1. NURSE Corps Scholarship Program NCSP
2013 – 2014 Application
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
Bureau of Clinician Recruitment and Service
Division of Nursing and Public Health

2. (with HPSA Specification)
NCSP Purpose
(with HPSA Specification)
Legislative Authority: Section 846 (d) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended USC 297 n (d) Purpose The purpose of the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program (NCSP) is to provide scholarships to nursing students in exchange for a minimum 2 year full-time service commitment to work at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) located in a primary care or mental health, Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
NCSP participants must provide clinical service in a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses located in a State or U.S. Territory. We will go into detail regarding what constitutes a CSF later in the presentation.

3. NCSP Benefits Scholarship
NCSP provides tuition and required fees, along with an additional one-time per contract year, annual payment for other reasonable costs associated with the nursing program
Stipend
NCSP recipients receive a monthly stipend
Service
NCSP provides nurses with an opportunity to increase access to care by working a minimum of two years with underserved populations in an eligible Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) located in a federally designated primary or mental health Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)

4. NCSP Eligibility
To be eligible for a scholarship, by the application due date, all NCSP applicants must be:
A U.S. citizen (either U.S. born or naturalized) or U.S. National; and Lawful Permanent Resident
Enrolled or accepted as a full or part time student in one of the following accredited nursing degree programs:
Associate Degree of School of Nursing
Collegiate School of Nursing
Diploma School of Nursing
RN-BSN, RN-NP, non-nursing bachelor’s to NP Bridge Program
Attend a nursing school or program located in a State or U.S. Territory
Start the nursing degree program on or before September 30, 2013
i. AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE SCHOOL OF NURSING - A department, division, or other administrative unit in a junior college, community college, college, or university which provides primarily or exclusively a two-year program of education in professional nursing and allied subjects leading to an associate degree in nursing or to an equivalent degree and is an accredited program;
ii. A COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OF NURSING - A department, division, or other administrative unit in a college or university which provides primarily or exclusively a bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of nursing, graduate degree in nursing, or to an equivalent degree, and including advanced training related to such program of education provided by such school and is an accredited program; or
iii. A DIPLOMA SCHOOL OF NURSING - A school affiliated with a hospital or university, or an independent school, which provides primarily or exclusively a program of education in professional nursing and allied subjects leading to a diploma or to equivalent training and is an accredited program, and
c. Attend a nursing school or program located in a State or US Territory
Students attending schools outside of these geographic areas are not eligible for Nursing Scholarships, even though they may be citizens of the United States.

5. NCSP Ineligibility You are ineligible if you:
Have any judgment liens against your property arising from a debt owed to the United States;
Have a breach of a prior service obligation;
Have judgment lien(s) arising from Federal debt;
Have an existing service obligation;
Are excluded, debarred, suspended, or disqualified by a Federal Agency;
Enrolled in a LPN program, self-paced study programs (on-line), bridge programs that are not RN to BSN, RN-NP, or non-bachelors’ nursing – NP, dual degree programs

6. NCSP Ineligibility (cont’d)
Have a history of not honoring prior legal obligations, as evidenced by one or more of the following factors:
Defaulted on a prior service obligation to the Federal government, a State or local government, or other entity;
Defaulted on any Federal payment obligations or non-Federal payment obligations; or
Write off of any Federal or non-Federal debt as uncollectible.
Have a history of not honoring a prior legal obligation as evidenced by one of the following:
Default on a prior service obligation to the Federal government, a State or local government, or other entity, even if the applicant subsequently satisfied that obligation through service, monetary payment or other means;
Default on any Federal payment obligations (e.g., Health Education Assistance Loans, FHA Loans, Federal income tax liabilities, federally guaranteed/insured loans such as student or home mortgage loans, etc.) or non-Federal payment obligations (e.g., court-ordered child support payments); or
Write off of any Federal or non-Federal debt as uncollectible.
Please be advised that a credit and excluded parties list system check will be performed as part of the application process.

7. Scholarship Selection
Funding is based on several factors:
Availability of funds
Selection factors
Funding preferences

8. Scholarship Selection Factors
Financial need
Qualified applicants with the greatest financial need (i.e., applicants with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) between $0 and $5,550)*
Academic performance
Qualified applicants who demonstrate the ability to excel and maintain an acceptable level of academic standing in school
Essay questions
Qualified applicants who demonstrate a thorough commitment to a career in nursing; interest/motivation in providing care to underserved communities; and relevant work experience and/or activities
Academic and Personal Recommendation/Evaluation letters
Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
*Please note: Applicants with an EFC greater than $5,550 are still ELIGIBLE, however, they do not receive funding preference and would only receive funding after applicants from the preference groups are funded.
5550 is the EFC limit for students to qualify for Pell Grants which are need based
Transcripts/GPA/Course taken are evaluated
Academic performance, essays, recommendation letters, and the CV/Resume are reviewed and scores are assigned based on evaluation criteria from HRSA staff

