Pa. Launches Loan Repayment Support Program for Nurses

October 14, 2026

Wayne Memorial Hospital hosted an event with state leaders yesterday to formally launch the PA Nurse Shortage Assistance Program. 

The program provides up to $20,000 in loan repayment support per year through state dollars and matching hospital funds. During the event, Governor Shapiro cited HAP's workforce report, which emphasizes the need to invest in Pennsylvania's pipeline of nurses and other medical professionals.

Rural health care challenges require “conversation and collaboration,” said James Pettinato, CEO, Wayne Memorial Health System, during the event. Partnerships with state leaders are important to support the future workforce.

Here are five things to know about the program:

• How it works:  Eligible candidates must be pursuing a nursing degree and willing to commit to a three-year work placement at a Pennsylvania hospital after graduation.
• Available funding:  In it first year, the program provides $5 million in loan repayment assistance through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and the servicer, Scholars Network.
  • The program can support up to 200 nursing students in its first year.
• Why it matters:  As Pennsylvania ages, hospitals are developing the health care workforce to serve the needs of their communities and meet a growing demand for care.
  • Funding scholarships and loan forgiveness, investing in health care education programs; and increasing educators are important strategies to support the future workforce.
• Hospital eligibility:  Hospitals must partner with an approved qualified nursing servicer and agree to a 100 percent match for the state funding ($10,000). This brings the total loan repayment support up to $20,000 annually.
• Quotable:  “The nursing shortage is a serious national and local challenge that affects patients, families, and healthcare organizations across the country. There's no single cause and no quick fix,” said Chandra Roberts, chief nursing and patient care services officer, Wayne Memorial Health System. “Our response must include expanding nursing education and clinical placements, supporting students and faculty, improving workforce safety, and investing in competitive pay, mentorship, and mental health support.

The guidelines to participate in the program are available online. Hospitals with questions about participating in the PA Nurse Shortage Assistance Program can contact Robert Shipp III, PhD, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, HAP’s vice president, workforce & clinical affairs.