The Minnesota Rural Public Health Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds for repayment of Qualified Educational Loans. 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 by 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. Participants must begin their service obligation under this program no later than March 31 following selection. 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. Two letters of recommendation are required, at least one needs to be completed by a professional who has directly supervised or trained the applicant. Please visit the award's website or contact the Minnesota Department of Health for more information.