Michigan launches loan repayment program for nurses: What to know

• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering up to $300,000 in student loan repayment to eligible nurses.
• The program aims to incentivize nurses to work in underserved communities facing staffing shortages.
• Applications are open until June 4th and can be found on the Michigan.gov/NLRP website.

Hoping to increase the number of nurses in underserved communities, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a student loan repayment program for qualified nurses, up to $300,000.

The Nurse Loan Repayment Program (NLRP) will pay up to $300,000 per nurse, up to four years for nurses working in psychiatric facilities, or up to 10 years for nurses working at other eligible facilities.

There is about $9 million available for student loan repayment.

“Nurses are the backbone of the health care system, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, clinics, schools and homes,” Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, said in a news release. “They are often the first point of contact for patients and play a critical role in patient education, advocacy and support. Health care facilities across the state are facing nursing shortages and this loan repayment program will help providers recruit and retain nurses to provide vital care to patients.” 

Applications are available at Michigan.gov/NLRP, and the deadline is Wednesday, June 4.

Who qualifies for loan repayment?

To be eligible for the loan repayment program, Michigan nurses will need to work at least 40 hours a week for at least 45 weeks a year at eligible nonprofit practice sites that provide nursing services or full-time for nurses in public school settings or who teach at a school of nursing.

How does the program work?

Nurses and employers will enter into two-year agreements in which the employee must remain with the employer for the duration of the contract.

Nurses can compete for consecutive two-year agreements for repayment, according to the state’s health department.

How many healthcare workers are there in Michigan?

More than 1 million Michiganders work in the healthcare industry, according to the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

Nearly 572,000 Michigan residents hold direct patient care jobs and provide medical or supportive care to patients.

An additional 502,000 Michiganders work in indirect healthcare jobs, making sure doctors, nurses and medical professionals have the supplies and systems necessary to provide care.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.