National Health Service Corps Scholarship

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Are you a U.S. citizen or national who is passionate about serving in primary care and committed to working in underserved communities?

If so, then the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program might be the perfect fit for you.

This National Health Service Corps Scholarship offers financial assistance to students pursuing primary care degrees in exchange for a service commitment in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Requirements

To be eligible for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or dual citizen.
2. Degree Program: You must be enrolled or accepted full-time in an accredited U.S. institution’s program leading to a degree in one of the following primary care disciplines:
   • Medicine (MD or DO)
   • Dentistry (DDS or DMD)
   • Nurse Practitioner
   • Certified Nurse-Midwife
   • Physician Assistant
3. School Start Date: You must be enrolled or accepted with a start date on or before September 30th of the application year.
4. Federal Employment Eligibility: You must be eligible for federal employment.
5. Service Obligation: You must be free from any other service obligations that would conflict with the NHSC service requirement.

While not strict requirements, the NHSC scholarship program prioritizes applicants who:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to working in underserved communities.
2. Have a history of serving or volunteering in medically underserved areas.
3. Are from a disadvantaged background.

How to Apply for National Health Service Corps Scholarship

The NHSC Scholarship application process normally opens in the spring with a deadline in late April. These are the application steps:

1. Create a BHW Customer Service Portal Account: You will need a Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) Customer Service Portal account to access the application. Create an account if you don’t have one already.
2. Eligibility Screening: The online application begins with an eligibility screening. Answer the questions carefully to ensure you meet the basic requirements before proceeding.
3. Complete the Application: Once you pass the screening, proceed to complete the application. This will involve providing information on:
   • General details (name, contact information, etc.)
   • Degree information (program, school, etc.)
   • Background information (residency, disadvantaged background status)
   • Financial information
   • Your service preferences (geographic location, facility type)
   • Letters of Recommendation (usually three)
4. Submit Application: Carefully review your application before submitting it electronically.

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Contact

For any questions or inquiries regarding the NHSC Scholarship Program, you can contact the National Health Service Corps:

1. Website: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/overview. The website offers comprehensive information on the program, eligibility, application process, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
2. Phone: The BHW Customer Service Center can be reached at 1-800-221-9393 / 301-443-3376 for any application-related issues. You can call on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET (except federal holidays).
3. Email: press@hrsa.gov
4. Contact form: You can send your inquiries through this contact form.
5. Mailing address: Press Office, Office of Communications, Health Resources and Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857 USA.