NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program is sponsored by Health Resources and Services Administration. Loan repayment assistance for medical, nursing, and behavioral/mental health clinicians with specific training to provide evidence-based substance use disorder treatment in rural Health Professional Shortage Areas.

NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program | NHSC U.S. Department of Health & Human ServicesHealth Resources & Services Administration * Current Loan Repayment Recipients * Prospective Loan Repayment Recipients * State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) * Auto-Approved NHSC Sites * Job Search & Provider Recruitment * Job Search Guidance and Tips * Health Workforce Connector * Mission, Work, and Impact * NHSC Program Fact Sheets * Contact the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) 3.

NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program The FY 2026 NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program (LRP) application is open through **Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:30 p. m. ET.

** * Read the 2026 NHSC Rural Community LRP Application and Program Guidance(PDF - 732 KB)*. It has the information you need to know about the application. Review our definitions*(PDF - 250 KB)to clearly understand the APG content.

* Check out our Loan Repayment Program Application Checklist(PDF - 248 KB)* to help you with completing and submitting your application. * Compare the three loan repayment programs to determine which one is right for you. * Complete a free training to receive preference for your application.

**Submitted your application? We'll notify you of your application status by September 30. ** ### Get help with your application All of our webinar sessions will be held in Microsoft Teams.

You will need to register for the sessions to attend and receive alerts and reminders. * Watch the NHSC LRP webinar recording, February 18, 2026 * Three LRPs Q&A Session 1,**Thursday, February 26, 2026, 1 – 5 p. m.

ET** * Three LRPs Q&A Session 2,**Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 10 a. m. – 2 p.

m. ET** * Three LRPs Q&A Session 3,**Thursday, March 12, 2026, 1 p. m.

– 5 p. m. ET** * Three LRPs Q&A Session 4,**Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 10 a.

m. – 2:00 p. m.

ET** * Three LRPs Q&A Session 5:**Monday, March 30, 2026, 10 a. m. – 5 p.

m. ET** The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Rural Community LRP is for providers working to combat the opioid epidemic in the nation’s rural communities. The NHSC Rural Community LRP will make loan repayment awards in coordination with theRural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP).

This will provide evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, assist in recovery, and prevent overdose deaths across the nation. In exchange for loan repayment, you must serve three years at an NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility in aHealth Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

### Maternity Care Target Areas In addition to awarding loan repayment program participants who serve in HPSAs, we also will use designated Maternity Care Target Area (MCTA) scores to distribute maternity care health professionals. MCTAs are specific areas located within primary care HPSAs that have a higher need for maternity care services.

We award maternity care health providers using either the primary care HPSA or the MCTA score of their site, whichever is higher. Maternity care health professionals are obstetricians/gynecologists, family medicine physicians who practice obstetrics on a regular basis, and certified nurse midwives. Maternity care health professionals serving exclusively in mental HPSAs are not eligible to apply to the NHSC Rural Community LRP.

**Which loan repayment program fits me best? ** Compare ourNHSC loan repayment programs— then choose the right one for you.

* Determine your eligibility * NHSC-approved SUD treatment facilities * Review the sections of the application * Understand your contract and service obligation #### Benefits of the NHSC Rural Community LRP Eligible clinicians enjoy the following benefits: You have an opportunity to increase access to primary care services in rural communities in need.

* **Flexible Service Options** You have a choice between three years of full-time or half-time service at a rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. **Note:**_If you serve in a private practice, you are not eligible to serve half-time. _ You will receive funds to repay your outstanding, qualifying, educational loans for three-year service obligation.

NHSC loan repayment funds are exempt from federal income and employment taxes. Eligible clinicians may receive: * **Up to $100,000** for full-time service * **Up to $50,000** for half-time service * **Application launch date:**January 30, 2026 * **Application submission deadline:**March 31, 2026 by 7:30p. m.