9. Scholarship Funding Preferences
There is a funding preference for applicants with the greatest financial need. The financial need is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 - $5,550, which is provided on the applicant’s Student Aid Report (SAR).
First Funding Preference - Qualified applicants who have an EFC of $0-$5,550 and are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited diploma, undergraduate nursing program or Master’s level nurse practitioner program as full-time students.
Second Funding Preference - Qualified applicants who have an EFC of $0-$5,550 and are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited graduate nursing program other than a Master’s level nurse practitioner program as full-time students (e.g., Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists)
Third Funding Preference - Qualified applicants who have an EFC of $0-$5,550 and are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited diploma, undergraduate or graduate nursing program as part-time students
*undergraduate meaning ADN, BSN, Nursing Diploma
Historically, the high volume of applicants from the first funding preference has precluded the NCSP from funding applicants from the Second and Third Funding Preference. We expect this trend to continue

10. Service Obligation
As an NCSP participant, your NCSP contract requires:
Minimum of 2 years at an eligible critical shortage facility (CSF)*
Recipients fulfill their NCSP service commitment within the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Territory of American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Federated States of Micronesia
Full-time (or if approved by the Secretary, part-time) clinical service in a public or private facility with a critical shortage of nurses located in a State
*Please note: The designation and definition of a CSF is subject to change; and you are expected to work in the capacity for which you were awarded
If you applied and were awarded as an NP, your service obligation is expected to be as an NP.

11. Length of Service Commitment
Years of Scholarship Support
Years of Service Obligation
Up to 1 Full-Time School Year
( )
2 Years Full-Time
Up to 2 Full- Time School Years ( )
Up to 3 Full- Time School Years ( )
3 Years Full-Time
Up to 4 Full- Time School Years ( )
4 Years Full-Time
Stress up to year of scholarship support as it pertains to the years of service obligation.

12. Critical Shortage Facilities
Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs)
May be geographic, population, or institutional
NCSP will only use primary medical care and mental health HPSA designations and scores
For more information on HPSA designations:
To find out if a facility is located in a HPSA visit:
or;
(select only primary medical care or mental health) .

13. Eligible Critical Shortage Facilities
Ambulatory Surgical Center
Indian Health Service Health Center
Critical Access Hospital
Native Hawaiian Health Center
Disproportionate Share Hospital
Non-Disproportionate Share Hospital
Nursing Home
Rural Health Clinic
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
Skilled Nursing Facility
Public Hospital
State or Local Public Health and/or Human Services Department
Home Health Agency
Hospice Program
A full description of each facility is provided in the APG
Note* Please see the guidance for a description of these facilities

14. Critical Shortage Facilities
NCSP participants must provide full-time (or if approved, part time) clinical services in a CSF
Participants are expected to serve in a Tier 1 category within a CSF (see next slide)
NCSP participants who have to relocate to accept a position in a different geographic area will not receive a relocation incentive or reimbursement
A HPSA score or designated status may change on the HPSA website
A facility may be deemed a Tier 1 CSF at the time the NCSP participant begins nursing school but may become a Tier 3 CSF by the time the participant completes nursing school
If a facility has more than one designation with different scores, NCSP will use the highest score
TIER 1-The tier’s reference HPSA score ranges are designated by the Bureau of Clinician Recruitment and Service and will be described on the next slide
HPSA scores are locked as of Jan. 1 each year, once service begins the scores will not change.
NCSP participants need to understand, they may need to relocate in order to meet their service obligations. .

15. Critical Shortage Facilities (cont’d)
Critical Access Hospital; Disproportionate Share Hospital; Federally Qualified Health Center; Indian Health Service Health Center; Public Hospital; Native Hawaiian Health Center; Rural Health Clinic; Skilled Nursing Facility; State or Local Public Health or Human Services Department
Primary Care or Mental Health HPSA Score 14 or above
Tier 1
Primary Care or Mental Health HPSA Score between 10 – 13
Tier 2
Primary Care or Mental Health HPSA Score between 0 – 9
Tier 3
Ambulatory Surgical Center; Nursing Home; Home Health Agency; Hospice Program; Nonprofit, Non-Disproportionate Share Hospital
Primary Care or Mental Health HPSA Score between 0-25
Tier 4
Ineligible facilities include, but are not limited to:
Free-standing clinics that do not qualify as a facility above;
Renal dialysis centers;
Private practice offices;
Assisted living facilities; and
Clinics in prisons and correctional facilities. .

16. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program provides
Payment for Tuition and Eligible Fees
Payment for Other Reasonable Costs
A Monthly Stipend

17. Tuition & Required Fees
Program year begins July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014
Tuition and required fees are paid directly to the nursing school that the awardee is attending.
If attending a joint program (i.e. two institutions) tuition and fees will only be paid to the school of record on the application.
NURSE Corps Scholarship Program does not pay tuition and fees for repeated coursework which has been previously covered by NURSE Corps Scholarship Program funds.
The school is required to submit an invoice directly to the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program for payment of tuition and fees each academic term.
Regarding the payment| of Tuition and eligible fees…
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program contract year runs| July 1st | through June 30th
While under contract|, the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program will pay tuition| and eligible fees| directly to the nursing school| that the awardee is| or will be attending
If attending a joint program, tuition and fees| will only be paid to the school of record| as noted on the application; Joint programs must have an official relationship. This does not mean taking a few summer courses at another institution.
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program| does not| pay tuition and fees| for coursework| which has previously been covered| by Nurse Corps Scholarship Program funds.| If forced to repeat a course| after receiving Nurse Corps Scholarship Program funding| the cost of the course| would be deducted| from the balance| of the invoice received| from the participants institution.
Participant institutions| are required to submit invoices| DIRECTLY| to the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program| for payment of tuition and fees| each| academic term.| Payment| will not be sent| to an institution| unless the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program| receives an invoice from the institution| as well as requested documentation| from the participant| to verify academic standing.| Details| on how institutions should prepare invoices| will be disseminated to program participants| after they have been selected.
If tuition and fees for the school year| have been paid| from another source of financial aid| (such as Pell Grants, state grants or other scholarships)| before| a student receives a notice| of an Nurse Corps Scholarship Program award,| the school| may| return payments to the funding source| and then| submit an invoice to the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program for payment.
Once the term begins,| if sources of financial aid| other than student loans| have been used to pay for tuition and fees| (such as pell grants or scholarships),| the school will be instructed| to submit an invoice to the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program DEDUCTING| tuition and fee costs| that have already been covered.| If after this deduction| if there is no balance remaining for tuition and fees| the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program will NOT| remit payment for the term| as these costs have already been covered.| However,| if a balance remains,| then the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program will remit payment for the balance.
We will discuss| how the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program handles invoice payments| for students |who have had| to secure student loans| later in the presentation.

18. Tuition & Required Fees (cont’d)
The NCSP will pay for coursework related to the nursing degree
All NCSP payments made to and on behalf of the participant for tuition and fees, are taxable. Participants will receive a 1099-Micellaneous Income Form detailing the amount of tuition and fee payments made on the students behalf per IRS guidelines
Tuition and fees are paid for required courses in summer school sessions when (1) summer school is an academic term normally required by the school for all students in the same program and (2) the summer session is in progress during the participant’s contract period
Transfers to other academic institutions are strongly discouraged and must receive prior approval
To receive payment for summer sessions a student must be under contract and in compliance with program requirements.
Students are obligated for tuition payments based on the tuition and fee rates submitted by their school of record. Therefore IF a transfer is approved we cannot guarantee that funds will be available to cover an increase in the budgeted tuition rate

19. Other Reasonable Costs
There will be an annual ORC for each contract year. The amount will be determined based on information provided by your institution.
The payment will be included with your stipend which is generally in November.
ORCs are reduced proportionately for students who plan to attend less than a full school year.
ORCs assist in the payment of student expenses such as:
Books
Clinical Supplies/Instruments
Uniforms
In addition to a monthly stipend| which will be discussed shortly,| selected Nurse Corps Scholarship Program participants| will receive a one-time| OTHER REASONABLE COST| or ORC payment| for each Nurse Corps Scholarship Program per contract year.| The ORC amount| is based on information| provided by recipients’| academic institution.
For students| who plan on attending school| for less than a full| academic year,| the ORC will be proportionally reduced
The ORC payment| is given to assist students| with expenses such as books,| clinical supplies,| instruments,| and uniforms.

20. Stipends
Full-time students are paid a monthly stipend amount of $1, (before Federal taxes) for the school year
State and local taxes are not withheld, and students receive a W-2- Wage and Tax Statement form noting cumulative stipend payments for the year
Stipends may be stopped if:
A student is repeating coursework that has already been paid for by the NCSP,
Required documentation has not been received, or
A full-time student become less than full-time (aside from the last academic term)
Stipend payments will stop the first month any of the following occur:
Degree coursework is completed
Graduation
The NCSP contract ends
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program participants| will receive a monthly stipend| of $1,289.00| (before Federal taxes)| for the |school year.| State and local taxes| are not withheld| from these stipend payments,| and students receive| a W-2 |Wage and Tax Statement form,| noting| cumulative| stipend| payments| for the calendar year.| Just to clarify,| participants will receive both| a 1099 form noting tuition and fee payments| made directly to their institution,| AS WELL AS |a W-2 form| noting their disbursed stipend payments.
Stipend payments are stopped| while a student is out of program compliance| or if required documentation| has not been received| ; and…
Stipend payments will cease| the first month| any| of the following occur:
Degree coursework completion
Graduation,| or
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program contract ends

21. NCSP Tax Information TUITION AND FEES
The entire NURSE Corps SP award is taxable
NURSE Corps SP does not withhold Federal, State or local income taxes from a NURSE Corps SP participant’s tuition and fees
The participant is responsible for taxes owed on the value of the entire award including tuition and fees. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure that federal income tax is paid on the tuition and fee portion of the award if the IRS determines there is a tax liability.

