Health Professional Nursing Student Loans

Applications are accepted from January 1 to March 1, each calendar year.

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If you are making payments on your Nurse Student Loan (NSL) award(s), you may utilize the on-line payment platform in lieu of mailing your payments to the department.

 

Photo of Nurse in Hospital Room

The NSL Program is a competitive state program that awards funding to Missouri residents attending a Missouri institution pursuing education leading to careers as licensed practical nurses or professional nurses. Applicants must meet the qualifications associated with the program provisions and agree to work in a Missouri Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), upon completion of training.

Program Provisions are found in the NSL Program Policies and Procedures and the NSL Program Code of State Regulations (CSR) (19 CSR 10-6.010).

 

Who is Eligible to Apply

The applicant must meet all of the following:

  • Full-Time Student (enrolled or accepted) in an eligible nursing program in a Missouri institution leading to one of the following degrees/licensures:
    • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN);
    • Registered Nurse (RN);
    • Diploma in Nursing (DN);
    • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN);
    • Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN);
    • Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) leading to advanced practice licensure; or
    • Doctorate Students seeking a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a student with a master of science in nursing seeking Doctor of Education (EdD), or leading to the completion of educational requirements for a licensed practical nurse.  The doctoral applicant is the only applicant that may be a part-time student.
  • Enrolled or Accepted in an Institution within Missouri approved by the Missouri Nursing Board.
  • A Missouri resident.
  • Under No Conflicting Service Obligation with the exception of service in the National Guard or military reserve.
  • Under No Conflicting Service Obligation with the exception of service in the National Guard or military reserve.

Maximum Loan Amounts Awarded per School Year (You must reapply every year)

  • $5,000 for Practical Nursing Students (LPN)
  • $10,000 for Professional Nursing Students (RN, ADN, DN, BSN, MSN, APN, DNP)

Repayment of Loans/Service Obligation

The NSL Program recipients earn forgiveness on their loans through a service obligation. This means you must work in a position requiring your licensure and within your scope of practice in a HPSA. Your service obligation required for forgiveness is based upon the number of loans received.  One loan equates to one year of service; two loans equates to two years of service, etc., which is based on full-time qualifying employment.

Qualifying employment is considered as full-time, direct patient care at any hospital in the State of Missouri or at any facility located in a HPSA. You can search for HPSAs here.

Staffing and travel nurse agencies, private for-profit facilities, and clinics in prisons and correctional facilities may not be eligible facilities because they may not be serving Missourians in a HPSA.

Before You Apply

  • Carefully understand all the program provisions found in 19 CSR 10-6.010.
  • You must understand all the program provisions, penalties, and how contract breaches occur.
  • There are serious penalties associated with breaching program contracts, which could result in paying back the entire loan amount awarded to you including interest and other penalties. 

NSL Program Rules, Policies and Procedures

NSL Program Forms

Contact Information
Nurse Student Loan (NSL) Program
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
P.O. Box 570, 912 Wildwood
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-751-6441
Email (Preferred Method of Contact): DHSS.LoanRepayment@health.mo.gov