Building Pennsylvania’s Nursing Pipeline: Five Things to Know

November 10, 2026

Pennsylvania’s new Nurse Shortage Assistance Program (NSAP) offers hospitals an opportunity to strengthen their nursing workforce pipelines through state-funded loan repayment assistance. The program connects nursing students, hospitals and educational institutions to help address persistent vacancies, turnover and reliance on agency staffing. Participating hospitals can leverage matching funds to offer substantial financial incentives to nursing graduates who commit to working in Pennsylvania.

Here are five key takeaways:

• State-funded loan repayment:  Eligible nursing graduates can receive up to $10,000 annually in state-funded loan repayment assistance.
• Three-year work commitment:  In exchange for the assistance, nurses agree to a three-year work placement at a participating Pennsylvania hospital after graduation.
• Hospital matching requirement:  Participating hospitals must contribute matching funds equal to at least 100% of the state award.
• Potential $20,000 annual benefit:  Combining state and hospital contributions creates an opportunity for nurses in the program to receive up to $20,000 per year in loan repayment assistance.
• A stronger workforce pipeline:  NSAP builds connections among nursing students, hospitals and educational institutions, helping hospitals develop a more sustainable nursing workforce and address ongoing staffing challenges.

Additional information about the program is avialable online.