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The 2012 application cycle for the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program (NELRP) is currently open.  Please help us spread the word about the program.  If you are familiar with NELRP, you will notice program modifications that have been put in place to adapt to changes in the nursing profession and to ensure support for communities with the greatest need.

NELRP offers Registered Nurses (RNs), advanced practice registered nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and nurse faculty an opportunity to repay 60 percent of their outstanding qualifying educational loans in exchange for a two-year service commitment at a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) or an accredited school of nursing.

For 2012, the program is reserving up to half of the award funding for NPs; the remaining funding will continue to support RNs and nurse faculty.

As in previous years, NELPR is expected to be competitive.  If there are more qualified applicants than available funding, the following preferences will be in place beginning this year:

• Nurses at CSFs:

Preference will be given to nurses based on the greatest financial need, the type of facility, and the mental health or primary care Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designation. 

• Nurse Faculty at Schools:

Preference will be given to faculty with the greatest financial need and to faculty working at schools of nursing with at least 50 percent enrollment of students from a disadvantaged background.

The deadline to apply to NELRP is February 15, 2012 at 5:00 pm EST.  Please join us in helping spread the word to individuals who might be interested in applying to the program.  To learn more about NELRP eligibility and requirements, visit: http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/repayment/nursing/guidance.pdf.

Thank you.