Rural Iowa has a critical shortage of health professionals. Des Moines University and the State of Iowa are doing their part to solve the problem by funding health professionals in the state’s rural communities.
The Health Professional Recruitment Program (HPRP) is an innovative loan forgiveness program for graduates of Des Moines University’s D.O., D.P.M., D.P.T. and PA programs. Through a combination of state funding and money from communities in need of health care providers, HPRP can reduce student debt by $100,000. In exchange for four years of service in a eligible rural community, DMU will give $50,000 toward their student loans, which will then be matched by the hospital or community. After fulfilling the four-year commitment, the applicant is welcome to continue practicing in the community or seek opportunities elsewhere.
All graduates of Des Moines University’s osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy and physician assistant programs are eligible to apply. Preference is given to Iowa residents and communities of 10,000 or less that are located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or a Governor’s Designated Rural Health Clinic county.
If the applicant is selected as a recipient the employer/hospital will be contacted by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission to complete the HPRP loan repayment agreement.
Please submit verification by March 31.