5) So how does the scoring process work?The Health Advisory Committee reviews each individual applicant on a case-by-case basis, assigning a score in the following areas:
· HPSA Score (Federal)
· Service Area (Frontier, Rural, Urban)
· Area Health Statistics Key Indicators (Determined by NM Dept of Health)
· Population Served
· Priority professions including doctors and dentists are given priority.
· Priority will be given to those applicants working in designated areas of greatest need. Decisions on funding are made on a case-by-case basis and all ranking is at the discretion of the committee. For more details, please review the
Scoring Criteria Sheet. 6) Is HPLRP state or federally funded?The program is federal and state funded. Health Professionals practicing in federal
Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA)will be offered federal funding first and will receive the highest priority. Health professionals eligible for state funding only will have their application reviewed by the Health Advisory Committee. The committee will use the approved scoring procedure to rank the applicants. For more information on federally qualified health centers, click on the link below:
Federally Qualified Health Centers in New Mexico
7) How much is the award?The Maximum allowable award is $25,000 per year. For those working in a federal Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) awards up to $35,000 per year are allowable. However, the award may depend on the applicants amount of student loan debt and may depend on available funding. Recipients are eligible for renewal upon completion of their two-year obligation.
8) How is HPLRP awarded?Participants are awarded quarterly payments directly to their lender upon verification of employment for the quarter.
9) What are the eligibility requirements?Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:
- U.S. Citizen
- Licensed or certified in the state of New Mexico by the date funding begins
- Preference is given to graduates of New Mexico public post-secondary institutions
- Preference is given to New Mexico residents
- Applicants must provide proof of eligible educational loan debt
10) If I am awarded, what happens if I leave the program before my two-year commitment is complete?HPLRP is a serious commitment to the underserved people of New Mexico. Therefore, all participants are expected to complete their service obligation. Except in only rare circumstances, participants who do not complete their service obligation will be required to repay amounts disbursed to them with penalty.
11) How do I apply?Submit the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program Application to:
New Mexico Higher Education Department
Attn: Financial Aid Division
2048 Galisteo Street
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100