Loan Repayment Programs

Washington has several state and federal loan repayment programs. These programs all provide awards to health professionals working in underserved communities. Clinicians are able to apply to multiple programs if they qualify but must make certain to accept an award from only one program at a time.  
Washington State Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
The SHP Application Cycle occurs annually in the winter. Check the program website for due dates.  Professionals with the following credentials working in clinical practice at a site approved for participation in SHP are eligible to apply:
  • Dentists
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Physicians (MD, DO, ND)
  • Physician Assistants (PA-C)
  • Nurse Practitioners (ARNP)
  • Certified Nurse Midwives
  • Registered Nurses
  • Licensed Practice Nurses
  • Social Workers (LICSW)
  • Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
  • Clinical Psychologists
  • Pharmacists
  • Licensed Midwives
Benefits include loan repayment award of up to $75K in return for a three-year service obligation at an approved site. Extensions and additional award funds may be available for those continuing at their sites.

Learn more about the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program. ​
Washington State Federal-State Loan Repayment Program
The FHP Application Cycle occurs annually in the winter. Check the program website for due dates.    Professionals with the following credentials working in clinical practice at a site approved for participation in FHP are eligible to apply:
  • Dentists
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Physicians (MD, DO)
  • Physician Assistants (PA-C)
  • Nurse Practitioners (ARNP)
  • Certified Nurse Midwives
  • Registered Nurses
  • Social Workers (LICSW)
  • Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
  • Clinical Psychologists
  • Pharmacists
Benefits include loan repayment award of up to $70K in return for a two-year service obligation at an approved site. Extensions and additional award funds may be available for those continuing at their sites.

Learn more about the Federal-State Loan Repayment Program.  ​
Washington State Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program
The BHP is a program to address the dire need for behavioral health professionals. Check the program website for application information and due dates. 

 Learn more about the Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program.
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
The NHSC Loan Repayment Application Cycle occurs annually in the spring. Check the program website for due dates.
  • Dentists
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Physicians (MD or DO)
  • Nurse Practitioners (ARNP)
  • Certified Nurse Midwives
  • Physician Assistants (PA-C)
  • Social Workers (LICSW)
  • Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
  • Clinical Psychologists
Benefits include a loan repayment award of up to $50K in return for a two-year service obligation at an approved site. Extensions and additional award funds are available for those continuing at their sites.

Learn more about the NHSC Loan Repayment Program.
National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Workforce Programs
NHSC also has loan repayment programs for clinicians who provide substance use disorder treatment including medically assisted treatment. For the latest information about upcoming application cycles please check the NHSC website.
NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program
The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Application Cycle occurs annually in the winter. Check the program website for due dates. Professionals with the following credentials working at an approved Critical Shortage Facility or accredited school of nursing are eligible to apply:
  • Registered Nurse
  • Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
  • Nurse Faculty Member
Benefits include a loan repayment award of up to 60% of the unpaid nursing education debt in return for a two-year service obligation at an approved site. Extensions and additional award funds are available for those continuing at their sites.
​
Learn more about the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program.
Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program
The IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) can help dedicated health professionals like you chart a course for a long-lasting and successful health care career. The LRP funds IHS clinicians to repay their eligible health profession education loans — up to $40,000 — in exchange for an initial two-year service commitment to practice in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. ​

Learn more about the IHS Loan Repayment Program.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
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Learn more about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.