All participants in our Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program must follow our requirements. This allows you to remain a Nurse Corps member.
What are the requirements?
The Application and Program Guidance document contains details on the requirements for the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program. Review the document for the year you joined the program.
- Read the most recent Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Application and Program Guidance (PDF - 509 KB)
- Review the Application and Program Guidance documents for previous years
You can also watch these recorded webinars on Zoom to learn more about requirements.
- Welcome to Service webinar (November 2023)
- Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program - Site POC webinar (March 2023)
When does my contract take effect?
Your contract takes effect after:
- You sign your contract.
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS)—or their designee—countersigns it.
Your service commitment begins on the date your contract is countersigned.
What are my service options?
We offer two types of service options. You choose only one:
- Serve as a registered Nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) at a critical shortage facility.
- Serve as nurse faculty at an eligible school of nursing.
Note: You can’t switch service options during your two-year contract. You may be eligible to transfer to another critical shortage facility or school of nursing. To do so, you must receive prior approval. For details, see Can I transfer to another site? on this page.
What must I do during my service period?
- Maintain a current, permanent, unrestricted license to practice as an RN or APRN in the state that employs you.
- Work under your employer’s verified scope of practice as an RN, APRN, or nurse faculty member.
- Understand that you will receive service credit only when your Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program contract is in effect.
- Begin full-time service on the effective date of your contract at the critical shortage facility or eligible school of nursing listed in your application.
- Continue with the same type of service option (critical shortage facility or eligible school of nursing) during your two-year service period.
How many hours must I work?
If you work at an eligible critical shortage facility:
- You must work at least 32 hours per week
- You must work a minimum of 45 weeks per service year.
If you work at an eligible school of nursing:
- You must work a minimum of nine months per service year.
- You must work “full-time” as defined by the employer. You may not serve part-time.
Do you verify my service?
Yes. Every six months, you and your point-of-contact (POC) must complete and sign the In-Service Verification (ISV) form.
Signing this form certifies that you are complying with the service requirements.
Do you permit absences?
Yes, but no more than seven weeks (which we consider to be 35 workdays) in a service year.
If you’re absent for longer, we’ll extend your contract end date.
What should my site POC do if I need a longer absence?
If you need a longer absence, please log into your Customer Service Portal Account and submit a Suspension Request.
Can I transfer to another site?
Yes, but you must receive approval first.
Contact us immediately using the My BHW. After you log in, go to the Activities section, then to Change My Site Request.
Include the reason for the transfer and an initiation of an employee verification form to the prospective site. This will determine whether it is an eligible critical shortage facility or eligible school of nursing.
Why wouldn't you approve my request?
There are two reasons we may not approve your transfer request. If the prospective site is:
- If the prospective site is ineligible.
- If the prospective position does not meet the obligation requirements.
Can I receive additional loan repayment?
If funding is available, we may offer you the option to serve for a third year of service. This option is called a continuation contract.
What will I get if approved?
We give you an additional 25% of your original total verified qualifying educational loan balance, as of the effective date of your initial two-year contract.
Contact us
Call: 1-800-221-9393 | TTY: 1-877-897-9910
Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET (except federal holidays)
Use our Ask Us a Question form