National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

 

The purpose of the NHSC SP is to enter into contracts with students who are in medical dental, or nursing school to provide scholarship assistance in return for a commitment to provide primary health services in eligible communities of need designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

Active 93.288 Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services C - Direct Payments For Specified Use Fiscal Year 2018 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2018, there were 6,815 primary care HPSAs, 5,632 dental HPSAs, and 4,929 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 16,400 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2018, there are 10,939 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners providing service nationwide.
Fiscal Year 2019 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 20189, there were 7,578 primary care HPSAs, 6,782 dental HPSAs, and 6,069 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 16,400 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2019, there are 13,000 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners providing service nationwide.
Fiscal Year 2020 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in HPSAs – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2020, there were 7,203 primary care HPSAs, 6,487 dental HPSAs, and 5,733 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 16,400 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2020, there are 13,000 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners providing service nationwide.
Fiscal Year 2021 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in HPSAs – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2021, there were 6,272 primary care HPSAs, 5,678 dental HPSAs, and 5,391 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 17,400 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2021, there are nearly 20,000 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners providing service nationwide.
Fiscal Year 2022 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in HPSAs – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2021, there were 6,272 primary care HPSAs, 5,678 dental HPSAs, and 5,391 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 17,400 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2021, there are nearly 20,000 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners providing service nationwide. (42 USC 254l), Title Public Health Service Act, Section 338A , as amended
(42 USC 254d), Title Public Health Service Act, Section Section 331(i), as amended
(P.L. 114-10), Title Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015
(42 USC 254m-q), Title Public Health Service Act, Section Sections 338C-H
(P.L.117-2), Title American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Section Section 2602 At the time of application, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national. The applicant must be enrolled and/or accepted for enrollment and in good academic standing in an accredited school in a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. Territory as a full-time student in a course of study leading to a health professional degree. The applicant must be eligible for Federal employment, be free of any Federal judgment liens, not be excluded, debarred, suspended or disqualified by a Federal agency, and have no conflicting service obligation. The applicant must submit an application and a signed contract to the NHSC agreeing to accept payment of scholarship and provide full-time primary health services in a HPSA. The participant must maintain full-time enrollment, with good academic standing in an accredited school in a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. Territory as a full-time student in a course of study leading to a health professional degree. The participant must maintain eligibility for Federal employment, be free of any Federal judgment liens, not be excluded, debarred, suspended or disqualified by a Federal agency, and have no conflicting service obligation. Applicants should review the NHSC Scholarship Program Application and Program Guidance on the HRSA website issued under this assistance listing for additional information such as required proof or certifications which must be submitted prior to or simultaneous with submission of an application package. Preapplication coordination is not applicable. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Applicants must apply online at https://programportal.hrsa.gov. NHSC SP awards are very competitive; the Program anticipates more applicants for scholarship awards than there are funds available. All qualified applications are forwarded to an objective review committee and scored numerically. Based on the advice of the objective review committee, the HRSA program official with delegated authority is responsible for final selection and funding decisions. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines Notification to successful and rejected applicants is made no later than September 30th of the application year. Not applicable. Renewal applications are not necessary for students in compliance; contracts may be multi-year funded through graduation (1 to 4 years, if the applicant signs the contract through the graduation date). Continuation contracts are offered to students whose contracts have expired, contracts of four years or less, and/or for those who have not received the maximum four years of support allowed by statute. By statute, first priority will be given to any applicant for such assistance who has previously received a scholarship under this section or under section 758 of the PHS Act. Second priority given to all students who have characteristics which increase the probability they will continue professional practice in a HPSA when they complete their service obligation, and the third priority will be given to students who are from a disadvantaged background. Service-obligated scholarships for full-time students of allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) medicine, dentistry, primary care nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, and primary care physician assistants. Other health disciplines may be included if needed by the National Health Service Corps. Scholarships pay tuition and required fees to the school, a monthly stipend to students for living expenses and a single annual payment to the student to assist with other reasonable educational expenses. Reasonable expenses may include books, supplies, equipment, uniforms, travel for the provision of clinical services, etc. The program requires 1 year of service for each year of scholarship support, with a minimum 2-year service commitment after graduation, or post graduate training and/or licensure. A maximum of 4 years of support may be awarded. Service sites are selected by the scholarship recipient from the list of high priority sites in HPSAs identified by the NHSC. Refer to the NHSC Scholarship Application and Program Guidance for specific requirements. (http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/downloads/spapplicationguide.pdf). Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. NHSC SP - Each award covers 1 to 4 years of support, as requested. No awardees may receive more than 4 years of support. http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/index.html. Stipends and payments for other reasonable costs are released through Direct Deposit to recipients’ accounts through PSC. None/Not specified. Israil Ali, National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
Division of National Health Service Corps
Bureau of Health Workforce, Room 14N56
Rockville, MD 20857 US
iali@hrsa.gov
Phone: (301) 594-4400 http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/index.html 75-0350-0-1-550 (Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 22$102,235,907.00; FY 23 est $45,500,000.00; FY 24 est $45,500,000.00; FY 21$34,678,000.00; FY 20$38,000,000.00; FY 19$46,990,000.00; FY 18$47,126,164.00; FY 17$0.00; FY 16$0.00; - FY 22 actual: Range: $32, 318 - $668,469; Average: $249,452 FY 23 est: Range $33,287 - $688,524; Average: $256,936 FY 24 est: Range: $34,286 - $709,180; Average: $264,644 Please see application process at http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/. Not applicable.