Nurse Faculty Loan Program

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a federal program designed to increase the number of nursing students who pursue careers as full-time faculty teaching in schools of nursing.

Full-time or part-time graduate students who plan careers as nurse faculty are eligible to apply and may be eligible for up to five years of financial support (contingent upon ongoing federal funding and therefore subject to change). The NFLP loan may not exceed $40,000 per student for any academic period.

In exchange for completion of up to four years of post-graduation full-time nurse faculty employment in an accredited school of nursing, graduates receive cancellation of up to 85 percent of the original student loan amount (plus interest thereon) as authorized by the program. Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who serve as full-time preceptors within an academic-practice partnership framework are considered faculty under the NFLP, to support the expansion of clinical training opportunities for nursing students. 

What are the responsibilities of NFLP recipients? 

Recipients are responsible for registering for coursework or fulfilling other teaching activities that may be required. The SON is not responsible if students neglect to complete required courses or maintain participation in teaching activities.

All students who received NFLP funding must complete an active educational training program to prepare students to serve as nurse faculty/preceptors in didactic and clinical curricula.

This program is incorporated into the student’s degree program, and is structured as follows:

  • Enroll and complete the 3-credit hour course (NSG 735) plus 75 hours of experiential learning and professional development that include:
    • Participate in a total of 45 hours of precepted didactic, clinical, and interprofessional education. Hours may include course development, revision, and evaluation. At least 24 hours must be completed as active teaching in the inpatient clinical or simulation lab settings.
    • Attend 20 hours of professional development webinars through NurseTim Incorporated® (Wolters Kluwer®)
    • Participate in 10 hours of experiential or observational faculty governance experiences at the WVUSON through attendance at committee or faculty meetings where curricular changes, academic issues, and policies are discussed.
  • Follow application procedures each year continued funding is desired (as required by HHS). Funding is contingent upon ongoing federal funding.

The University must stop disbursement if the borrower fails to meet the above requirements; withdraws from the institution; fails to meet the academic standards of the institution; or requests to terminate participation in the NFLP program.

What expenses does the NFLP cover?

NFLP covers the cost of tuition, books, fees, lab expenses and other reasonable educational expenses (including student nurse educator development activities) for the duration of the course of study.

Funding cannot be approved for the following:

  • General living expenses (room, board, personal expenses)
  • Family health insurance
  • Student transportation costs
  • Expenses specifically covered by another source of funding. For example, if you are an RA/TA and get a University tuition award, then you cannot claim University tuition as cost under NFLP. If in doubt, please contact Financial Aid for assistance.

Who is eligible to apply to the NFLP?

WVU School of Nursing students are eligible to apply if they are committed to assuming a full-time faculty role upon graduation.

Eligibility requirements for new and continuing applicants:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or national of the U.S., or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and its territories.
  • Be and remain in good academic standing while enrolled in the PhD program.
  • Have no judgment liens entered against him/her based on the default on a federal debt, 28 U.S.C. 3201(e).

How many students will be eligible for the NFLP?

Awards will cover as many qualified students as possible until funding is depleted. 

When is the application deadline? 

The application deadline is July 1 of each academic year. 

How do I apply for NFLP funding? 

For more information and to apply for NFLP funding, please contact Dr. Roger Carpenter or Dr. Stacy Huber: