Scholarship Program Overview

The NHSC Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) awards scholarships to students pursuing primary health care professions training in NHSC-eligible disciplines in return for a commitment to provide health care to communities in need, upon graduation and the completion of training.

In return for each school year, or partial school year, of financial support received, students agree to provide primary health care services for one (1) year at an NHSC-approved site located in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) (PDF - 63 KB). For the first school year, or partial school year, of support, there is a minimum 2-year service commitment.

Tax-free payment is made (for up to four years) for the following eligible expenses:

• Tuition
• Required fees
• Other reasonable educational costs

Scholarship recipients also receive a monthly living stipend that is taxable.

The NHSC provides support to scholars while in school and offers tools and resources after graduation, during training, and while in practice.

New NHSC scholars have an opportunity to meet other scholars at the annual New Scholar Orientation conference funded by the Corps. While in school and during training, the NHSC provides:

• connections to training opportunities at health care sites and online
• program updates
• links to community resources, and much more

Scholars choose where they will serve from a list of hundreds of NHSC-approved sites in high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the nation. The NHSC provides dedicated staff to assist scholars in successfully finding a practice site in the state of their choosing. Learn more about the types of NHSC-approved sites.

In the months leading up to graduation and training, the NHSC provides scholars with information and materials they need to find a practice site. This includes connecting Scholars to a list of sites with job openings and supporting travel to and from interviews (there is a limit on the number of supported interviews). The NHSC also hosts an annual NHSC Scholar Orientation & Placement Conference where Scholars:

• learn more about their NHSC service commitment
• talk to advisors
• network and interview with sites from across the country, and more

Once scholars are working in at an NHSC-approved site, the NHSC continues to support Corps members by offering:

• networking opportunities
• educational support, including access to free CEUs
• connections to community resources, and much more