EDUCATION AWARDS

The Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition Program (ORSRP) 
ORSRP is designed to assist rural communities in “growing their own” health care professionals by matching community funds with state funds to support a student of the community’s choice in a health professional education program.  Half of the student's educational expenses are contributed by the sponsoring rural community and the remainder is provided by the State Office of Rural Health (SORH). For each year the student receives funds through the program, the student provides a year of health care in the sponsoring rural community.

If you are currently a clinician practicing in a rural setting, ORSRP could be a great way for you to pursue higher credentials (e.g. Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse).  Click the link above for more information and talk to your employer about sponsoring your next degree. 

The Rural Communities Healthcare Investment Program (RCHIP)
RCHIP is designed to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural communities by providing incentives such as stipends or loan repayment assistance to non-physician healthcare professionals who agree to practice in rural medically underserved areas.  RCHIP awards are competitive and contingent on availability of funds.


EDUCATION AWARDS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

• National Health Service Corps 

National Health Service Corps is a loan repayment program for primary care clinicians working in underserved areas.  To find out if you qualify for the National Health Service Corps Program, contact the Texas Primary Care Office at (512) 458-7518.

• National Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Student loan balances can be forgiven after 120 consecutive on-time payments if you have been working in public service for that period (10 years).  Public service is defined as working for a nonprofit 501c3 organization or for a public entity (i.e. local, state or federal government service).  If you are working in the medical field and your employer does not fit one of the two above categories, you may apply for eligibility to this program on a case-by-case basis.  Please visit the "National Public Service Loan Forgiveness" link above for more information.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Education Award Links:

• State and Federal Grants and Scholarships 
• Private/Corporate Grants and Scholarships 
• Loan Repayment Programs