Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses in Florida

Are you a nurse in Florida grappling with the weight of federal student loans? You’re not alone. Many healthcare professionals face the challenge of balancing their passion for helping others with the financial burden of their nursing school education.

But what if we told you there’s a way to alleviate that burden and focus on what truly matters: your career and impact on patients’ lives in underserved communities?

In this guide, we’ll explore various student loan forgiveness programs specifically tailored for Sunshine State nurses and national programs that can help you achieve financial freedom.

Read on to discover the assistance programs available to you and learn how to take advantage of these valuable financial assistance resources.

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• Do Nurses Qualify for PSLF?

• Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses

In Florida, there are two state-specific student loan forgiveness programs designed to help nurses manage their student loan debt. These programs aim to attract and retain healthcare professionals in the state by providing financial assistance. Let’s dive into the details of these Florida-specific opportunities.

Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education Program (FRAME)

The FRAME program offers annual payments to offset loans and educational expenses incurred by students pursuing medical or nursing degrees, licensure, or advanced practice licensure in the state of Florida.

Eligible healthcare providers include:

• Medical Doctors

• Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

• Physician Assistants

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

• Licensed Practical Nurses

• Registered Nurses with clear/active licenses

• Mental health professionals such as psychiatrists

Reimbursement amounts vary based on the nursing role:

• Up to $20,000 per year for physicians

• Up to $15,000 per year for APRNs practicing under section 464.0123, Florida Statutes

• Up to $10,000 per year for APRNs and physician assistants

• Up to $4,000 per year for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses

To be eligible, practitioners must work in an area defined in section 395.602(2)(b), Florida Statutes, or an underserved area designated by the Department and accept Medicaid reimbursement if eligible.

To apply, visit the FRAME website. The application cycle for this year closed on April 28th. But next year’s application will reopen later this year.

Florida Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Established in 1989, the NSLFP aims to encourage qualified nursing personnel to seek employment in areas with critical nursing shortages within Florida. The program provides up to $4,000 in student loan forgiveness per year for up to four years of service.

Eligible applicants must be licensed as an LPN, RN, or ARNP in Florida and work full-time at a designated employment site, such as public schools, Department of Health county health departments, federally sponsored community health centers, healthcare facilities, or specific hospitals and nursing homes.

Loan payments are made directly to the participant’s lender at the end of each 12-month service period. Enrollment and payment of awards are based on available funds.

To apply, visit the NSLFP website, where applications are accepted during specific timeframes throughout the year.

Related: State Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

There are several national student loan forgiveness programs available to nurses. These programs provide financial relief by reducing or eliminating student loan debt for eligible nurses who meet specific requirements.

Biden Administration’s Student Loan Cancellation Plan

• In August, the Biden administration announced a plan to provide relief of up to $20,000 per federal borrower, with $10,000 for most borrowers and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients.

• This plan, overseen by the Department of Education, would apply to borrowers who earned less than $125,000 in 2020 or 2021.

• The plan is currently awaiting a decision by the Supreme Court, and its fate is uncertain due to legal challenges.

• The federal government has paused student loan payments and froze interest rates for borrowers until later this summer.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• PSLF is a federal program that forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

• Full-time nurses, including those working in healthcare facilities and nursing homes, can qualify after ten years of service at a government, non-profit organization, or other qualifying public service employers.

• Nurses must be employed full-time and make on-time payments under an income-driven repayment plan for ten years.

• Where to Apply: PSLF Program

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Forgiveness

• IDR plans offer reduced payments over 20 or 25 years, then forgiveness of the remaining balance.

• The Biden administration announced the IDR Waiver, which adjusts the rules on which payments count, providing relief for millions of federal student loan borrowers.

• For more information on the IDR Waiver, read our in-depth article: One-Time IDR Adjustment

In addition to Florida-specific programs, nurses can explore various national loan forgiveness programs. Here’s a summary of some other options:

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

The NCLRP provides loan repayment assistance to registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse faculty in exchange for a two-year service commitment at a Critical Shortage Facility or an accredited nursing school. Participants can receive up to 60% of their outstanding qualifying nursing education loan balance.

Perkins Loan Cancellation for Nurses

Nurses with Federal Perkins Loans may qualify for up to 100% loan cancellation after five years of eligible service in a qualifying role at a facility experiencing a shortage of nurses.

Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program

The IHS Loan Repayment Program offers loan repayment assistance to healthcare professionals, including nurses, who commit to working in American Indian and Alaska Native communities for at least two years. Participants can receive up to $40,000 in loan repayment assistance.

National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

The NHSC Loan Repayment Program provides student loan repayment assistance to primary care clinicians, including nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives, who agree to a two-year commitment working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Participants can receive up to $50,000 in loan repayment assistance.

Military Loan Repayment Programs

Nurses who serve in the military may be eligible for loan repayment assistance through various programs, such as the Army Nurse Corps, Navy Nurse Corps, or Air Force Nurse Corps. Each branch offers different benefits, so it’s essential to research each military branch’s specific programs and requirements.

These national programs offer additional avenues for nurses to reduce their student debt while serving in critical healthcare roles nationwide.

Florida-based nurses have various state- and national student loan forgiveness programs available to them.

Taking advantage of these programs can help you achieve financial freedom while serving the healthcare needs of communities across the state and the country.

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