The purpose of this one-year funding opportunity is to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty. This NOFO seeks to accomplish this by providing funding to accredited schools of nursing to offer loans to students enrolled in advanced education nursing degree programs who are committed to become nurse faculty. In exchange for full-time post-graduation employment as nurse faculty, the program authorizes cancelation of up to 85 percent of any such loan (plus interest thereon).

Eligible applicants are accredited schools of nursing, including advanced education nursing programs. Any school(s) of nursing affiliated with this application must be accredited at the time of application – and for the duration of the award – by a recognized body or bodies, or a State agency, approved by the Secretary of Education for nurse education accreditation. Applicants must submit official documentation of accreditation in Attachment 1 for all affiliated nursing programs. Eligible applicants must be located in the United States, Guam, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. Tribes and Tribal organizations may apply for these funds, if otherwise eligible. Foreign entities are not eligible for this HRSA award. Individuals are not eligible to apply. For continuation (renewal) applicants, your institution’s default rate status will be considered in determining future NFLP award decisions. Continuation applicants that are above the default rate threshold (greater than five (5) percent) will be deemed ineligible for future funding or be subject to additional penalties, up to and including, award termination. Continuation (renewal) applicants must draw down and loan previously awarded funds, and may be deemed ineligible for future funding for failure to draw down funds and make loans to students.

Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration aagbo@hrsa.gov