SASKATCHEWAN STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR NURSES AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS WORKING IN RURAL SASKATCHEWAN

During congratulatory remarks to the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) Regina graduates, Rural and Remote Health Minister Randy Weekes announced, on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Don Morgan, a new program that will encourage nurses and nurse practitioners to work in rural and remote areas of the province.

Funding from the 2013-14 Budget will launch a program to forgive up to $4,000 per year in Saskatchewan Student Loans to a maximum of $20,000 over five years for nurses and nurse practitioners who work in under-served rural and remote communities with a population of less than 10,000.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to addressing health care needs in smaller communities while at the same time ensuring education is affordable for Saskatchewan students,” Morgan said.  ”This new program will provide an incentive for nurses and nurse practitioners to stay in Saskatchewan and work in our rural communities.”

The following nursing professions may be eligible for Saskatchewan Student Loan forgiveness:

• registered nurse;
• registered psychiatric nurse;
• licensed practical nurse; and
• nurse practitioner.

“Our government is working to ensure that all Saskatchewan residents have timely access to quality health services, regardless of where they live,” Weekes said.  “This program is one more way to support both the health care providers and patients who live in smaller communities.”

To be eligible for Saskatchewan Student Loan forgiveness, you need to have: 

• started your current employment (full-time, part-time or casual) as an eligible nurse or nurse practitioner in a designated rural or remote community on or after April 1, 2012;
• been employed for a full year (12 consecutive months that ended on March 31, 2013 or later) in a designated community;
• provided in-person services for a minimum of 400 hours (or 50 days) in that community; 
• a Saskatchewan Student Loan in repayment and in good standing (payments are up to date); and
• submitted an application form within 90 days of completing your year of service.

Morgan also noted that it is acceptable to work in multiple designated communities in Saskatchewan during the year.

Applications can now be submitted for the new Saskatchewan Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners Program. 

Information on the program is available on the ministry’s website at http://www.ae.gov.sk.ca/loan-forgiveness-nurses.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Veri
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331