22. NCSP Tax Information (cont’d)
STIPEND AND ORC
NURSE Corps SP does withhold Federal income taxes owed on the stipend payments and ORC based on information provided on the W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate by the participant.
Adjustments to the withholding amount may be made by the participant on the W-4
State and/or local taxes are not withheld from stipend and ORC payments.
Each year, participants will receive a 1099-Miscellaneous Income form for amounts paid for tuition and fees and a W-2-Wage and Tax Statement form for amounts paid for stipends and ORC.
NURSE Corps SP participants should consult their local tax authority regarding applicable federal, state or local taxes for which they may be liable.
Participant should make sure the correct mailing address is in BMISS to avoid returned 1099’s that have gone to wrong addresses

23. Student Loans
Prior to learning of their award status, participants may have to take out a student loan to cover tuition and eligible fees for the Summer and/or Fall terms of their FIRST program/contract year
While the loan is ultimately the scholar’s responsibility, the institution should submit an itemized invoice to the NCSP showing the amount of tuition & fees paid for with loans and other sources of funding
The NCSP will remit payment to the institution up to the total tuition and eligible fees amount MINUS other sources of funding (i.e., grants, scholarships, gifts, personal loans)
It is then incumbent upon the institution and the student to determine how any remaining credit would be applied to the student’s account
The NCSP will NOT remit payments greater than the sum of tuition & eligible fees
1.) Following the initial Summer and/or Fall terms of their NCSP contract the NCSP will not cover the student loans used to pay tuition & fees
*The school may note additional sources of funding that were NOT applied to tuition and fees (for instant a housing scholarship) and this balance would NOT be deducted from the NCSP calculated payment amount

24. Student Loans-Example
John Kamp was scheduled to begin nursing school at Americas University in August The tuition and fees for Fall 2013 were $15,000. Prior to learning his award status for the NCSP Scholarship program John received two other forms of financial assistance - another scholarship for $1,500 and a Federal Pell Grant for $5,000. John’s tuition and fees were due prior to the date he was notified of his NCSP scholarship award. In order to enroll as a full-time student, John had to pay his remaining balance in full so he elected to secure a student loan in the amount of $10,000.
In September, after receiving the loan, paying his balance, and receiving a refund from the Financial Aid office, John is notified that he has been selected as an NCSP Scholarship recipient and should have his school invoice the NCSP program for the balance of his tuition and fees after deducting all outside scholarships/grants that were applied to his tuition. After sharing this information with his financial aid office, the university invoiced the NCSP in the amount of $8,500 which covered the balance of his tuition and fees ($15,000) MINUS his scholarship and Pell grant ($6500) and the NCSP remitted an electronic payment directly to John’s school for $8500.
John contacted the NCSP because he was under the impression that the NCSP reimbursement would cover his total $10,000 loan since he used it to pay his tuition balance, and it was less than the amount of his full tuition and fees. He was informed that the NCSP will reimburse universities for student tuition and eligible fees BALANCES following the deduction of any scholarships/grants/gifts. In this case, the additional $1500 funds secured through loans were solely John’s responsibility.
$15,000 tuition with $6,500 outside aid which leaves a $8,500 balance.
NCSP can cover tuition even if there is an initial zero balance on his university account.
School can issue invoice to NCSP and then refund the loans to the student.
$10,000 loan – $8,500 school refund to student = $1,500 is cost of loan uncovered by NCSP funds

25. Program Requirements
Participants MUST maintain their enrollment status per their contract
Participants are required to promptly notify the NCSP through the Customer Service Portal of any anticipated changes effecting enrollment status; if a change has already occurred, a letter from the school official must be submitted through the customer service portal (i.e., leave of absence, repeat coursework, transfer etc.)
Prompt notification of status change may prevent a participant from falling into default status
Recipients must be in good academic standing, as defined by the nursing program, for the duration of the academic year
Enrollment Status - The scholarship recipient’s enrollment status at the time of award must be maintained throughout their participation in the program i.e. full time students must remain full time except their final academic semester
b. Notify NCSP of any changes in status - A recipient is required to notify the Nurse Scholarship Program promptly, by phone and in writing (see below), as soon as one of the following events is anticipated:
• Repeat course work;
• A change in the applicant's graduation date;
• A leave of absence approved by the school;
• Withdrawal or dismissal from school;
A change from full-time student status to a less than full-time student status for participants who sign “Full-Time Student” Contracts (a change from part-time student status to less than part-time student status for participants who sign “Part-time Student” Contracts);
• Voluntary withdrawal from courses during an academic term; or
• A transfer to another school or program.
c. Good Academic Standing - All scholarship recipients must be in good academic standing, as defined by the institution’s academic policies, for the duration of the academic year. Participants placed on academic probation will NOT be considered in good standing by the NCSP

