The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
MDHHS launches Nurse Loan Repayment Program to increase recruitment and retention efforts
April 03, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – To help increase the number of health care providers serving residents in underserved communities, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a student loan repayment program for nurses. The Nurse Loan Repayment Program (NLRP) will assist employers in the recruitment and retention of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses who commit to providing nursing services at eligible practice sites.
The program will provide up to $300,000 in tax-free funds to successful applicants to repay educational debt over a period of up to four years for those working at state psychiatric facilities or up to 10 years for other eligible practice sites. There is about $9 million available for student loan repayment.
“Nurses are the backbone of the health care system, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, clinics, schools and homes,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “They are often the first point of contact for patients and play a critical role in patient education, advocacy and support. Health care facilities across the state are facing nursing shortages and this loan repayment program will help providers recruit and retain nurses to provide vital care to patients.”
Applicants will compete for consecutive two-year NLRP agreements requiring them to remain employed for a minimum of 40 hours per week for no less than 45 weeks per year at eligible nonprofit practice sites that provide nursing services or full-time for nurses in public school settings or who teach at a school of nursing.
Nurses must remain with the employers who sponsor them during their two-year agreements, and employers must continue to employ the nurses they sponsor during their two-year service obligations. Employers must not use NLRP payments to offset participants’ salaries or other components of their compensation packages.
Applications are available at Michigan.gov/NLRP, and the deadline is Wednesday, June 4. Applicants and their employers are urged to review guidance on the website. Applicants should contact their student loan servicers to begin completion of the Nurse Application Part B form as soon as possible as this form takes time to be completed.
To learn more about the program, visit Michigan.gov/NLRP and subscribe to receive NLRP updates via GovDelivery.
# # #
Media Contact: