Indian Health Service Educational Loan Repayment

Objective

To ensure that the Indian Health Service (IHS) has an adequate supply of trained health professionals for Indian health program facilities by providing for the repayment of educational loans for participants who agree (by written contract) to serve an applicable period of time at a facility IHS has designated as a loan repayment priority site or in a designated specialty at a site with an appropriate position.

Who Can Apply

• Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans)

Eligible individuals must be enrolled: (1) In a course of study or program in an accredited institution, as determined by the Secretary, within any State and be scheduled to complete such course of study in the same year such as individual applies to participate in such program; (2) in an approved graduate training program in a health profession; (3) have a degree in health profession and a license to practice a health profession; (4) be eligible for, or hold, an appointment as a commissioned officer in the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS); (5) be eligible for selection for civilian service in the Regular or Reserve Corps of the PHS; (6) meet the professional standards for civil service employment in the IHS; (7) be employed with an Indian health program funded under Public Law 93-638, Indian Self-Determination, Title V of Public Law 94-437 and its amendments or the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. 47); (8) submit an application to participate in the IHS Loan Repayment Program. The term "State" is defined in Section 331 (i)(4) of the PHS Act.

Who Benefits

• Native American Organizations
• Health Professional
• Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments

Health professionals who have Government (Federal, State, local) and commercial unpaid educational loans will benefit from this program.

Assistance Types

• Direct Payments for Specified Use

Program Contact

DGM@ihs.gov
(301) 443-5204