ET * **Licensure Deadline: applicants must have a current, full, permanent, unencumbered, unrestricted health professional license, certificate, or registration by June 30, 2026** * **Employment start date:**July 18, 2026 * **National Health Service Corps Scholarship Programs and Nurse Corps Scholarship Program participants Service Obligation Completion Date:**July 31, 2026 * **Notification of award:**September 30, 2026 * **Contract termination deadline:** * 60 days from the effective date of the contract or * At any time if the individual who has been awarded the contract has not received their award funds.

Award enhancement for Spanish-language proficiency For the 2026 NHSC Rural Community LRP application cycle, we aim to address language access barriers to health care. To support this effort, we will provide **a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000** for a total loan repayment award of: * **Up to $105,000** for full-time participants. * **Up to $55,000** for half-time participants.

Award amounts are based on the outstanding balance of an applicant’s qualifying educational loans. Participants must complete the three-year service obligation regardless of the amount of their award. ### Who is eligible for the enhancement?

If you indicated that you have proficiency in Spanish, and your site affirms you provide services in Spanish to patients with limited English proficiency, after the application closes you will receive an email containing a link to schedule a Spanish-language competency assessment. This assessment will be conducted by a vendor approved by the General Services Administration.

To be eligible for the award enhancement, you must score at least three (3) on the assessment. **Note**: If your loans are less than the maximum $100,000 (full-time) or $50,000 (half-time) award amounts, you will not receive the award enhancement even if you are eligible under the other criteria. Determine your eligibility ### Do I qualify for the NHSC Rural Community LRP?

Yes, you qualify if you are: * A United States citizen (U.S. born or naturalized) or the United States national. * A provider (or eligible to participate as a provider) in the Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, as appropriate. * Fully trained and licensed to practice in the discipline and state in which you are applying to serve.

This page lists eligible disciplines for primary care medical, mental/behavioral health and maternity care. * A health professional in an eligible discipline with qualified student loan debt for education that led to your degree. * Working, or have accepted a position, at a rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility by the application deadline.

(Facilities that have received RCORP funding will receive preference). * Using either your rural* NHSC-approved facility’s mental or primary care HPSA score. *Use the Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer to find out what NHSC-approved SUD treatment facilities we consider rural.

_*If you use assistive technology, you may not be able to access information in these files. For help, contact us at 800-221-9393. _ **New**: You can now check your eligibility in My BHW.

After you select Applying for the NHSC LRP on the main portal page, see the Eligibility box at the top of the page. ### Are military reservists eligible? Yes.

Find out about specificguidelines and requirements for military reservists. ### Which disciplines and specialties are eligible? We offer awards to providers who use evidence-based treatment models to treat substance use disorders.

Evidence-based SUD treatment helps fight this epidemic through specific eligibility. You must be trained and licensed to provide SUD treatment at rural NHSC-approved evidenced-based SUD treatment facilities. #### What are the eligible disciplines?

* Allopathic/osteopathic physicians * Certified nurse-midwives * Psychiatric nurse specialists * Health service psychologists * Licensed clinical social workers * Marriage and family therapists * Licensed professional counselors * Certified registered nurse anesthetists What is an NHSC-approved site?

An NHSC-approved site is a health care facility that: * Provides complete outpatient services to people living in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) * Meets NHSC site eligibility requirements and qualifications. ### What is a rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility?

A facility must meet the following requirements: * NHSC Site Agreement(PDF - 255 KB) * NHSC Site Reference Guide(PDF - 676 KB) * SUD/Opioid Expansion New Site Application Instructions(PDF) #### What are the types of eligible rural NHSC-approved SUD facilities?

* SAMHSA-certified opioid treatment programs * Office-based opioid treatment facilities * Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHCs) * American Indian Health facilities * State or federal correctional facilities * Critical Access Hospitals affiliated with an outpatient clinic * Community health centers * State or local health departments * Community outpatient facilities * Mobile units and free clinics We guide you through the application and award process: * Application Process, Requirements, and Guidance To apply for the NHSC Rural Community LRP, you must understand and follow our requirements.

**It takes up to three weeks to complete an application. **This includes all required and supplemental documents and access to a credit report. Failure or refusal to unfreeze/unlock your credit report will disqualify your application**.

