Rural Health Funding & Opportunities: Health workforce

Illinois National Health Service Corps State Loan Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment assistance for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse midwives, dentists, and psychiatrists who agree to serve in a Health Professional Shortage Area of Illinois.

Geographic coverage: Illinois
Application Deadline: Sponsor: Illinois Center for Rural Health

Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (EMPA) Fellowship
An 18-month fellowship for physician assistants with Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Fellows will learn from board-certified emergency physicians and physician assistants at a Level II Trauma Center, rural emergency departments, and with ground and air emergency crews.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jan 1, 2026
Sponsor: Gundersen Health System

North Carolina Science Enrichment Preparation Program
An academic enrichment program that targets first-generation, rural, and/or socioeconomically disadvantaged undergraduate students in North Carolina who would like to attend medical or dental school.

Geographic coverage: North Carolina
Application Deadline: Jan 4, 2026
Sponsor: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Health Careers Access Program

Best and Brightest Program - Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment in Iowa
Funding to recruit healthcare providers in rural Iowa by offering competitive incentives that make rural practice both attractive and sustainable.

Geographic coverage: Iowa
Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2026
Sponsor: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Bill Finerfrock Health Policy Fellowship
A 4-week fellowship in Alexandria, Virginia for mid-career professionals to learn leadership skills for becoming grassroots advocates and champions for rural health.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2026
Sponsor: National Association of Rural Health Clinics

Maryland Income Tax Credit for Preceptors in Areas with Health Care Workforce Shortages
Tax credit of $1,000 per student for physicians and nurse practitioners serving as preceptors in underserved areas of Maryland.

Geographic coverage: Maryland
Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2026
Sponsor: Maryland Department of Health

Texas Nursing Shortage Reduction Program (NSRP)
Funding to build the capacity of nursing education programs in Texas to enroll, retain, and graduate more nursing students with the intent of addressing skilled nursing shortage areas and meeting public health needs.

Geographic coverage: Texas
Letter of Intent (Required): Jan 5, 2026
Application Deadline: Feb 27, 2026
Sponsor: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Minnesota Dentist Loan Forgiveness Program
Loan repayment assistance for dental students, residents, and licensed dentists who plan to provide at least 25% of annual patient encounters to state public program enrollees and/or patients receiving a sliding fee schedule in Minnesota.

Geographic coverage: Minnesota
Application Deadline: Jan 6, 2026
Sponsor: Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Rural Health and Primary Care

Minnesota Nurse in Long Term Care Loan Forgiveness Program
Loan repayment assistance for students in Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs or currently licensed RNs/LPNs who agree to practice in long-term care in Minnesota.

Geographic coverage: Minnesota
Application Deadline: Jan 6, 2026
Sponsor: Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Rural Health and Primary Care

Minnesota Rural Advanced Practice Provider Loan Forgiveness Program
Loan repayment assistance for advanced practice provider students and/or graduates who agree to practice in a designated rural area of Minnesota.

Geographic coverage: Minnesota
Application Deadline: Jan 6, 2026
Sponsor: Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Rural Health and Primary Care

Rural Health Funding by Topic: Health workforce

Rural Health
Funding by Topic: Health workforce