Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC)

The Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC) is a state loan repayment program for physicians and other health practitioners administered by the Nevada State Office of Rural Health (SORH) in the Office of Statewide Initiatives based at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med). NHSC was established by the Nevada State Legislature in 1989 (NRS 396.899 to 396.903).

The purpose of the NHSC program is to encourage health practitioners to serve in Nevada's underserved areas where their expertise is most needed. Through this program, practitioners commit to full-time clinical practice in designated communities facing practitioner shortages, receiving loan repayment assistance in return for their service.

How to get involved with the NHSC?

Eligibility

The following practitioners are eligible for NHSC support:

  • Physicians (M.D., D.O.)
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Registered nurses (RN)
  • Advanced practice registered nurses (NP)
  • Dentists, (DDS, DMD)
  • Certified nurse midwives (CNM)
  • Pharmacists (PharmD)
  • Marriage and family therapists (MFT)
  • Clinical psychologists (Ph.D.)
  • Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)

Requirements of participation

In exchange for loan repayment funds, each candidate agrees to serve in their assigned community for a contractually specified period of time. Typically, the length of time equals two years of full-time service. The candidate agrees to:

  • Provide services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay
  • Accept assignments under section 1842(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act as full payment for all services for which payment may be made under Part B of Title XVIII and under Title XIX and Title XXI (Nevada Check-Up) of such Act
  • Deliver services with medically accepted quality standards for performance
  • Remain in the assigned underserved area for the duration of the period of obligated service

Funding

Each application is evaluated individually and awards are made based upon the funding available during that cycle. The NHSC reserves the right to determine the amount of the award and the length of the period of obligated service individually for each application. All funds awarded under this program are to be used only for repayment of educational loans. Proof of payment in the amount of the award must be submitted to the NHSC.

Application

Candidates may apply for the NHSC at any point during the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Decisions are made on an annual basis unless funding becomes available at other times. Typically, awards are made during July and August of each year.

Note: The Nevada Health Service Corps is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number H56HP19810 (State Loan Repayment Program) with 50% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

For additional information, please contact Keith Clark.