Health professionals play a vital role in improving access to care across Wisconsin. State and federal programs offer loan repayment and scholarship support for those who choose to serve in community-based settings and high-need areas.
These programs are designed to help you:
- Choose a career path based on your interests and values
- Serve rural and urban underserved communities
- Reduce the financial burden of student loan debt
Wisconsin AHEC and our partner organizations are here to help you understand your options, find resources, and plan your next steps.
How These Programs Work
State and federal loan assistance and scholarship programs aim to build a strong health workforce in communities with limited access to care.
In general, programs work like this:
- You receive financial support through loan repayment or scholarship funding
- You commit to working in a community-based, outpatient setting in a high-need area
- Your service helps improve access to care for Wisconsin communities
Service commitments typically range from 2–3 years, with many professionals choosing to continue serving these communities long-term.
Supporting Your Career While Expanding Access to Care
Find loan repayment and scholarship programs you may be eligible for based on your professional discipline and where you are in your career. Many programs are tied to service at Community Health Centers, also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or other approved sites serving high-need communities in Wisconsin. Learn more about eligible programs below.
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Medicine (MD, DO)
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps Students to Service | Student | Tuition, fees + stipend | 1 year per year of support | NHSC-approved sites | Strong fit for students committed early to rural/underserved primary care | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/how-to-apply |
| National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment | Professional | Up to $50,000 | 2-6 years depending on program and specialty | FQHCs & approved sites | Common path for residents/new attendings | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment | Professional | $75,000 FT or $37,500 HT | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Awardees may be eligible to apply for additional loan repayment funds to pay any remaining school loans. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-sud-workforce-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Rural Community Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 for full-time; $50,000 for part-time | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Those with Spanish language proficiency can receive a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-rural-community-loan-repayment-program |
| Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 full-time | 3 years | School-based service sites, HPSAs, Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) or serving a Medically Underserved Population (MUP) | This program is a good fit for those with outstanding debt to income ratio and familiarity with cultural and linguistic competencies | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/pediatric-specialty-lrp |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp | |
| Wisconsin Health Professions Loan Assistance Program (WI HPLAP) | Professional | $50,000 | 3 years FT | WI FQHC, public health, HPSAs | Ideal for long-term Wisconsin Practice | https://worh.org/resources/for-the-workforce/loan-repayment/ |
| Wisconsin Rural Provider Loan Assistance Program (RPLAP) | Professional | $50,000 | 3 years FT | Rural communities | Rural is defined as: A city, town, or village that has a population of less than 20,000 and that is at least 15 miles from any city, town, or village that has a population of at least 20,000, andthat is not an urbanized area, as defined by the federal bureau of the census. |
https://worh.org/resources/for-the-workforce/loan-repayment/#assessment-tools1f91-8d71a69b-a0e3 |
Physician Assistants (PA)
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps Students to Service | Student | Tuition, fees + stipend | 1 year per year of support | NHSC-approved sites | Strong fit for students committed early to rural/underserved primary care | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/how-to-apply |
| National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment | Professional | Up to $50,000 | 2-6 years depending on program and specialty | FQHCs & approved sites | Common path for residents/new attendings | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment | Professional | $75,000 FT or $37,500 HT | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Awardees may be eligible to apply for additional loan repayment funds to pay any remaining school loans. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-sud-workforce-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Rural Community Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 for full-time; $50,000 for part-time | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Those with Spanish language proficiency can receive a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-rural-community-loan-repayment-program |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp | |
| Wisconsin Health Professions Loan Assistance Program (WI HPLAP) | Professional | $25,000 | 3 years FT | WI FQHC, public health, HPSAs | Ideal for long-term Wisconsin Practice | https://worh.org/resources/for-the-workforce/loan-repayment/ |
Nurse Practitioners (NP) & Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM)
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps Students to Service | Student | Tuition, fees + stipend | 1 year per year of support | NHSC-approved sites | Strong fit for students committed early to rural/underserved primary care | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/how-to-apply |
| National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment | Professional | Up to $50,000 | 2-6 years depending on program and specialty | FQHCs & approved sites | Common path for residents/new attendings | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment | Professional | $75,000 FT or $37,500 HT | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Awardees may be eligible to apply for additional loan repayment funds to pay any remaining school loans. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-sud-workforce-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Rural Community Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 for full-time; $50,000 for part-time | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Those with Spanish language proficiency can receive a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-rural-community-loan-repayment-program |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp | |
| Wisconsin Health Professions Loan Assistance Program (WI HPLAP) | Professional | $25,000 | 3 years FT | WI FQHC, public health, HPSAs | Ideal for long-term Wisconsin Practice | https://worh.org/resources/for-the-workforce/loan-repayment/ |
Nursing (RN)
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship | Student | Tuition, fees + stipend | 1 year per year of support; minimum of 2 years | NHSC-approved sites such as FQHCs, school-based clinics, Free and charitable clinics | Strong fit for students committed early to rural/underserved primary care | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/how-to-apply |
