The purpose of the Allied Health Loan-For-Service is to increase the number of physician assistants in areas of the state which have experienced shortages of health practitioners, by making educational loans to students seeking certification/licensure in an eligible health field which include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Pharmacy, Respiratory Care, Laboratory Technology, Mental Health-Social Services, Emergency Medical Services, Nutrition, and Dental Hygiene. As a condition of each loan, the student shall declare their intent to practice as a health professional in a designated shortage area within the state of New Mexico. Please contact the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education for more information.