26. Expected Number of Awards
For the 2013 – 2014 school year, the NCSP is expected to be extremely competitive. The Program anticipates more applicants for scholarship awards than available funds. It is expected that approximately 300 awards will be made for the 2013 – 2014 school year.
Last year there were over 15,498 people who initiated applications
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program| expects to have a highly| competitive pool | of applicants | for the 2013 application cycle| and anticipates more applicants| for awards\ than available funds.| the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program| expects to make| approximately 300 new awards| for the 2013|2014 academic year

27. Before You Apply
Read the Application and Program Guidance (APG) in its entirety before proceeding with the online application to understand the contractual obligations of NCSP
Be sure you have a complete understanding of the obligation to serve for a minimum of 2 years at a Critical Shortage Facility designated in a Tier 1 HPSA and the financial consequences of failing to perform that obligation
Program strongly recommends you research nursing opportunities that exist in various critical shortage facilities before applying to the program
Review the list of supporting documents required
Allow yourself an adequate amount of time to complete the application process
Allow yourself an estimated 3 weeks to apply, accounting for obtaining the documents and letters of recommendation you will need.

28. Complete the Online NURSE Corps Scholarship Program 2013 Application
How to Apply
Applicants should read the Application and Program Guidance(APG) in its entirety before proceeding with the online application.
The application consists of the following:
Online electronic NCSP application
Required Supporting Documentation
Complete the Online NURSE Corps Scholarship Program 2013 Application

29. Required Supporting Documents
Document Type
Essay Questions – Include your application id#; Do not include any personal identifying information
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National; and Lawful Permanent Resident (e.g., copy of birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, passport, or naturalization certificate
Copy of complete official Student Aid Report (SAR); not a financial report from the school
Copy of official or unofficial transcript from the most recently completed undergraduate or graduate academic institution/program attended, including their current ; or FT academic term.
Verification of Acceptance/Good Standing Report; Include your application ID #, do not include any PII
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letters of Recommendation – 1 Academic, 1 non-academic
1. Completed Essay Questions
The applicant must provide typed responses to the three essay questions. Each response must be limited to 5000 characters or less in Times New Roman 12 font. These questions are found in the “2013 Application Checklist and Supplemental Forms”.
2. Documentation of Status as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or status as a U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident. Acceptable documents include: a copy of a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, U.S. Passport ID page, or Green Card. A driver’s license and/or social security card are not valid proof of citizenship.
3. SAR - Applicants must provide a complete copy of their Official Student Aid Report (SAR) which summarizes all the information provided on the FAFSA. The SAR will contain the applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the number used in determining eligibility for federal student aid. The EFC should appear in the upper portion of a paper or electronic SAR in addition to a SAR ‘expiration’ or ‘valid through’ date. The NURSE Corps SP will deem partial or expired SAR submissions as incomplete. The Nurse Corps SP only accepts official SARs; any other type of document will deem the applicant ineligible. Applicants can request a copy of their official SAR from the Department of Education by calling 1‑800‑4‑FED‑AID (1‑800‑433‑3243) or via at -
4. Transcripts Applicants must submit an official or unofficial transcript from the most recently completed undergraduate or graduate academic institution/program attended, including their current school. If the applicant is not currently or has not previously been enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate academic institution/program, the applicant must include a transcript reflecting at least one full time academic term of undergraduate or graduate level coursework. Otherwise, a complete high school transcript should be submitted. The uploaded transcript must be legible and include the applicant’s school name, courses taken, grades received for each course, and cumulative Grade Point Average.
5. Completed Verification of Acceptance/Good Standing Report
This form requires the applicant to provide demographic information such as name and social security number. The NCSP program uses the Verification of Acceptance/Good Standing Report to confirm the student’s enrollment and status, the start date for the academic year, expected date of graduation, grade point average, institution’s name and address, and the official contact person for the school of nursing.
6. Resume/CV
Applicants are required to submit an up-to-date copy of their Resume/CV
7. Completed Academic Official’s Evaluation Letter
Applicants must obtain an evaluation letter from a non-relative academic official such as department chair, faculty advisor, or a faculty member of their current academic nursing program (or most recent academic program). The letter should be completed on the institution’s official letterhead if allowed by institutional policy and should address the discussion points referenced in the instructions found in the “2013 Application Guidance”. The letter must have the evaluator’s name printed, title, address, and signature.
8. Completed Non-Academic Evaluation Letter
The non-academic letter is used to assess the applicant’s compatibility to serve populations in the areas of greatest need in facilities with a critical shortage of nurses. The non-relative evaluator must complete the letter on official letterhead if representing an organization (if permitted by organizational policy), and cannot be written by the Academic evaluator. The letter should be completed on the institution’s official letterhead and should address the discussion points referenced in the instructions found in the “2013 Application Guidance”. The letter must have the evaluator’s name printed, title, address, and signature.

