Robbins: Nursing School Loan Forgiveness Application Extended to Dec. 31

Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) today announced that the deadline to apply for a program that helps nursing students pay for the education has been extended to December 31.

Robbins said applications for the Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures program are being accepted from students who graduate in 2005.

"The Healthier Futures program encourages new students to enter the nursing field while retaining graduating nursing students in Pennsylvania," the senator said. "Nurses play a vital role in providing health care, and Pennsylvania needs more of them. Almost one-third of Registered Nurses are between the ages of 50 and 64 and as many as 47 percent plan to leave the field within the next 10 years."

Robbins said that under the program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, qualifying students may receive loan forgiveness for up to 25 percent (a maximum of $12,500) of their eligible debt over a three-year period.

To qualify for the Healthier Futures program, students must graduate from an approved nursing education program during or after 2005. They must also have at least one outstanding AES/PHEAA owned, guaranteed and serviced federal Stafford loan or AES/PHEAA guaranteed and serviced Consolidation loan based on qualifying underlying Stafford loans. The loans must be in good standing.

Graduates must work full-time for at least one year as a direct care nurse or nurse educator at an approved Pennsylvania health care facility or an approved Pennsylvania post-secondary educational institution.

Online applications and complete eligibility requirements are available at www.pheaa.org and www.FuturesInNursing.org. The Futures In Nursing website offers additional information concerning employment opportunities, salary information and general career information as it relates to nursing, various certificate and degree programs and financial aid information, said Robbins.

For general questions send an email to nursinginpa@pheaa.org or call 1-800-859-5442.

"Nursing is a noble profession and help is available for anyone who commits to practicing their skills in Pennsylvania," said Robbins. "I encourage nursing school students to find out more about this exciting opportunity."

CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322