Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
Mission
To improve access to care and retain providers who provide healthcare services in underserved communities and to address health professional shortages that cause disparities in health.
Through the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP), licensed primary care, dental, and mental health clinicians in eligible disciplines can receive loan repayment assistance. In exchange for loan repayment, you must serve at least two years of service at an approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
Review the HPLRP Eligibility Guidelines for more information about qualified disciplines and to learn more about the service terms.
Application Cycle for 2023 Award
The Health Professional Loan Repayment Program 2023 application cycle is now closed. The application deadline was February 10, 2023.
Sign up for notifications and be the first to know when the next application cycle opens.
After You Apply
Application reviews start after the application deadline. Applications are reviewed to determine the extent that each applicant meets program eligibility guidelines. All applicants will be notified of their application status by April 30.
Notifying Applicants
If you become an award finalist, you will be notified by email with information about next steps.
You will be asked to confirm:
- Your continued interest in receiving an award.
- The validity of your student loan account(s) and employment information you provided us in your application.
- That you have read and understand the HPLRP service terms and requirements. (We ask you to e-sign this if you receive, and accept, an award.)
You will be asked to provide:
- Information on how your student loan lenders accept payment. We use this to ensure award funds can be sent directly to your lender if you receive an award.
If you are not selected for an award, you will be notified by email no later than September 30.
What we do
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Offer health education loan repayments to primary care, dentistry, and mental health professionals that have made a commitment to practice in medically underserved communities.
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Review, and evaluate applications from healthcare professionals and sites to determine program eligibility based on regulations and the availability of funding.
Other Resources
Explore Loan Repayment & Support Navigation Tool
This Loan Repayment & Support Navigation Tool is designed to help health professionals and those seeking health careers become aware of the potential loan repayment program options available in Rhode Island. Please use this resource to explore what loan repayment programs may be available to you.
Resources/Opportunities through the National Health Service Corps:
Federal loan repayment programs:
Federal scholarships:
Resources/Opportunities through the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority:
RISLA is a non-profit agency offering, college planning services, low cost student loans, scholarships, and student refinancing options to students and families nationwide.
Resources/Opportunities through Wavemaker Fellowship:
The Wavemaker Fellowship provides a financial incentive for health professional working in Rhode Island in the form of an annual refundable tax credit against their Rhode Island income tax to defray the cost of student loan repayments.
Rhode Island Department of Health