** * Provide answers in your application that match your supporting documents. If they don’t, we’ll reject your application. * You must submit a **legible**, complete online application by the deadline.

* Save each document as a**PDF** file before uploading to your application. Do not attempt to upload files larger than 5 MB, or files saved as TIFF, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, and TXT. * Accept requests or materials after the deadline to update a submitted application * Fill in any missing information * Contact you regarding missing information ### How can my application receive priority?

You will receive priority if you: * Serve at an Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Consortium Member facility; * Have specialized training to provide SUD treatment (for example, Licensure/Certification); * Have a license or certification in substance use disorder interventions, such as master's-level substance use disorder counselors. ### What makes an application complete?

* Required supporting documents; and * Additional supplemental documentation (if applicable). The following provides an overview of the application requirements. Find our complete set of requirements and instructions in the application and program guidance.

#### Application sections Complete each of the sections below to submit your application. You must pass this screening portion of the application to confirm your eligibility. If you do not pass, you will not be able to continue with the application.

Provide contact information such as your name, social security number, mailing and email addresses, as well as information about yourself and your family background. ### Professional information * **Discipline, Training, and Certification** Provide information about your education, training, and licensure/certification.

* **Site Search (Employment)** You will search for and select the NHSC-approved site(s), where you currently provide or will provide patient care. * **Employment Verification** You must request an Employment Verification (EV) through yourMy BHW. We will notify the point(s)-of-contact at the NHSC-approved service site where you work (or plan to work), about your request.

The site(s) must complete the electronic EV before you can submit your application. It's your responsibility to ensure that the site point-of-contact completes the EV. We’ll notify you once the site(s) point(s) of- contact completes it.

* **Professional Information** You will respond to questions related to your profession and professional training. This section contains optional questions that you will answer about any telehealth services you provide. Provide information on each qualifying school loan for which you seek repayment.

We'll review supporting documents, contact lenders/holders, and check your credit report. Each of the loans must have: * Name and contact information for the lender/holder * Original amount disbursed * Original date of the loan * Current outstanding balance (no more than 30 days from the date you submit your application) * Type of loan.

If a consolidated loan, we need to know * Original date of consolidation * Original balance of consolidation #### Required supporting documents An application is incomplete without the following required supplemental documents: * **Proof of status as a United States citizen or United States national** _Acceptable documents:_ birth certificate, current U.S. passport’s ID page, or a certificate of citizenship or naturalization.

_**Unacceptable documents:**_ driver’s license or Social Security card. * **Loan Information Verification** Provide two types of documents for each loan you submit: Current information on your qualifying school loans.

This document should: * Be on official letterhead or other clear evidence that it comes from the lender/holder * Include the name of the borrower (the NHSC Rural Community LRP applicant) * Contain the account number * Include the date of the statement (cannot be more than 30 days from the date you submit your application) * Include the current outstanding balance (principal and interest) or the current payoff balance * Include the current interest rate * **Disbursement Report** Verifies the originating loan information and should: * Be on official letterhead or other clear evidence that it comes from the lender/holder * Include the name of the borrower * Contain the account number * Include the type of loan * Include the original loan date (must be prior to the date you submit your application) * Include the original loan amount * Include the purpose of the loan #### Additional supplemental documents (if applicable) You may need to submit additional supporting documents.

Submit these documents if we list them on the “Supporting Documents” page of the online application. * **Specialty Certification** If you select a specialty, you are required to upload a copy of the certificate of completion or diploma from the training program.

* **Substance Use Disorder Specialized Training** You should upload your document verifying your specialized substance use disorder or addiction medicine training program if you have one. * **Substance Use Disorder License or Certification** You should upload your certificate, license or diploma from a substance use disorder or addiction medicine training program if you have one.

* **Postgraduate Training Verification** This document verifies that you completed the Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program (AMF) or Graduate Psychology Education Program (GPE). This information is in addition to the postgraduate training related to your practice area. Such documents may include an official completion certificate.

* **Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program Identification Number** If you completed a postgraduate medical or dental training program funded by HRSA through the THCGME Payment Program, you are required to submit the residency identification number and residency completion certificate, if available.