30. Required Supporting Documents (Cont’d)
Document Type
Current Tuition and Fee Schedule
Authorization to Release Information
Service Obligation Completion Letter/Uniformed Service Member Verification Letter (if applicable)
9. Current Tuition and Fee Schedule.
Each applicant must provide a tuition and fees schedule for the school year or, if not yet available, the most recent tuition and fees schedule published by the school in the school catalog or on its website.
10. Authorization to Release Information Form
This form authorizes HHS, and/or its contractors, to release information that identifies the applicant for purposes of obtaining the applicant’s credit report and checking whether the applicant appears on the Excluded Parties List System. It also authorizes the applicant’s school and future service entity to release information to HHS and/or its contractors.
11. Service Obligation Completion Letter/Uniformed Service Member Verification Letter (if applicable)
A letter on official letterhead from the entity to which the applicant’s existing service obligation is owed, indicating there is no potential conflict in fulfilling the service commitment to the NCSP and that the NCSP service commitment will be served first and/or copy of military orders

31. The Application Process
It is the applicant’s responsibility to upload the online application which includes all the required supporting documents, by the application deadline of 7:30pm EST May 2, 2013; Use of PDF files are strongly recommended.
The applicant must provide their applicant ID # generated by the application at the top of each document. (Do not use your name or SS#)
Incomplete applications cannot be submitted for review
Online applications not submitted by the deadline will not be considered for funding
If other formats are used and we are unable to open the documents, or if they are illegible, the application will be deemed incomplete. Incomplete or illegible documents will cause the application to be deemed INELIGIBLE. It is the applicants responsibility to ensure the uploaded documents meet the APG guidelines

32. The Application Process (cont’d)
The information collected online will be used to score your application, with respect to funding preferences
The information submitted in the online application should match all supporting documentation
Inaccurate information can result in your application receiving a low score, reducing your chances for funding
As previously noted, applications are reviewed by health professionals, predominately from the field of nursing who use scoring criteria established by the Bureau to assign a rank score to designated applications. Following rank scoring applications are then funded based on the level of funding required, and terminal degree (50% of funding will go to NPs who will not be compared against students seeking undergraduate degrees)

33. Getting Started: The Online Application Process
Register and Create an Account at then complete the following sections of the online application:
Assurance
Essay Questions
Eligibility
Supporting Documents
General/Background Info
Self-Certification
Degree Info
Review & Submit
Resume /CV
Applicants may save information at any time and come back later to upload information. But, please remember do not click “submit” until you have reviewed ALL your documents as you will be unable to undo this action, and your application proceed to review.
Applicants who may have previously registered and have accounts linked to their may have to select ‘forgot password’ to have their password reset.

34. Special Attention Areas
Section 1 – Be sure to select NURSE Corps Scholarship Program when completing the application.
For 508 Compliance:
Title: Section 1 application landing page
Description: image of initial page selecting program you wish to apply to

35. Special Attention Areas (cont’d)
Section 2 – Login
New Users Create An Account
Be sure to log off and click on the link in the confirmation to begin your application.
If an account exists please use those established login credentials
For 508 Compliance:
Title: Section 2 Creating an Account or Login
Description: Application page where you will create your application account or login if returning to the application

36. Special Attention Areas (cont’d)
Section 9 – Degree Information
Program start date must be before September 30, 2013
For 508 Compliance:
Title: Section 9 Degree Information
Description: Applicant describes degree, school and academic dates

37. Special Attention Areas (cont’d)
Section 9 – Start and End Dates
Funding request start dates must be chronological starting with year 1
Year 1 start date MUST be on or after July 1, 2013
Be sure to check the box(s) to identify which year(s) of funding you are requesting
Funding can only be chosen for sequential years
For 508 Compliance:
Title: Section 9 part 2
Description: Applicant describes academic years and requests funding years
You may not skip funding years requested

38. Special Attention Areas (cont’d)
Section 10 - Letters of Recommendation (LOR) –
You may complete your application as long as you have requested letters of recommendation.
Be sure to check the status of the LOR requests to be certain they have been received.
Your application is considered incomplete and may not be submitted until both LORs are uploaded.
For 508 Compliance:
Title: Section 10 Letters of Recommendation
Description: Applicant completes the process for requesting academic and personal LORs

