National Health Service Corp Application Cycles Open

​Eligible healthcare facilities can apply to become National Health Service Corps (NHSC)-approved sites. NHSC-approved sites provide outpatient, primary health care services to people in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Sites must contact their State Primary Care Office (PCO) when applying for, or inquiring about, a HPSA designation.

Healthcare sites and treatment facilities that have never been approved as NHSC sites may apply. Sites that were previously approved but are now inactive must apply during this new site application cycle if they want to become a NHSC site. Inactive sites will no longer be able to reapply during the recertification cycle. The application closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 25, 2021.

• Eligibility includes healthcare sites providing outpatient, ambulatory, and primary health care services (medical, dental, and behavioral health) in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Additional eligible site types include facilities providing general substance use disorder treatment, a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program, or an Opioid Treatment Program.

The application cycle for three NHSC Loan Repayment Programs are now open.  The programs are the NHSC Loan Repayment Program (NHSC LRP), the NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program (NHSC SUD Workforce LRP) and the NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program (NHSC Rural Community LRP). The application closes on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.

This year, a historic $800 million increase in funding means more awards will be given in a single year than ever before, and clinicians are encouraged to apply even if their organization’s health professional shortage area (HPSA) score has not been competitive for awards in the past. Additionally, the NHSC Loan Repayment Program will dedicate $15 million for awards to clinicians working at Indian Health Service facilities, Tribally-Operated 638 Health Programs, and Urban Indian Health Programs.