Rural Spotlight

June 30, 2023

Top 5 FAQs – Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) – Simulation Education Training (SET) Program (HRSA-23-129)

The Health Resources Services Administration has provided the top 5 frequently asked questions related to the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) Simulation Education Training (SET) Program (HRSA-23-120).

Q1: Can current SET grantees apply to this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)?

A:  Yes. Current NEPQR-SET grantees may apply. However, note the changes and requirements of the current NOFO. Your application must reflect the noted goals, objectives, and requirements.

Q2: Do interprofessional collaborative agreements have to be currently established or can they be established as part of this project?

A:   Any academic, practice, and community partnerships may be established or enhanced with the funding of this program. The applicant should provide any documents that describe working relationships via a letter of commitment/letter of support between the applicant organization and other entities and programs cited in the proposal.

Q3: Can students from other disciplines (PT, OT, PA, MD etc.) participate in the simulation activities funded by this grant if it is in an interprofessional setting with nursing students?

A:   Yes. Simulation based training must include collaborative interprofessional team based care.

Q4: Is application eligibility limited to programs with national accreditation or is approval from our state Board of Nursing sufficient?

A:   Schools of nursing must be accredited by a recognized body or by a state agency approved by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

Q5: Are two-year associate degree nursing programs and diploma programs eligible?

A:   Eligible applicants include:

• • Accredited schools of nursing
  • Health care facilities, including federally qualified health centers or nurse managed health centers
  • A partnership of such a school and facility

In addition:

• • Domestic community-based organizations, tribes, and tribal organizations are also eligible to apply if otherwise eligible.
  • Diploma school of nursing affiliated with a hospital or university, or an independent school, which provides primarily or exclusively a program of education in professional nursing and allied subjects leading to a diploma or to equivalent are eligible, only if such program, or such affiliated school or such hospital or university or such independent school is accredited.
  • For profit entities are NOT eligible.

More questions?
Check out the full list of FAQs and Technical Assistance Webinar recording.

Applications accepted until 11:59 p.n. ET on July 3, 2023

June 30, 2023

Faculty Loan Repayment Program Application Deadline Extended

The Faculty Loan Repayment Program application deadline has been EXTENDED until Thursday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Check out the trending questions received by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) in last week’s Q & A session to help you finish your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between the Faculty Loan Repayment Program and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program?
  •  The Faculty Loan Repayment Program is a loan repayment program for individuals serving as faculty members (including nurse faculty) at a health professions school. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program is a grant program for nursing schools that offer scholarships to nursing students who intend to serve as nurse faculty.
•  How do I prove a disadvantaged background?
  • You must submit official documentation indicating that you come from an economically or environmentally disadvantaged background. You are encouraged to submit the Faculty Loan Repayment Program’s Disadvantaged Background Form (available in the online application), signed by a school official from a school you previously attended, as the official document.
• If my university denies matching, will I still be eligible?
  • Yes. For institutions that are unable to provide matching loan repayments, applicants must provide an official letter from the employer requesting a full or partial waiver explaining the undue financial hardship.
• If my employer only issues one-year contracts, am I eligible?
  • You must be employed by your site for two years; if your contract does not show two years, we will accept documentation from your employer on official letterhead stating their intent to employ you for a minimum of two years.
• Can I work at a for-profit health professions school?
  • Employing schools of nursing and physician assistant programs are eligible if they are accredited public, private non-profit, or private for-profit. Employing schools for all other eligible health disciplines must be accredited non-profit to be eligible.
• Can I make changes to my application after it is submitted?
  • No, you cannot make changes to your application once you have submitted it. Please check your application and documents prior to submission.

Before you apply:

• Read the 2023 Faculty Loan Repayment Application and Program Guidance (PDF – 482 KB). It has the information you need to complete your application.
• Check out the Application Checklist to help you submit your application by the deadline

Start Your Application:

• If you do not have one, create a Bureau of Health Workforce Customer Service Portal account.
• If you have a BHW Customer Service Portal account, select Appling for the Faculty Loan Repayment Program and log in.

For more information and resources, please review the Faculty Loan Repayment Program webpage.

Finish Your Application