Utah Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program

The Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program (HCWFAP) is a financial support initiative for medical, behavioral health, and oral health providers serving rural and underserved areas in Utah. This program, administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, provides educational loan repayment assistance to healthcare professionals who commit to practicing in designated shortage areas. The program is jointly funded, with 45% provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and 55% by the Utah state legislature. The purpose of the program is to incentivize healthcare professionals to serve in areas with limited access to medical care. Eligible participants receive loan repayment assistance in exchange for a three-year service commitment. Healthcare providers must work at an approved site that serves underserved or rural populations. Sites are required to match 20% of the provider's awarded amount. Preference is given to sites located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). The program aims to improve healthcare access and promote long-term retention of providers in these communities. The funding awards vary by provider type. Physicians (MD, DO), dentists (DDS, DMD), and pharmacists are eligible for up to $75,000 over three years. Physician assistants (PA), advanced practice registered nurses (APRN, CNM), and psychologists can receive up to $45,000. Other healthcare professionals, including licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), occupational therapists (OTR/L), and clinical mental health counselors (CMHC), can receive up to $37,500. Registered nurses (RN) with a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, substance use disorder counselors (SUDC), and dental hygienists are also eligible for awards ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and providers must apply within 18 months of beginning employment at an approved site. Providers must work a minimum of 20 hours per week for a part-time award and meet direct patient care requirements, with limited administrative time allowed. Participants must submit semiannual progress reports to demonstrate their impact on patient care. Approved sites must be located in an underserved area or serve an underserved population and must apply to be considered as eligible locations for provider placement. The advisory committee for the program reviews applications at least twice per year to make funding decisions. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before July 1, 2025, to be considered in the upcoming review cycle. The program contact for additional information is Rachel Devine, Workforce Development Specialist, who can be reached at (801) 230-6570 or via email at rdevine@utah.gov.

The program emphasizes direct patient care, with specific requirements on the number of hours providers must work and limits on administrative duties.