Per Texas DSHS:

The 2021 Rural Community Healthcare Investment Program (RCHIP) application is open.  The purpose of the RCHIP program is assist rural communities in recruiting non-physician healthcare providers to practice in rural communities by providing partial student loan reimbursement or stipends in the amount of $10,000 for a commitment to serve in eligible communities for a period of 12 months.

Eligible participants are non-physician, licensed healthcare professionals practicing and residing in a Texas county that have a population of 50,000 or less (with an MUA/MUP/ HPSA designation) and who either:

1)    Who hold a Texas license (or certificate, registration, permit, or other form of authorization required by state law or regulation) to work in a health care profession (herein collectively referred to as a “license”); and

2)   Who either:

a)  received the license in the field under which this application is submitted within the last 24 months prior to the application deadline; or

b)  practiced in a county with more than 150,000 people and have moved within the preceding 12-month period or will move to practice in a qualifying community in the field under which this application is submitted (applicant may not have been residing or practicing in the qualifying community for more than 12 months prior to the application deadline).

Please see the online application for additional eligibility details and information.  If awarded, the 12-month service obligation will be from September 1, 2021- August 31,2022.

Application due date:                    July 15, 2021

Online Application Form:             RCHIP 2021 Application

The Texas SORH strongly encourages you to share this information with any qualifying staff within your facility.