39. Process To Submit Letters of Recommendation
Sent to Recommender
Recommender Uploads Recommendation Letter
Applicant can Submit Completed Application
Applicant Should Contact Recommender or Enter Contact Information to Send to New Recommender
Applicant Enters Name & Address of Recommender into the BCRS Program Portal
YES NO
Completed Academic Recommendation Letter
Applicants must obtain a recommendation letter from a non-relative academic official such as a department chair, faculty advisor, or a faculty member of their current academic nursing program (or most recent academic program if the applicant has not begun the nursing program).
The academic official’s recommendation letter must describe his or her relationship and length of time acquainted with the applicant. The recommendation letter must be on institution letterhead containing the applicant’s name, application ID number which will be provided in the instructions of the online recommender portal, the recommender’s name, title, organization and address. The completed recommendation must then be signed and uploaded into the online recommender portal. The recommendation letter should address the three discussion points described in the instructions of the recommender online portal. The application will not be complete until the letter of recommendation has been uploaded by the official. The applicant will not be notified if the recommender does not complete the letter only if the recommender does. If the original recommender cannot provide a recommendation letter, the applicant must delete the original recommender’s name and submit the name of another official selected to complete the letter of recommendation. Once the letter has been received (uploaded into) by the portal, the application can be submitted for processing.
Completed Non-Academic Recommendation Letter
The non-academic letter is used to assess the applicant’s compatibility to serve populations of greatest need. The evaluator should complete the letter on official letterhead if representing an organization.
The evaluator must describe his or her relationship and length of time acquainted with the applicant. The non-academic recommendation letter must have the applicant’s name, application ID number which will be provided in the instructions of the online recommender portal, the recommender’s name, title, organization and address. The completed recommendation must then be signed and uploaded into the online recommender portal. The recommendation letter should address the discussion points described in the instructions of the recommender online portal. The application will not be complete until the letter of recommendation has been uploaded by the official. The applicant will not be notified if the recommender does not complete the letter only if the recommender does. If the original recommender cannot provide a recommendation letter, the applicant must delete the original recommender’s name and submit the name of another official selected to complete the letter of recommendation. Once the letter has been received (uploaded into) by the portal, the application can be submitted for processing. The evaluator may not be a relative of the applicant, or be the same individual who completed the Academic Recommendation letter.

40. Special Attention Areas
Section 13 – Review and Submit
Verify all documents have been received and uploaded before submission.
You may complete your application before Letters of Recommendation have been received, but you will NOT be able to submit.
For 508 Compliance:
Title: Section 13
Description: Review of application section and submission of application

41. Special Attention Areas
Section 14 – Submitted Landing Page
Verify number of funding years requested
If you did not check the appropriate boxes in section 9, funding requested years will not match and you will need to correct before the application deadline.
You may edit your application up to the closing deadline
For 508 Compliance:
Title: Section 14 Submitted Landing Page
Description: Upon successful submission, applicant receives verification of submission and status of required documents

42. Special Attention Areas
To return to any completed section of the application
Click Home (top task bar) and then select the section to which you want to return.
For 508 Compliance:
Title: Home Page
Description: Applicant returns to the home page to access any section of the application

43. Application Status
Applicants will receive a receipt of submission notice once an application has been successfully submitted online
The application process occurs over a 3 – 4 month period. Status updates are not provided during this time
If an applicant is selected to receive an award, he or she should receive written notice via no later than August 31, Applicants not selected for an award will be notified no later than September 30, 2013
Applicants are urged to check their daily (be sure to check the spam folder) after applying to the NCSP.
You will have up to seven (7) calendar days to reply via indicating acceptance of the NCSP award and submit any requested documents
Correspondence will be sent to the address indicated in the online application. Important to check your regularly, particularly in July/August/September

44. Receiving an Award
Tuition and eligible fees are paid directly to the institution via electronic payment after an invoice is received by the NCSP from the institution
No tuition payments will be made to an individual, or for non-invoiced items (i.e., personal loans from family members)
The institution is responsible for invoicing the NCSP. If the NCSP does not receive an invoice directly from the institution, no tuition payment will be sent. TUITION AND FEES WILL NOT BE PAID UNTIL THE SCHOOL SENDS AN INVOICE TO THE NCSP AND APPLICANT SUBMITS ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION AND TRANSCRIPT
Monthly stipends and the one-time ORC payment are directly deposited into the recipient’s checking or savings account
4. If a participant has not submitted required documentation to the NCSP each academic term (Enrollment Verification Form, updated transcript), NCSP benefits including tuition will be temporarily suspended

