Information for Students & Nurses in Transition

This section contains information that may be of interest to students and nurses in transition between employers. The NLRP application process is very competitive. Those serious about successfully competing for a loan repayment agreement will need to carefully read all sections of the NLRP website, including the NLRP Application Period announcement and the Participant Information and Requirements section, as well as all application forms and instructions. Investing the time required to become knowledgeable about NLRP is the only way to ensure you will be submitting a complete application package.

1. When can you apply?

You may apply during the application cycle that begins April 30. The best strategy for being awarded is to start working on your application forms early, make sure they are 100% complete, and submit them via the File Transfer Application during the application period and complete the online form. You will find more information about applicant priority status as well as the screening and review process on the NLRP website.

Graduating students in the final year of their programs and nurses in transition, may apply during the annual application period once they have an employment agreement to start work at an eligible practice site no later than the following October 1, when new loan repayment agreements begin and have active Michigan nursing licenses. Students with temporary or pending licenses may not apply and should wait for the next application cycle.

All graduating students or nurses applying must be actively licensed by April 30.

2. Finding practice sites eligible for NLRP

NLRP does not maintain a list of job openings at eligible practice sites. However, once you read the website to get a better understanding of eligibility requirements, you’ll be able to use the information to organize your job search and target eligible sites. When you locate practice sites at which you might want to work, use the priority list and/or HPSA-Find tool to determine which sites meet the priority practice sites, are in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or have HPSA facility designations. All sites must be non-profit (exceptions for Schools of Nursing). If your site is not listed as a priority, sites must have the right type of HPSA designation for you to participate in the program. Be sure to record the HPSA score for each site.

3. Negotiating with your future employer

You must have an informed and honest discussion with your employer about sponsoring your future participation in NLRP because they will be required to agree to employ you for the entirety of the NLRP agreement. Keep in mind, you can apply to NLRP and the NHSC LRP at the same time, but you can only participate in one program at a time. You can participate in either program and then participate in the other, but you must complete your service obligation to one program before participating in the other.

If you have further questions after reading the entire NLRP website, contact Juliette Rousseau at RousseauJ@michigan.gov. Those asking questions already covered on the website will be asked to complete their reading.