Securing funding for nursing education can be a significant concern for aspiring and current nurses. Many are curious about whether institutions like Aurora Health Care offer loan forgiveness programs. While specific programs at Aurora Health Care may vary, numerous loan forgiveness opportunities are available for nurses at the state and national levels. This guide explores various programs designed to support nurses in their education and career paths.
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
For those pursuing graduate studies to become nurse faculty, the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a valuable resource. This federal loan program aims to address the shortage of nurse educators by offering forgivable loans to students committed to full-time employment as nurse faculty after graduation.
Key Features of NFLP:
- Eligibility: Master of Nursing (Nurse Educator track), Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing programs. U.S. citizens are eligible, and additional requirements may apply.
- Loan Forgiveness: Up to 85% of the total loan amount can be forgiven after four years of full-time employment as nurse faculty post-graduation.
- Duration: Support is available for up to five years for eligible full-time or part-time graduate students, subject to continued federal funding.
For further details, it’s recommended to consult with your academic advisor or reach out to Susan Wolff at [email protected] for information specific to UW-Milwaukee’s NFLP offerings.
Wisconsin Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness Program
Aspiring nurse educators in Wisconsin should also consider the Wisconsin Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness program. This state-specific program supports individuals committed to working as nurse educators (clinical or academic) within Wisconsin after completing their studies.
Important Details:
- Focus: Careers as nurse educators in Wisconsin.
- Application Availability: Typically opens around July 15th each year, with funds distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Source: The Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board (HEAB) administers this program.
For the most current information and application details, regularly check the official HEAB website: https://heab.state.wi.us.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Programs
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers a range of scholarships and loan repayment programs to bolster healthcare in underserved communities. These programs are excellent avenues for nurses seeking financial assistance while contributing to areas of high need.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is designed for students pursuing various nursing degrees in primary care disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Degree Programs: Associate, Baccalaureate, Graduate, or Doctorate degrees in primary care nursing disciplines.
- Eligible Disciplines: Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
- Enrollment Status: Must be accepted or enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an accredited program.
For comprehensive details and application procedures, visit the HRSA website dedicated to the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship.
National Health Service Corps Scholarship
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship supports students in primary care disciplines, including nursing, who commit to serving in underserved communities after graduation.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Degree Programs: Various primary care disciplines.
- Eligible Disciplines (Nursing): Nurse Practitioner (Adult, family, pediatric, geriatrics, women’s health), Certified Nurse-Midwife.
- Enrollment Status: Must be a full-time student in a U.S.-accredited program.
Learn more and apply through the official NHSC Scholarship website: NHSC Scholarship Program.
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
For nurses and other healthcare professionals already in their final year of study or practicing, the NHSC Loan Repayment Program offers loan repayment in exchange for service in underserved communities.
Eligible Disciplines Include:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): Adult Practice, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Psychiatry, Geriatrics.
- Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): Women’s Health.
Maternity Care Provider Supplemental Award: A new addition to this program, offering further support for maternity care providers.
Application deadlines and detailed information are available on the HRSA website: NHSC Loan Repayment.
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program specifically targets licensed registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nurse faculty members seeking loan repayment.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Professionals: Licensed registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, or nurse faculty members with qualifying nursing debt.
- Education: Nursing education from an accredited U.S. school.
- Employment: Full-time employment at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) in a high-need area (for RNs, APRNs) or at an accredited school of nursing (for nurse faculty).
Note: HRSA prioritizes applicants with the greatest financial need.
Further details and application information can be found at: Nurse Corps Loan Repayment.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Loan Repayment Program
Addressing the opioid crisis, the NHSC Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workforce Loan Repayment Program supports trained and licensed providers in substance use disorder treatment.
Eligible Disciplines:
- Physicians, Nurse practitioners, Certified nurse midwives, Physician assistants, Behavioral health professionals, Substance use disorder counselors, Registered nurses, Pharmacists.
Program Commitment: Requires at least two years of service at an NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility using evidence-based treatment models.
For comprehensive information and application, visit: Substance Use Disorder Treatment Loan Repayment.
Conclusion
While information on specific forgivable loan programs directly from Aurora Health Care requires further investigation on their official website or through their HR department, numerous external programs are available to support nurses financially. Programs like NFLP, Wisconsin Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness, and various HRSA initiatives offer significant opportunities for loan forgiveness and repayment. Nurses are encouraged to explore these options to fund their education and advance their careers while serving in critical roles and communities.
