Student loan debt can be a significant burden, especially for dedicated allied health professionals committed to serving communities in need. The Allied Health Loan Repayment Program (AHLRP) offers a valuable opportunity to alleviate this financial stress while making a real difference in California. This program, a partnership between the California Medical Services Program (CMSP) and the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), provides educational debt relief to eligible allied healthcare professionals.
What is the Allied Health Loan Repayment Program (AHLRP)?
The AHLRP is designed to attract and retain skilled allied health professionals in underserved areas within the 35 CMSP counties in California. Through this program, selected applicants can receive up to $16,000 in loan repayments. In return, participants commit to a one-year service obligation, providing direct patient care at a CMSP contracted provider site. This initiative not only supports healthcare professionals financially but also strengthens local healthcare delivery systems by ensuring access to vital medical services.
Unlike some other loan repayment programs, AHLRP focuses specifically on allied health professions, recognizing the crucial role these professionals play in patient care. This targeted approach ensures that a wide range of healthcare services are supported within CMSP counties.
Who Can Benefit from AHLRP?
AHLRP is open to a diverse range of allied healthcare professionals. If you work in one of the following professions at a CMSP contracted provider site, you may be eligible to apply:
- Anesthesia Technician
- Anesthesiologist Assistant
- Associate Clinical Social Worker
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
- Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
- Audiologist
- Auto-Transfusionist
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Certified AOD Counselor
- Chiropractor
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Community Health Worker
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Diagnostic Sonographer/Radiographer (Including Mammographer, etc.)
- Dietitian/Nutritionist
- Electrocardiogram Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Health Educator
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Interpreter
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Medical Radiation Scientist
- Neurophysiologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Orthoptist
- Orthotist/Prosthetist
- Paramedic
- Perfusionist
- Pharmacist
- Phlebotomist
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Podiatrist
- Psychological Associate
- Psychologist
- Radiotherapist/Radiation Therapist/ Medical Dosimetrist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Speech Therapist
- Surgical Technologist
This extensive list highlights the program’s commitment to supporting a broad spectrum of healthcare roles essential to comprehensive patient care.
AHLRP: By the Numbers
To date, CMSP has invested $2,817,397 in allied healthcare professionals through AHLRP. This significant financial commitment underscores the program’s impact and the ongoing need for such support within the healthcare community. These funds have directly assisted numerous professionals in reducing their educational debt, enabling them to focus more fully on their careers and the patients they serve.
Application Status and How to Learn More
Please note that the AHLRP 2023-24 application cycle is currently closed. However, if you are interested in applying for future cycles or want to learn more about the program, it’s crucial to stay informed.
For detailed information and updates on the Allied Health Loan Repayment Program, please visit the official HCAI website: https://hcai.ca.gov/loans-scholarships-grants/loan-repayment/ahlrp/
The AHLRP is administered by HCAI through their Office of Healthcare Workforce Development. For any questions or assistance regarding the AHLRP application process, you can reach out to their dedicated team by calling (916) 326-3700 or emailing [email protected].
Take the next step in your allied health career and explore the possibilities with the Allied Health Loan Repayment Program. Reducing your student loan burden can empower you to further your professional goals and enhance your contribution to healthcare in California’s underserved communities. Stay tuned for updates on future application cycles and seize this opportunity to invest in your future while serving where you are needed most.
