Aside from the beautiful scenery, open spaces, and accessibility to the Rocky Mountains, there seems to be a new reason Colorado Springs is a place to call home. The state health care professional loan repayment program is now saying that if a professional is employed in an outpatient practice with a staffing shortage for 'X' amount of time, student loan repayment may be in order.

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Colorado health care professionals could be eligible to receive up to $105,000 to pay off student loans.

The state health care professional loan repayment program offers to repay loans to health care workers who are employed in an outpatient practice in Colorado where there is a health professional shortage.

Colorado Springs is one of those shortage areas.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to care for underserved people, and agree to a term of service of two to three years.

“Loan forgiveness is a proven and cost-effective way to assist underserved communities with the recruitment and retention of primary care providers,” said Steve Holloway, director of the primary care office at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“Many health professional graduates have an education loan debt burden of more than $100,000. This program creates a valuable incentive for health professionals who want to practice primary care in an underserved Colorado community.”

The program is administered by the state department of health and is paid for by a combination of state, federal, and nonprofit resources.

For an application, call (303) 692-2466.

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