North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is inviting applications for student loan repayment programs aimed at health professionals. These initiatives are designed to bolster healthcare access in underserved and rural regions of North Dakota. Applications are open until March 31, targeting various health, behavioral health, and dental professionals.
The HHS Primary Care Office oversees three programs: the North Dakota Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program, the ND Federal Loan Repayment Program, and the Dental Loan Repayment Program. The opportunity is available to this year’s graduating students, recent graduates, and established professionals with existing student loan debt.
In response to recruitment challenges in rural areas, the 2023 North Dakota Legislature allocated $2.6 million in funding for these programs—$2 million from federal sources and $600,000 from state funds. In 2024, these programs benefited 116 eligible professionals working across 28 counties.
Dirk Wilke, HHS Interim Commissioner, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “We encourage our partners to help raise awareness about these programs and the investment being made to support access to care and meet the health needs of North Dakotans.” He added that recruiting a qualified workforce is essential for achieving their goal of making North Dakota the healthiest state.
Eligible professions include physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, dentists and dental hygienists, advanced practice providers like physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Behavioral health roles such as licensed addiction counselors and clinical social workers also qualify.
Loan assistance varies between $22,000 to $50,000 based on service commitment length and profession type. Some contracts require an employer match with service periods ranging from two to five years.
Interested individuals can find eligibility details and application links on the HHS North Dakota Health Services Corp webpage. For further inquiries or assistance regarding applications, contact information for the state’s HHS Primary Care Office is provided online.
