pgk1978 Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 So I am starting school in two weeks and the new NHSC Scholarship application opened. Should I apply for this to help with costs now and not have to worry about the loans after graduation... or just take out loans now and try to get a Loan Repayment job after I graduate. This is all of course hypothetical, but I wondered which option would be better. It seems from my limited research, that there are many more opportunities for loan repayment because of the option of finding a job then having that location apply for the loan repayment program. I really am not too sure, so any comments would be helpful. Thanks everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jah22187 Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I was wondering the same thing. Anyone have any input? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michigander Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I applied for the NHSC scholarship. I saw somewhere that they grant about 15% of the applications but I don't know what ratio go to PAs vs. MD, DO, social work, NP. I'm not holding out hope for that. I would love to have the stipend and support for books and supplies and the 100% tuition coverage of the scholarship... But you're right, there are many more options for post-school loan forgiveness through their program. Obviously I live in Michigan and right now there are 2 (!!!) jobs available for the scholarship program but many more for loan forgiveness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delco714 Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 I wanted to apply for this but in NY the only jobs appear to be in China Town or near Canada. This is NY, I am dumbfounded over this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just_me Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 I applied...figure if I ont get it then I would just apply for the loan forgiveness later. I have no idea where I want to live when I graduate and am pretty open to moving where Im needed if I cant find something where I want.. so that aspect of the NHSC scholarship doesnt bother me. You really have to be ok with going where theye need you if you cant place yourself... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsters Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 I am an NHSC scholar graduating in 6 days. I had no trouble finding a job. In fact, I found one right here in Gainesville, FL. First of all, if you are awarded a scholarship, you will attend a "placement conference" before you graduate. There is a "job fair" at the conference where you can talk to recruiters from across the US. You will also be assigned a consultant who will walk you through the process. Second, you are NOT limited to a job on the opportunities list. Other sources of possible jobs are: 1. Pre-approved sites found on http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/HGDWReports/OneClickRptFilter.aspx?rptName=NHSCAppSiteList&rptFormat=HTML3.2 ; 2. Your state Primary Care Officer and 3. Other clinics that qualify but haven't filed for a HPSA score. You can find out if a site might qualify by plugging in an address into this website: http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/GeoAdvisor/ShortageDesignationAdvisor.aspx When I was job searching, I contacted the AHEC (area health education center) liaison for the area I was interested in working in. She then sent my information to all of her contacts and I was asked to call for an interview. I plugged in the site's address to the above website and learned they were in an area that had a high enough score. I then contacted my state primary care officer (who is in charge of maintaining a list of qualified centers on a state level) and she confirmed that the site would qualify. I then had the site fill out the appropriate paperwork to receive an official HPSA score. The rest is history. All that said - don't be discouraged by relative lack of postings on the "job opportunities list". There are a lot of other possibilities available to you. And the NHSC is very generous about giving you 6 months or so to find a position on your own before they more actively "help" you find someplace. The deadline has past for this year but I hope this helps those of you who have already applied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyMadisonPA Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 woodsters, what is a "high enough score"? Like 12+? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just_me Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 woodsters, what is a "high enough score"? Like 12+? What sites are eligible and where do I find a job that qualifies? NHSC SP scholars must fulfill their service commitments at NHSC-approved service sites (see Definitions) in federally designated HPSAs of greatest need throughout the United States. Each year, a HPSA score threshold is published to determine which HPSAs are of greatest shortage for priority assignment of NHSC scholars. For example, from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, NHSC scholars must be placed at sites with a HPSA score of 17 and above (15 and above for P.A.s). Scholars will be subject to the HPSA score threshold in effect during the time of their placement. It could be higher or lower by the times you graduate (this is for the scholarship btw) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsters Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 Right. As a PA scholar, I had to have a HPSA score of 15 (or higher) for the scholarship. I didn't post this info because it is subject to change (it could go up or down). As opposed to the scholarship program, those doing loan repayment are not held to this obligation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyMadisonPA Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyMadisonPA Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 Did you have to do your rotations with clinics that scored 15+ or did that rule only apply to the job you will get after school? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just_me Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 Right. As a PA scholar, I had to have a HPSA score of 15 (or higher) for the scholarship. I didn't post this info because it is subject to change (it could go up or down). As opposed to the scholarship program, those doing loan repayment are not held to this obligation. They arent held to the same high score but the higher the score the better chance they have of getting approved for loan repayment is what I have read Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just_me Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 I would think it only applies to the actual job afterall you do not have to do your rotations through them at all though it seems it would help with obtaining a site later Did you have to do your rotations with clinics that scored 15+ or did that rule only apply to the job you will get after school? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyMadisonPA Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 I applied and am still waiting to hear back but our director sent out an email saying we needed to do our rotations in rural settings if we are a scholarship recipient. That would be really tough to do, especially since I have a dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just_me Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 some of the people in my program are just asking other students to pet sit for a small fee or giving a roomie a discount on the rent for watching the pet........ anywho, I didnt see anything about that in the documents online for the scholarship but it doesnt really matter because rural rotations are part of our curriculum anyway I applied and am still waiting to hear back but our director sent out an email saying we needed to do our rotations in rural settings if we are a scholarship recipient. That would be really tough to do, especially since I have a dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsters Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 The scholarship did not place any obligations on me for my rotations. However, my SCHOOL did require one rotation. The NHSC has never asked me anything about my rotations. I did have to send them my transcripts a few times so they keep an eye on your grades and whether or not you are still enrolled in school. The NHSC does have a SEARCH program that provides financial incentives for doing rotations in underserved areas. You might consider that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GREATMDPA Posted June 30, 2011 Share Posted June 30, 2011 I am an NHSC scholar graduating in 6 days. I had no trouble finding a job. In fact, I found one right here in Gainesville, FL. First of all, if you are awarded a scholarship, you will attend a "placement conference" before you graduate. There is a "job fair" at the conference where you can talk to recruiters from across the US. You will also be assigned a consultant who will walk you through the process. Second, you are NOT limited to a job on the opportunities list. Other sources of possible jobs are: 1. Pre-approved sites found on http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/HGDWReports/OneClickRptFilter.aspx?rptName=NHSCAppSiteList&rptFormat=HTML3.2 ; 2. Your state Primary Care Officer and 3. Other clinics that qualify but haven't filed for a HPSA score. You can find out if a site might qualify by plugging in an address into this website: http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/GeoAdvisor/ShortageDesignationAdvisor.aspx When I was job searching, I contacted the AHEC (area health education center) liaison for the area I was interested in working in. She then sent my information to all of her contacts and I was asked to call for an interview. I plugged in the site's address to the above website and learned they were in an area that had a high enough score. I then contacted my state primary care officer (who is in charge of maintaining a list of qualified centers on a state level) and she confirmed that the site would qualify. I then had the site fill out the appropriate paperwork to receive an official HPSA score. The rest is history. All that said - don't be discouraged by relative lack of postings on the "job opportunities list". There are a lot of other possibilities available to you. And the NHSC is very generous about giving you 6 months or so to find a position on your own before they more actively "help" you find someplace. The deadline has past for this year but I hope this helps those of you who have already applied. I was wondering if I could use the aboved mentioned websites for jobs for the Loan Repayment program as well. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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