Health Workforce Incentive Programs

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers a variety of impactful programs to attract primary health professionals to underserved areas of Virginia. Many of these initiatives help reduce medical education debt while enabling professionals to join vibrant communities and deliver care to those most in need. Loan repayment awards are competitive and often prioritized for those serving in Virginia's most underserved regions, with funding dedicated solely to repaying educational loans tied to health professional licensure.

For a printable list of all the programs the VDH administers, click here Health Workforce Incentive Programs.  For more detailed information about each program, click on the links below.

Application Instructions for Programs & Quick links:

Application Instructions for all Programs

Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program & Appalachian Regional Commission J-1 Waiver Program (October 16, 2026 - April 16, 2027)

National Interest Waiver Program (Year-Round)

Health and Human Services Exchange Visitor Program (Year-Round)

Virginia State Loan Repayment Programs (July 2026)

Virginia Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (October 15, 2026 - April 15, 2027)

The Commonwealth's Earn to Learn Program 

Upcoming Transition of Nursing Workforce Incentive Programs

On March 31, 2026, Governor Spanberger signed Senate Bill 405, which transfers all existing nursing workforce incentive programs from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority’s (VHWDA) Virginia Nursing Workforce Center, effective July 1, 2026.

As part of this transition:

  • VDH will no longer accept applications for the nurse workforce incentive programs listed below.
  • VDH is currently reviewing Nurse Preceptor Incentive Programs (NPIP) applications received on or before April 30, 2026.
  • For updates on NPIP and other nursing workforce incentive programs, including future application instructions, please visit the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center website at https://vanwc.org/

Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarships (RN/CNA/LPN)

Virginia Long-Term Care Facility Scholarship Programs (RN/CNA)

Virginia Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife and Nurse Educator Scholarship Programs

Virginia Nursing Preceptor Incentive Program 

VDH is unable to provide tax advice or answer questions about taxes that may or may not be owed for any incentives offered. Participants should consult a tax or financial advisor regarding any potential tax obligations related to an incentive.

 

Are you looking for a career in Virginia’s rural and underserved areas?

Watch a video to learn how to use the 3RNET website by clicking on the image below.

For Incentive Program Questions, Technical Support, and Compliance & Follow-up assistance, please reach out by calling (804) 864-7435 or emailing incentiveprograms@vdh.virginia.gov