BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — If their impact wasn't felt before, the COVID-19 pandemic showed us how vital medical professionals are to the world. Health-related professions are among the fastest growing and personally rewarding career fields, yet many people working in the industry also have the highest student loans, which are sometimes in the six figures. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to recruit and retain healthcare providers in the Peace Garden State, especially in underserved and rural areas, by offering student loan repayment help for those who qualify. This includes health, behavioral health, and dental professionals. The Primary Care Office in HHS is accepting applications for three programs: North Dakota Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program, ND Federal Loan Repayment Program, and Dental Loan Repayment Program. HHS encourages healthcare students graduating this year, new healthcare graduates, and established health professionals with student loan debt to apply. In 2023, the North Dakota Legislature approved $2.6 million in state and federal funding to help provide for student loan repayment programs. The funding was approved because of the challenges rural areas have in recruiting and retaining health professionals. The programs helped 116 North Dakota health professionals from 28 counties with their student loan obligations this past year. Participating health, behavioral health, and dental providers worked in 28 counties across the state. Great Plains Food Bank supports bill to combat hunger “We encourage our partners to help raise awareness about these programs and the investment being made to support access to care and meet the health needs of North Dakotans,” said HHS Interim Commissioner Dirk Wilke. “Recruiting and retaining a trained, qualified health care workforce, including in rural and underserved areas, is vital to reaching our goal of being the healthiest state in the nation.” Professions eligible for the support-for-service programs include physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, dentists and dental hygienists, and advanced practice providers such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and others. The following behavioral health professions also qualify: licensed addiction counselors, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, registered nurses, and behavioral analysts. The amount of assistance applicants can receive ranges from $22,000 to $50,000 depending on their service commitment and health profession. An employer match may be required. Service contracts vary from two to five years. Individuals should refer to each loan repayment program for eligibility details. Program details and application links are available online on the HHS North Dakota Health Services Corp webpage. Healthcare students graduating this year, new healthcare graduates, and established healthcare professionals can apply until March 31. If you have questions, you can contact the state’s HHS Primary Care Office at (701) 328-8674, 711 (TTY), or [email protected]. You can also find additional healthcare workforce recruitment and retention resources online at loveyoutostay.nd.gov. This website helps connect health professionals to promising career opportunities in North Dakota. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW