Staff Report
The Nevada State Treasurer’s Office has introduced a new program aimed at addressing the shortage of healthcare providers in rural and underserved communities across the state.
On Jan. 13, Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine announced the launch of the Nevada Health Equity & Loan Assistance (HEAL) Program. The program offers up to $120,000 in student loan repayment for healthcare providers who commit to serving in underserved communities for a minimum of five years.
The Nevada HEAL Program stems from the passage of Assembly Bill 45 during the 2023 legislative session. The bill was sponsored by Conine following a statewide listening tour to identify critical healthcare needs.
“After traveling the entire state after the COVID-19 pandemic, it became abundantly clear that we need to be doing everything we can to bring healthcare professionals to our most underserved communities,” Conine said. “The Nevada HEAL Program will be a critical component to ensuring we can attract the providers we need to increase access to care for residents across the state.”
Healthcare providers approved for the program will be required to practice in rural or underserved urban communities in Nevada. To be eligible for the program, participants must be residents of Nevada and work in an eligible healthcare profession. They must also be licensed, certified, and/or registered to practice in Nevada and commit to practicing in an underserved community for at least five years.
The program is open to a wide range of healthcare professionals. These include audiologists, clinical professional counselors, dentists, doulas, emergency medical technicians, nurses, licensed attendants, midwives, optometrists, paramedics, and perfusionists. Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, physicians, physician assistants, practitioners of respiratory care, psychologists, and social workers are also eligible to participate.
For more information about the Nevada HEAL Program and how to apply, visit the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office website.
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