportunity after college for physical therapy school was a private school. Thus student loans were much higher than I would have liked. I am interested in moving to a state in a rural community to give high quality health care to under served areas. #college #finance #healthcare #government #hospital-and-health-care
2 answers
Kiren McKean
Kiren’s Answer
From my research - RSA SLRP contact list is the most authoritative source for which states currently have active federal-state partnership programs.
The Rural Health Information Hub (ruralhealthinfo.org) maintains a searchable database of state-by-state loan repayment and scholarship programs, which is the best place to find current program status and application windows.
Here is a breakdown by region based on what we can pull from the web for the West:
Idaho – Has both a federal SLRP (up to $75,000 for primary care over 2 years) and a state-funded Rural Nursing Loan Repayment Program for RNs and LPNs practicing in rural and underserved areas. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Montana – Has a state loan repayment program for healthcare professionals. Earnest
Colorado – The Colorado Health Service Corps offers up to $120,000 in loan forgiveness for eligible physicians and healthcare workers. Earnest
Arizona – Offers up to $20,000 through programs including a Rural Private Primary Care Provider Loan Repayment Program. Earnest
California – Operates an SLRP for healthcare professionals in HPSAs, as well as a Dental Corps Loan Repayment Program offering up to $50,000. Earnest
Washington – Offers the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, up to $35,000 annually for a 2-year commitment to practice in underserved or rural areas. Financial Residency
Katia Sims
Katia’s Answer
Hello Brenton,
Take a look on this web site
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/students/financial-aid#loan
It does not directly pertain to PT but as I was looking for scholarships to help me out with my Master's degree, I came across some interesting ones that may help you.
Also, you can contact FAFSA (Federal Government) and explain that you are interested in a work-study type of loan.
You can apply for scholarships were you sign a contract of 2 years (sometimes 3 years) to work for a non-profit organization that provides health care to undeserved populations. They may pay up to 60% of your student loans. You just have to make sure that you honor your commitment; otherwise, you may have have to pay them back plus interest rate. So, just make sure that you do your research, call them, ask questions before assuming a commitment that you later regret. Overall, it is a good deal to get your loan paid off as well as get experience in your field of practice. I wish you the best!