PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) — The South Dakota Health Department is hoping to encourage medical professionals to establish their practices in rural areas of the state. They’ve just opened the State Loan Repayment Program, which pays off tuition for applicants that agree to set up shop in rural areas for at least two years. It’s a great tool, according to Kaitlyn thomas, the Administrator for the Office of Rural Healthcare.
Thomas says it’s too early to tell if any of last year’s award receipients have decided to make a home in the rural communities they are serving, but she’s hopeful.
This is the second year for the three year program, which is funded by a 1.5-million dollar federal grant. A year from now the health department will have a clearer picture of the success level.
The application window closes at the end of the month.
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