ELIGIBILITY
AWARDS PROCESS
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
CRITICAL SHORTAGE FACILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS
100
This program requires an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the United States.
What type of nursing degree must I have to be eligible for the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program?
100
Can we accept a sign on bonus if accepting a NELRP award?
No.
100
Are NELRP payments taxable?
Yes, NELRP payments are subject to federal taxes.
100
How many hours must I work at the Critical Shortage Facility or eligible school of nursing to be considered full-time and therefore eligible for Nursing Education Loan Repayment?
Full-time service requires RNs working at a Critical Shortage Facility providing no fewer than 32 hours of nursing service per week (for a minimum of 45 weeks per service year) at a single Critical Shortage Facility.
100
If employed by a professional group, what types of form(s) do I need to complete?
Employment verification form.
200
Are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) eligible for the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program?
LPNs are not eligible for the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program. Only RNs are eligible to apply to NELRP.
200
What kind of program is NELRP?
A need based program.
200
If I am selected for Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program funding will I be paid for my work in addition to the loan repayment?
Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program participants receive the full salary and benefits package that they have negotiated with their employers.
200
If I am working part-time, am I eligible for the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program?
Part-time work is not eligible for fulfillment of the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program service obligation.
200
What is the list of critical shortage facilities?
Hospitals Federally Qualified Health Centers and Look-Alikes, Indian Health Service Health Centers, Native Hawaiian Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics Nursing Homes State or Local Public Health or Human Services Department Hospice Programs Home Health Agencies Skilled Nursing Facilities Ambulatory Surgical Centers
300
Is there a date by which I must graduate and pass my NECLEX?
The applicant should have a nursing degree and have a current, full, permanent, unencumbered, unrestricted RN license in the State in which you intend to serve, or in a State that participates in a Nurse Licensure Compact with the State in which you intend to serve, by the application deadline date of January 20.
300
When will changes after application submission take effect?
Changes will be made at the close of the application cycle.
300
Do I have to use these monthly payments to repay my educational loans?
Yes. You MUST use all loan repayments provided to repay qualifying educational loan balances, as noted on the Payment Authorization Worksheet that will be included with the award letter.
300
What is the effective date of a NELRP contract?
The effective date of a contract is the date the contract is countersigned by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or his/her Designee.
300
What are sites recognized as in the NELRP program?
Critical Shortage Facilities.
400
How can I apply for a continuation contract under the NELRP for a third year of service?
To apply for a NELRP continuation contract, which provides 25 percent of the original nursing student loan balance in exchange for an additional year of service, notify NELRP in writing at least 6 months before completing your initial 2-year service commitment of your intention to apply for a third year. Then submit the required forms and documentation by the annual continuation contract deadline.
400
How are awardees selected for the program?
Funding preference goes first to applicants whose total qualifying nursing education loans are 40% or greater than their annualized salary and are employed at the eligible sites.
400
If you receive the NELRP award can I be considered for an continuation contract?
Yes, for a third year of service, the participant will be asked to provide a payment history showing how the original funds received under the initial 2-year contract were applied.
400
When does credit towards your service begin?
Service credit will commence upon the effective date of the contract. The applicant's signature alone on the contract does not constitute a contractual agreement.
400
Are private for-profit facilities eligible for the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program? And why?
No, only nonprofit CSFs and accredited schools of nursing are statutorily eligible service sites for NELPR applicants.
500
What do I need to do to prepare to apply to the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program?
Received a diploma, associate, baccalaureate, masters, doctoral (or an equivalent) degree in nursing, or a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing in a State; Have outstanding qualifying educational loans obtained for qualifying nursing education leading to a degree or diploma in nursing as specified above; Have completed the nursing education program(s) for which the loan balance(s) applies; Be a U. S. citizen, U. S. national, or a lawful permanent resident of the United States; Be employed full-time (32 hours or more per week) at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility or be employed full-time (as defined by the school) at an accredited school of nursing; and Have a current permanent unrestricted license as an RN in the State in which you intend to practice or in a State that participates in a Nurse Licensure Compact with the State in which you intend to serve, be authorized to practice in the State pursuant to the Nurse License Compact (Please refer to the Nurse License Compact State listing), and retain the permanent unrestricted license as an RN during the 2-year service obligation.
500
What changes can be made to my NELRP application after it is submitted?
The only changes that will be accepted after submission of an application are changes to the name, home address and email address.
500
The NELRP contract involves what parties?
The Contract for loan repayment is between the applicant and the NELRP.
500
I want to transfer to another facility, what do I need to do to avoid jeopardizing my NELRP participation?
If a participant is unable to complete service at the initial site, he/she may request a transfer to another Critical Shortage Facility or accredited school of nursing, in the case of nurse faculty. Requests for transfers must be submitted for approval before leaving your existing service site and made in writing.
500
How are funding preferences determined in the NELRP program for applicants?
Qualified applicants whose total qualifying educational loans are 40% or greater than their base salary and who work at Disproportionate Share Hospital or Critical Access Hospital; Federally Qualified Health Center or Look-Alike, Indian Health Service Health Center, Native Hawaiian Health Center, or Rural Health Clinic; Nursing Home; or State or Local Public Health or Human Services Department.
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