45. Receiving an Award (cont’d)
If a new NURSE Corps SP participant has taken out a student loan to cover the cost of tuition and fees for their summer and/or fall 2013 semester(s) while waiting for notice of an NURSE Corps SP award, the student’s academic institution should supply an itemized invoice to the NURSE Corps SP showing the amount of tuition and fees paid for with that student loan.
The NURSE Corps SP will pay that amount to the academic institution to cover the tuition costs covered by the loan. After the fall 2013 semester, the NURSE Corps SP will not pay tuition and fee costs covered by any student loans
The first direct deposit is made by early November and will include stipend payments retroactive to July 1 and the annual ORC payment
4. If a participant has not submitted required documentation to the NCSP each academic term (Enrollment Verification Form, updated transcript), NCSP benefits including tuition will be temporarily suspended

46. Declining an Award
Individuals selected for an award who decide not to accept the award may decline the scholarship support without penalty and permits the promotion of alternates to selectee status.
Applicants offered an award but subsequently determined to have not begun classes on or before September 30, 2013, or be on/will be on a leave of absence upon entering the NCSP, should decline the award offer.
Their award will be terminated and they put themselves at risk of being in debt to the federal government for any award funds received.

47. Terminating a NCSP Contract
You have the option to terminate your contract by June 1 of a contract year. All funds must be returned for termination to be considered valid.
You may terminate out of contract years to avoid additional service obligation with the following conditions:
All funds must be returned
Program must be notified by June 1
If you haven't terminated by June 1 of first year and returned all the obligated funds, you will still incur 2 year service obligation if you cancel remaining years of contract (i.e. if you have a 3 year contract)

48. Monitoring and Transition Requirements
After completion of a nursing program:
Within 6 months
Obtain a License and accept an offer of employment from an approved HPSA facility
Must be permanently licensed to practice as a registered nurse (or if appropriate, as an advanced practice nurse) in the State where he/she will be serving
Recipients will have up to 3 months following the date of the acceptance of a job offer to commence full-time (or if approved, part-time) clinical services at the facility
Students on probation:
Not in good standing with NURSE Corps Scholarship Program requirements or school requirements
Failed a class, will remain with M and T team until in good standing. Scholarship placed on hold
Leave of absence will result in scholarship placed on hold until in good standing
Students that fail school or drop out will be transferred to legal

49. In Service Requirements
Full-Time or Part-Time Clinical Service
Participants may satisfy their service obligations on either a full-time or part-time basis:
Full-time clinical practice is defined as a minimum of 32 hours per week for a minimum of 45 weeks per year. At least 26 hours per week must be spent providing clinical services or direct patient care, to patients
Part-time clinical practice is defined as a minimum of 16 hours per week and up to a maximum of 31 hours per week, for a minimum of 45 weeks per year. At least 80% of the hours each week must be spent providing clinical services, or direct patient care, to patients
At least 80% of the hours each week must be spent providing clinical services to patients. (For example, a nurse scheduled to work 20 hours per week must spend at least 16 hours per week providing clinical services).
ii. No more than 7 weeks (35 work days) per service year can be spent away from the approved practice site for vacation, holidays, continuing education, illness, maternity, or any other reason.
iii. Participants wishing to serve part-time must obtain approval from the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program and must agree to extend their service obligation so that the aggregate amount of service performed will equal the amount of a full-time service obligation. (less than 16 hours per week will not be approved).

50. Service Verification
Must submit a service verification form for each 6 months of service
Must be completed and signed by the participant and an appropriate official at the approved NURSE Corps Scholarship Program community site
Site will:
Certify the participant's compliance or noncompliance with the full-time or part time clinical practice requirement for each 6-month period
Record the participant's time spent away from the practice site during that 6-month period
No more than 7 weeks per service year can be spent away from the approved NURSE Corps Scholarship Program site for vacation, holidays, continuing professional education, illness, or any other reason.
Participant failure to complete and submit 6-month service obligation verification forms on time may be recommended for default and jeopardize receiving service credit and future amendment awards

51. Transfer Requirements
In School
Transfers to other academic institutions are strongly discouraged, and will only be considered for exceptional circumstances and must be approved in advance.
IN Service
The NCSP expects that a participant will fulfill his or her obligation
at the NURSE Corps SP-approved CSF.
The participant must transfer to a facility of the same Tier or higher
All requests must be approved by NCSP prior to transfer.
If the participant is awarded in Tier 1 and employed at a site with a HPSA score of 18, the participant may transfer to another eligible site that meets Tier 1 criteria and has a score of 14 or higher. It does not have to be higher than 18

52. Key Dates
Application Open Period March 5 – May 2, 2013 at 7:30PM ET NCSP Contract Year Begins July 1, 2013 Award Notification By August 31, 2013 Acceptance Response Due Up to 7 calendar days from award notification date Applicant Denial Notification September 30, 2013

53. For Application Questions and Inquiries:
Us:
Call Us:
Toll Free: (TTY: )
8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays
Web site:

54. Thank you for tuning in to the 2013| NURSE Corps Scholarship Program Review of APG