National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is an organization that has been around since the 1970s to help place healthcare providers in medically underserved communities. To date, the NHSC boasts they have presence at an amazing 7,800 community health care centers serving patients in need!

The NHSC uses its "Health Professional Shortage Areas" scoring system to dictate where providers are needed most and focuses on placing providers in the highest-needs areas first. They also have additional Maternity Care Target Areas that qualify. PAs can work in internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, women's health, or geriatrics when working for the NHSC.

There are two options when working for the NHSC - either the loan repayment program or the NHSC Scholars program. Through the NHSC loan repayment program, a licensed PA must apply each year during the open cycle for either a 2-year full-time or 2-year part-time position at an NHSC-approved location, which results in up to $75,000 or up to $37,500, respectively, in loan repayment; there is a potential to apply for continued loan assistance when signing additional contracts beyond the two years (although not guaranteed). Also, for those proficient in Spanish, the NHSC will add an additional $5,000 to your repayment! This can be a great option for people for loan assistance in fewer years than the PSLF program. The application cycle typically opens each March and ends each May. You can watch for exact deadlines and find the application process here.

The NHSC Scholars Program is an option for PA students to apply while they are current students or accepted to start a program by September 30th of each year. If you are selected to become an NHSC Scholar after you apply, you will complete a 2-year full-time contract where they place you in exchange for paying for your loans. To find out if you are eligible, read through their eligibility requirements here.

Interested in learning more about NHSC options? Reach out using the "Get In Touch" box below!