The Rural Public Health Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds for repayment of Qualified Educational Loans. Qualified Educational Loans include government, commercial, and foundation loans for actual costs paid for tuition, reasonable education and living expenses related to the past graduate or undergraduate education of the Public Health Nurse. This program is offered to registered nurses licensed in Minnesota who have obtained a registration certificate as a public health nurse from the Board of Nursing in accordance with Minnesota Rules, chapter 6316. This is a competitive selection process. Selections are made based on suitability for practice as indicated by personal and professional experience and training noted on an application, as well as other relevant factors. Preference will be given to applicants who document diverse cultural competencies. Participants are required to practice for at least 30 hours per week, for at least 45 weeks per year, for a minimum of three years in a designated rural area. Selected participants shall provide direct patient care hours/client-centered services. Hours cannot be fulfilled meeting with providers, process improvement, policy development, supervising, or administering programs. Participants must begin their service obligation under this program no later than March 31, following selection. Participants must live and work in Minnesota. ORHPC will make an annual payment to the participant in the amount of up to $6,000, not to exceed $24,000 total for the maximum four-year period or the balance of the designated loan(s), whichever is less subject to the availability of funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature for the loan forgiveness program. Please visit the award's website or contact the Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Rural Health and Primary Care for more information.