Federal Loan Forgiveness Program

The UF College of Nursing offers the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) to PhD and MSN-DNP students who intend to pursue a full-time nurse faculty position. Due to a nationwide shortage of doctorally prepared nursing faculty, there is a need to fill these roles to educate future generations of nursing students. The federal loan is cancelled through employment as nurse faculty post-graduation. This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health.

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Nurse Faculty Loan Program Details

• Loan can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees plus books and related educational expenses
• After graduation, up to 85% of the loan will be cancelled if you obtain a full-time educator position in an accredited nursing program within 12 months and maintain the position for 4 years
• Funding cannot be used toward general living expenses, health insurance or transportation costs
• Students must be enrolled for at least two consecutive semesters each academic year of loan support
• Students must complete the required nurse educator certificate courses (9 credits) prior to graduating from the program
• NFLP loans are made on a first-come, first-serve basis each academic year until funds are expended. Priority is given to students who do not have funding from other sources

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Eligible Candidates

• U.S. citizen or national of the U.S., or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and its territories
• Currently enrolled in the UF CON PhD or MSN-DNP program and in good standing
• Plan to pursue a full-time nurse faculty position upon graduation
• Have no judgment liens entered based on the default on a Federal debt, 28 U.S.C. 3201(e)

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How it Works

Students must complete the required educator core courses prior to graduating from the program. The program consists of three courses that are completed over the course of three semesters, starting from fall to summer. If you wish, you may also participate in a practicum experience.

• NGR 6711 Instructional Theories and Learning Strategies in Nursing Education (Fall): This course provides students with appropriate principles, models and processes of instructional design to create appropriate educational experiences for graduate and undergraduate nursing students. Selected teaching/ learning theories are examined and applied to the role of nurse educator and nursing education practice.  
• NGR 6717 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (Spring): This course provides students with a variety of evaluative approaches designed to promote a productive and effective learning environment. Practical application of measurement theory to the construction and use of educational evaluation instruments in provided. 
• NGR 6710 Curriculum Design and Program Evaluation (Summer): This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and requisite skill set needed to effectively evaluate nursing education focused curricula. Current trends in nursing education and accreditation are discussed; philosophies, conceptual frameworks are examined and applied. Best practices and guidelines for the integration of quality improvement and safety education are analyzed and applied to curriculum development.

The application process for the UF Professional Certificate program requires applicants to submit the following documents:

• The UF Professional Certificate program application, which can be accessed at the bottom of the page here: Certificates – University of Florida (ufl.edu)
• Official transcripts from the highest degree earned. 

Reach out to our team at nuradvising@health.ufl.edu if you are interested in applying to our Nurse Educator Certificate program.

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How to Apply to the Nurse Faculty Loan Program

• Download and carefully read the NFLP Statement of Borrower’s Rights and Responsibilities
• Complete the NFLP Loan Application and return it to your program director:
  • Dr. Angela Starkweather, PhD Program Director
  • Dr. Rene Love, DNP Program Director

If eligible, you will be notified to read through and sign the:

• Statement of Borrower’s Rights and Responsibilities, which is required for each year of NFLP loan support
• Letter of Commitment for the initial amount funded and update of loan amounts in the NFLP Promissory Note each semester.

You will also need to update your program of study to include the required nurse educator certificate courses and return the updated form to Mailing Pauzauskie.