The Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) web page has resources on detailed application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility. Following is an abbreviated description of the program and qualification guidelines: 

NELRP is a competitive program that repays 60 percent of the qualifying loan balance of registered nurses selected for funding in exchange for 2 years of service at a critical shortage facility. Participants may be eligible to work a third year and receive an additional 25 percent of the qualifying loan balance.

Authorized by Section 846 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended, the purpose of the NELRP is to assist in the recruitment and retention of professional nurses dedicated to providing health care to undeserved populations.

If you are selected to participate in the NELRP, you enter into a contract with the U.S. Government. There are serious consequences for breaching this contract. Please read the 2008 application guidance carefully before deciding to apply to the NELRP in 2008.

You may be eligible to apply if you meet all of the following requirements by the next application due date:

• Have received a baccalaureate or associate degree in nursing (or an equivalent degree), a diploma in nursing or a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing in a State
• Have outstanding qualifying loans obtained for nursing education leading to a degree or diploma in nursing as specified above
• Have completed the nursing education program for which the loan balance applies
• Are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Are employed full time (32 hours or more per week) at a critical shortage facility
• Are employed at a non-profit facility (effective October 1, 2007)
• Have a current permanent unrestricted license as an RN in the State in which you intends to practice or be authorized to practice in that State pursuant to the Nurse Licensure Compact (not a U.S. Government Web site) and
• Have submitted a complete NELRP Application, a signed NELRP Contract, supplemental forms and all required documentation by the NELRP application deadline

You are not eligible to apply if you:

• Have a judgment lien against your property for a debt owed to the United States. Such individual is precluded from receiving Federal funds (including NELRP funds), until the judgment lien has been paid in full
• Have a service obligation (see Application Guidance > Definition of Terms) that will not be satisfied by the NELRP application deadline
• Have breached an obligation for professional service to a Federal, State, or local government entity
• Are currently in default of a Federal debt (e.g., student loans, delinquent taxes, etc.)
• Work for a nurse staffing agency or travel nurse agency
• Work on an "as needed" basis, this usually includes PRNs, Pool Nurses, or a person who is not scheduled in a full-time capacity by NELRP definition
• Have a temporary or inactive RN license
• Are a licensed practical/vocational nurse
• Are a nursing faculty member employed full-time in an educational institution or
• Are self-employed