Deadline: March 4

The 2010 federal Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program application is now available online, and applications will be accepted through March 4.

The program works to alleviate the nation's shortage of registered nurses in certain non-profit health care facilities in underserved areas by helping nurses at those organizations repay student loans. The initiative is operated by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

In exchange for two years of service, participants receive 60 percent of their nursing education loan balance. For an optional third year of service, participants may receive 25 percent of their original total loan balance.

To be eligible, applicants must be registered nurses who have:

• completed their training;
• become licensed; and
• are employed at least 32 hours per week at an eligible facility.

Other qualifications apply. View details here or call (888) 221-9393.