Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program

The Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program (RPLRP) is an initiative by the State of Utah’s Office of Primary Care and Rural Health aimed at supporting physicians who choose to work in rural hospitals. The program offers educational loan repayment assistance for eligible physicians who commit to serving in rural Utah hospitals for at least two years. It is designed to enhance healthcare access in underserved areas by incentivizing doctors in primary care, obstetrics/gynecology, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine.

Physicians accepted into the program must work either full-time or part-time in an eligible rural hospital. Full-time physicians can receive up to $40,000 in loan repayment support from the state, with a required 100% match from their employing hospital, totaling $80,000 over two years. Part-time physicians can receive up to $20,000 from the state, with the same matching requirement, totaling $40,000. Physicians may also be eligible for a one-year extension, increasing the maximum total award to $120,000 for full-time physicians and $60,000 for part-time physicians.

To qualify, physicians must have a permanent, unrestricted license to practice in Utah before their first day of service under the grant agreement. They must apply within 18 months of beginning employment at an approved site, work at least 40 hours per week for full-time status or at least 20 hours per week for part-time status, and cannot participate in more than one loan repayment program at a time. Additionally, they must ensure that their employer provides the required matching funds. Participants are required to submit semiannual progress reports that detail the impact of their services, patient volumes, and other relevant metrics.

Eligible hospitals must be located in rural areas of Utah and must enter into a written agreement to provide matching funds for the program. These hospitals play a crucial role in ensuring that awarded physicians receive financial support necessary for loan repayment while serving their communities.

Applications for the Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program are accepted on a rolling basis but must be submitted before June 1, 2025, for the current cycle. The program’s Advisory Committee meets twice a year to evaluate applications and award funding. Physicians interested in applying should submit their applications through the official website.

For additional information, applicants and interested hospitals can contact Rachel Devine, Workforce Development Specialist, at 801-230-6570 or via email at rdevine@utah.gov. Further program details, including specific application requirements and reporting expectations, can be found on the Utah Office of Primary Care and Rural Health website.