| Nurse Corps Scholarship Program | Student | 1 year per year of support; minimum of 2 years | NHSC-approved sites such as FQHCs, school-based clinics, Free and charitable clinics | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/programs/nurse-corps/scholarship/apply | ||
| National Health Service Corps(NHSC) Loan Repayment | Professional | Up to $50,000 | 2 years FT (PT option) | FQHCs & approved sites | Common path for residents/new attendings | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment | Professional | $75,000 FT or $37,500 HT | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Awardees may be eligible to apply for additional loan repayment funds to pay any remaining school loans. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-sud-workforce-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Rural Community Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 for full-time; $50,000 for part-time | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Those with Spanish language proficiency can receive a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-rural-community-loan-repayment-program |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp |
Behavioral & Mental Health: Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT), Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselors, Health Service Psychologists (HSP), Psychiatric Nurse Specialists (PNS)
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment | Professional | Up to $50,000 | 2-6 years depending on program and specialty | FQHCs & approved sites | Common path for residents/new attendings | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment | Professional | $75,000 FT or $37,500 HT | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Awardees may be eligible to apply for additional loan repayment funds to pay any remaining school loans. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-sud-workforce-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Rural Community Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 for full-time; $50,000 for part-time | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Those with Spanish language proficiency can receive a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-rural-community-loan-repayment-program |
| Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 full-time | 3 years | School-based service sites, HPSAs, Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) or serving a Medically Underserved Population (MUP) | This program is a good fit for those with outstanding debt to income ratio and familiarity with cultural and linguistic competencies | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/pediatric-specialty-lrp |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp |
Pharmacy
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment | Professional | $75,000 FT or $37,500 HT | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Awardees may be eligible to apply for additional loan repayment funds to pay any remaining school loans. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-sud-workforce-loan-repayment-program |
| National Health Service Corps Rural Community Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 for full-time; $50,000 for part-time | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Those with Spanish language proficiency can receive a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-rural-community-loan-repayment-program |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp |
Dentists – Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD)
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps Students to Service | Student | Tuition, fees + stipend | 1 year per year of support | NHSC-approved sites | Strong fit for students committed early to rural/underserved primary care | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/how-to-apply |
| National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment | Professional | Up to $50,000 | 2-6 years depending on program and specialty | FQHCs & approved sites | Common path for residents/new attendings | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program |
| Wisconsin Health Professions Loan Assistance Program (WI HPLAP) | Professional | $50,000 | 3 years FT | WI FQHC, public health, HPSAs | Ideal for long-term Wisconsin Practice | https://worh.org/resources/for-the-workforce/loan-repayment/ |
| Wisconsin Rural Provider Loan Assistance Program (RPLAP) | Professional | $50,000 | 3 years FT | Rural communities | Rural is defined as: A city, town, or village that has a population of less than 20,000 and that is at least 15 miles from any city, town, or village that has a population of at least 20,000, andthat is not an urbanized area, as defined by the federal bureau of the census. |
https://worh.org/resources/for-the-workforce/loan-repayment/#assessment-tools1f91-8d71a69b-a0e3 |
Dental Hygienists (RDH) and Dental Therapists
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment | Professional | Up to $50,000 | 2-6 years depending on program and specialty | FQHCs & approved sites | Common path for residents/new attendings | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program |
| Wisconsin Health Professions Loan Assistance Program (WI HPLAP) | Professional | $50,000 | 3 years FT | WI FQHC, public health, HPSAs | Ideal for long-term Wisconsin Practice | https://worh.org/resources/for-the-workforce/loan-repayment/ |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| National Health Service Corps Rural Community Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $100,000 for full-time; $50,000 for part-time | 3 years | HPSAs or Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTA) | Those with Spanish language proficiency can receive a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000. | https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-rural-community-loan-repayment-program |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp |
Behavioral Health Paraprofessionals : Community Health Workers, Peer Recovery Specialists, Case Managers, Health Navigators
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp |
Clinical Support Staff : Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Licensed Occupational Therapists, Medical Assistants
| Program | Career Stage | Award | Service Commitment | Eligible sites | Notes | For more information visit: |
| Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program | Professional | $250,000 full-time | 6 years | Sites in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and/or county where the overdose mortality rate is higher than the national average | https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp |
You may be a good fit for these programs if you:
- Work (or plan to work) in a rural or urban underserved area
- Serve patients on Medicaid/BadgerCare or uninsured populations
- Are open to a 2–3 year service commitment
- Practice at or plan to work in an FQHC or HPSA-designated site
Start Planning Early
Whether you are a health professions student or still exploring your path, early awareness of loan assistance programs can shape your career decisions. You can begin now by:
✔ Learning which disciplines and specialties are eligible
✔ Seeking community-based clinical experiences
✔ Exploring programs that provide tuition, fees, and living stipend support
✔ Connecting with AHEC for guidance on long-term planning
Many students discover opportunities through AHEC programs that they might not have found on their own.