Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
The New Mexico Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) is a competitive program that provides student loan relief to practicing health professionals in exchange for a service commitment in New Mexico. Participants may be eligible for up to $300,000 in total loan repayment for physicians, or up to $75,000 for other health professions, depending on their service commitment and educational debt.
Application Window
Apply: June 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026
- Applications open June 1, 2026.
- The application closes promptly on July 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
- Application to the program does not guarantee funding.
Financial Awards
Physicians: Eligible for a minimum of $75,000 per year (Up to $300,000 for a 4-year full-time commitment), limited by educational debt.
Other Health Professionals: May receive up to $25,000 per year (Up to $75,000 for a 3-year full-time commitment), subject to educational debt limits.
Eligibility & Service Obligation
Participation in the HPLRP is a serious commitment to serving New Mexico's underserved citizens.
Physicians
Requirements:
- Must be licensed under the NM Medical Practice Act; U.S. citizen; NM resident (or intent to establish residency).
Service Obligation:
- 4-year full-time commitment in a shortage area.
Other Professionals
Requirements:
- Must provide direct clinical care under NM licensing laws; U.S. citizen; NM resident.
Service Obligation:
- 3-year full-time commitment in a shortage area.
Note: Part-time work may qualify for prorated awards.
Funding & Recruitment Details
Selection: If selected, a formal contract must be filed with the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED).
Verification: Quarterly employment verifications must be submitted prior to the issuance of annual disbursements.
Recruitment Awards: Participants are required to relocate and commence practice in designated shortage areas within 90 days.
Retention Awards: Participants must commit to a service obligation within their current position, facility, and county.
Funding & Recruitment Details
Selection: If selected, a formal contract must be filed with the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED).
Verification: Quarterly employment verifications must be submitted prior to the issuance of annual disbursements.
Recruitment Awards: Participants are required to relocate and commence practice in designated shortage areas within 90 days.
Retention Awards: Participants must commit to a service obligation within their current position, facility, and county.
Eligible Health Professionals
A "health professional" is defined as a professional licensed in New Mexico pursuant to the following acts:
Medical & Surgical Specialties
For practitioners involved in diagnosis, treatment, and medical procedures.
- Anesthesiologist Assistants Act
- Emergency Medical Services Act
- Medical Practice Act
- Optometry Act
- Physician Assistant Act
- Podiatry Act
- Respiratory Care Act
Nursing & Pharmacy Services
For those primarily focused on medication management and acute patient care.
- Nursing Practice Act (including Advanced Practice)
- Pharmacy Act
- Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority Act
Behavioral & Mental Health
For professionals providing psychological, social, or genetic counseling.
- Counseling and Therapy Practice Act
- Genetic Counseling Act
- Professional Psychologist Act
- Social Work Practice Act
Rehabilitation & Allied Health
For clinicians focused on physical recovery, mobility, and communication.
- Massage Therapy Practice Act
- Physical Therapy Act
- Polysomnography Practice Act
- Occupational Therapy Act
- Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Act
Integrative & Specialized Healthcare
For those utilizing alternative, non-pharmacological, or specialized diagnostic modalities.
- Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practice Act
- Chiropractic Physician Practice Act
- Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Health and Safety Act
- Nutrition and Dietetics Practice Act
Oral Health & Regulatory Compliance
For dental professionals and environmental safety protocols.
- Dental Amalgam Waste Reduction Act
- Dental Health Care Act