NHSC Scholarship
National Health Service Corps
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship is a great way for students looking to become healthcare professionals to get the financial assistance they need. It provides funds to cover tuition and other educational costs, as well as living expenses for qualifying individuals. With this scholarship, you can pursue your dreams of becoming a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant without worrying about how you’ll afford it all.
As well as a full-tuition scholarship, students also receive stipends for up to four years of study. They must enroll in an accredited health-profession program such as medicine, nursing, or dentistry. Scholarships are available on a competitive basis and require applicants to demonstrate their commitment to serving underserved communities through their chosen field once they complete the program. Applicants must also meet specific eligibility criteria including being U.S citizens or nationals; maintaining good standing in their chosen health profession program; committing to serve at least two years in an eligible service site following graduation, among others.
There is also a loan repayment assistance program for those who have completed their service obligation and are employed at an eligible site. This program helps offset the cost of medical school debt by providing up to $50,000 in tax-free loan repayment over a three-year period.
Scholarship Summary
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship is a great way for students looking to become healthcare professionals to get the financial assistance they need. It provides funds to cover tuition and other educational costs, as well as living expenses for qualifying individuals. With this scholarship, you can pursue your dreams of becoming a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant without worrying about how you’ll afford it all.
As well as a full-tuition scholarship, students also receive stipends for up to four years of study. They must enroll in an accredited health-profession program such as medicine, nursing, or dentistry. Scholarships are available on a competitive basis and require applicants to demonstrate their commitment to serving underserved communities through their chosen field once they complete the program. Applicants must also meet specific eligibility criteria including being U.S citizens or nationals; maintaining good standing in their chosen health profession program; committing to serve at least two years in an eligible service site following graduation, among others.
There is also a loan repayment assistance program for those who have completed their service obligation and are employed at an eligible site. This program helps offset the cost of medical school debt by providing up to $50,000 in tax-free loan repayment over a three-year period.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: Undergraduate – Graduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of NHSC Scholarship
Study Details
Area of Study
- Dental
- Healthcare
- Medicine
- Medicine Public Service
- Nursing
- Osteopathic Medicine
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Essay
- Grade transcript
- Recommendation letters
- School Verification
NHSC Scholarship Timeline
March
Application Open Date
Applications open in mid-March.
April
Submission deadline
The submission deadline is in late April.
September
Recipients Notified
Successful applicants will be notified at the end of September.
How to ace the NHSC Scholarship
Decide on a practice early
Select a practice site before you apply. sure the practice meets all of the requirements for NHSC approval, such as providing comprehensive primary care to a medically underserved population.
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria
There are specific requirements regarding the program of study. Ensure that the program you are enrolled in or plan to enroll in is one of the approved programs of study.
Prepare your personal statement
This should include why you want to serve in a medically underserved community, how your experience and training will help you in that role, and what you hope to gain from the service.
Reach out to references early
Contact your references before submitting the application. Make sure they are willing to provide a glowing recommendation on your behalf.
How the NHSC Scholarship is Judged
The selection committee reviews each application to ensure that it meets all criteria and standards, including academic excellence, leadership potential, communication skills, and commitment to serving underserved communities. They are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to working in a medically underserved area and have a plan to make a difference in the community. Financial need is also taken into consideration.
Why We Love the NHSC Scholarship
It provides resources for areas in need
Part of the program includes serving two years in an underserved area. This provides much-needed medical support to these areas.
It offers support for your length of study
The program offers up to four years of scholarship support, which includes tuition, fees, and other educational costs at an eligible school; as well as a living stipend for two academic years.
They also have loan repayment assistance
Students also receive assistance with loan repayment in exchange for providing health care at eligible sites located in Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
5 Facts About the National Health Service Corps
It was established in the '70s
The National Health Service Corps began the program in 1972 and has since helped over 48,000 healthcare providers serve over 33 million people in underserved communities.
More than 20,000 members
There are now more than 20,000 NHSC members providing care to more than 21 million
Huge number of current scholars
There are more than 3,500 NHSC scholars in residency or school preparing to serve.
The '80s saw new programs introduced
In 1987, amendments to the Public Health Service Act expanded the National Health Service Corps to include the NHSC Loan Repayment Program and State Loan Repayment Program.
The NHSC celebrated 50 years in 2022
In the year of its 50th anniversary, there were more than 19,000 active NHSC sites and a record-setting year of participants with 20,215 clinicians currently serving.