UNC School of Nursing receives $108,500 HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program Award

The UNC School of Nursing has been awarded $108,500 through the HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). This funding will support 10 graduate students annually who plan to work as nursing faculty upon graduation.

The HRSA NFLP aims to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide by providing low-interest loans to individuals studying to be nurse faculty, with loan cancellation for those who work as faculty post-graduation. This program supports the development of a robust nurse faculty workforce essential for meeting U.S. healthcare needs.

The project will be led by Interim Sr. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Cheryl Giscombé, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, with support from Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Kacy McAdoo, and the Assistant Deans of each graduate division. The goal of the NFLP is to prepare students as nursing faculty, thereby increasing the number of qualified nursing faculty to strengthen the nursing workforce.

The UNC School of nursing offers three graduate degree programs: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD). Priority funding will be directed towards doctoral students, particularly those in the DNP program, who are committed to pursuing a career as nurse faculty.

NFLP-eligible students will receive loan information early in Fall 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to full-time students, those with prior NFLP funding, and those seeking doctoral preparation. Loan notifications will be sent by the Project Director, who will work with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and financial staff to disburse loans for the 2024-2025 academic year.

For more information, please visit nursing.unc.edu/programs/scholarships-and-financial-aid/nurse-faculty-loan-program

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