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To combat the nation’s opioid crisis, HRSA launched the NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program (SUD Workforce LRP).

The most effective treatment for opioid addiction is a comprehensive approach that incorporates medication and behavioral health counseling.

The program supports the recruitment and retention of health professionals needed in underserved areas to expand access to SUD treatment and prevent overdose deaths.

Important Dates | Determine Your Eligibility | Disciplines | Sites | How to Apply

Benefits of the NHSC SUD Workforce LRP Eligible clinicians may receive up to $75,000 in student loan repayment in exchange for a three-year commitment to provide substance use disorder treatment services at NHSC-approved sites. Service You have an opportunity to increase access to primary care services to communities in need.

Flexible Service Options You have a choice between three years of full-time or part-time service at an NHSC-approved SUD service site. Note: If you serve in a private practice, you are not eligible to practice half-time.

Loan Repayment You will receive funds to repay your outstanding, qualifying, educational loans.

Which loan repayment program fits you best?

Compare our NHSC loan repayment programs—then choose the right one for you.

Important Dates

Application Launch Date : February 20, 2020

: February 20, 2020 Application Submission Deadline : May 21, 2020

: May 21, 2020 Employment Start Date : September 1, 2020

: September 1, 2020 Scholars' Service Obligation End Date : July 31, 2020

: July 31, 2020 Notification of Award : September 30, 2020

: September 30, 2020 Contract Termination Deadline: 60 days from the effective date of the contract

Determine Your Eligibility

Do you qualify for the NHSC-SUD Workforce LRP?

Yes, you qualify:

If you work at a SUD site with a Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) score that would ordinarily be too low to qualify for NHSC funding.

Using either your NHSC-approved site’s Mental Health or Primary Care HPSA score.

Are you eligible for an NHSC SUD Workforce LRP award?

Yes, as long as you are:

A United States citizen (U.S. born or naturalized) or United States national;

A provider (or eligible to participate as a provider) in the Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, as appropriate;

Fully trained and licensed to practice in the NHSC-eligible primary care medical, dental or mental/behavioral health discipline and state in which you are applying to serve; and

A health professional in an eligible discipline with qualified student loan debt for education that led to your degree.

Working at an NHSC -approved SUD treatment facility with a Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) score that would ordinarily be too low to qualify for NHSC funding.

Using either your NHSC-approved site’s Mental Health or Primary Care HPSA score.

Are military reservists eligible?

Yes. Find out about specific guidelines and requirements for military reservists.

Which disciplines and specialties are eligible?

We offer awards to providers who use evidence-based treatment models to treat substance use disorders. Evidence-based SUD treatment helps fight this epidemic through specific eligibility.

You must be trained and licensed to provide SUD treatment at NHSC-approved evidenced-based SUD treatment facilities.

Eligible Disciplines and Specialties Physicians;

Nurse practitioners;

Certified nurse midwives;

Physician assistants;

Behavioral health professionals;

Substance use disorder counselors;

Registered nurses; and,

Pharmacists

NHSC-Approved SUD Treatment Sites An NHSC-approved site is a health care facility providing complete outpatient services to people living in HPSAs. These sites meet NHSC site eligibility requirements and qualifications. What is an NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility? A facility must meet the requirements in the NHSC Site Agreement (PDF - 303 KB) and NHSC Site Reference Guide (PDF - 788 KB), including SUD documentation (PDF - 257 KB). SAMHSA-certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs)

Office-based opioid treatment facilities (OBOTs)

Non-opioid substance use disorder treatment facilities (SUD treatment facilities)

Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHCs)

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)

American Indian Health facilities

FQHC Look-Alikes

State or federal correctional facilities

Critical Access Hospitals

Community health centers

State or local health departments

Community outpatient facilities

Private practices

School-based clinics

Mobile units and free clinics

How to Apply

We guide you through the application and award process:

To apply, you must understand and follow our requirements.

Before You Apply

On average, it takes three weeks to complete an application.

Provide answers in your application that match your supporting documents. If they don’t, we’ll reject your application.

Submit a legible, complete online application—including all supporting documents—by the application deadline.