The state Health Department has opened the next application cycle for the Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program.
"The program is geared toward health care professionals, preferably working in an underserved area, or an area with a great need in North Dakota," said North Dakota Primary Care Office manager Kalee Werner.
Werner said this is a contract a person would enter in with the Health Department. She said the person would serve for five years at their facility or in their location,
"They can receive loan repayment dollars for that five year service contract," Werner said.
Werner said the program was created to help increase the number of providers practicing in areas of North Dakota that have a demonstrated need. She said this really helps those who are just starting their practices, and are saddled with debt.
"A lot of our facilities, especially rural facilities, use loan repayment as an incentive tool," Werner said. "This is a great way to get people out there."
Werner also said it is a retention tool as well.
"They get five years with these providers," Werner said. "And after that time, the people are invested in the community. It's a win-win all around."
Werner said applications for the program area available on the Health Department’s Website – www.health.nd.gov/pco.