Use theAccreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education(ACGME) orThe Commission on Dental Accreditationto look up your program identification number. * **Verification of Disadvantaged Background** A school official may complete theVerification of Disadvantaged Background(PDF - 406 KB).

Alternatively, applicants may self-attest to having a disadvantaged background by submitting both the form and uploading a document that validates they meet the criteria listed on the disadvantaged background form (for example, a the federal student aid report, etc.).

* **Verification of Existing Service Obligation** You must provide documentation from the entity where you have an existing service obligation confirming that you will complete your service prior to the NHSC application deadline.

* **Payment History (Former NHSC participants)** You must show that you used all NHSC LRP funds to repay the qualifying educational loans approved as part of your most recent NHSC program contract, if applicable. * **Proof of Name Change** You must provide legal documents if the name on the proof of citizenship is different from the name in the application, for example, a marriage license or divorce decree.

Print and keep a copy of your completed application package for your records. After you submit your online application, you’ll see a receipt of submission. ### How can I view my application and its status?

### Can I make edits after I submit my application? After you submit the online application, you can make edits and upload new documents. You must make all edits, certify, and resubmit your final, complete application by the application deadline.

We will not consider applications in an "In Progress" status for an award. ### Can I withdraw my application? Yes, you may withdraw your application any time before the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), or their designee, signs the contract.

### How do you evaluate me? We review all applications after the application deadline closes. We use selection factors and funding priorities to evaluate each application and make award decisions.

Additionally, the NHSC Rural Community LRP has Tiering for Funding Priorities. Notifying award finalists * Your continued interest in receiving an award. * That your loan and employment information is valid.

* That you have read and understand the LRP contract. You will e-sign confirmation of receipt and provide your direct deposit banking information. If awarded, we will use this information for award funds disbursement.

**Note:**_You must respond by the deadline we provide in the Confirmation of Interest email. _ ### What if I don’t respond in time? If you miss the deadline for the Confirmation of Interest process, we may not consider your application.

If you still wish to participate in the program, you will need to submit a new application during a future NHSC Rural Community LRP application cycle for first-time applicants. You will be considered along with other applicants based on that cycle’s program requirements. ### Who makes award determinations?

Only the HHS Secretary or their designee can make an NHSC Rural Community LRP award. ### When will you notify me of an award? You will receive final notification of an award, including your service obligation dates, no later than September 30.

### Will you notify me if you don't select me for an award? Yes. If we don't select you for an award, we will email you no later than September 30.

NHSC Loan Repayment contract and service obligation ### When does my service obligation begin? Your NHSC Rural Community LRP service obligation begins on the date that the HHS Secretary or their designee countersigns your contract. ### Can I terminate my contract?

Yes, however, you must review the Application and Program Guidance and your contract to understand the timeline requirements and any limitations for termination. If you terminate, you will be required to repay all funds received under the contract.

### Application & Program Guidance (APG) * NHSC LRP APG(PDF - 554 KB)* * NHSC SUD LRP APG(PDF - 740 KB)* * NHSC Rural Community LRP APG(PDF - 732 KB)* * S2S LRP APG(PDF - 611 KB) ### Other loan repayment & scholarship programs * School-based Loans & Scholarships * Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship ### Program comparison charts * Compare Loan Repayment Programs(PDF - 161 KB) * NHSC and Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Programs Comparison(PDF - 42 KB) * NHSC LRP Fact Sheet(PDF - 308 KB) * NHSC SUD Workforce LRP Fact Sheet(PDF) * NHSC Rural Community LRP Fact Sheet(PDF - 253 KB) * NHSC S2S LRP Fact Sheet(PDF) * NHSC Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Training Fact Sheet(PDF - 326 KB) _*If you use assistive technology, you may not be able to access information in these files.

For help, contact us at__800-221-9393__. _ View data for NHSC participants across programs and disciplines * National Advisory Council HRSA Health Resources and Services Administration FacebookXYouTubeLinkedInInstagram * Freedom of Information Act * Health and Human Services