Veterinary Loan Repayment Information
The 2022-2023 application is now open!
Applications are due January 31st, 2023.
Below are some additional resources to assist providers in successfully applying for the Veterinarian Loan Repayment Program. Please review the provider application guidance before beginning an application.
Veterinarian Loan Repayment Program
To download this form correctly, right-click the form link and choose Save Link As to save on your computer and then open the file in Adobe Reader.
You can also select Save As in the file within the web viewer when the "Please wait.." message appears. You can open the file in Adobe Reader and fill out the form on your computer and submit the form to kaleewerner@nd.gov with subject line: Veterinarian Loan Repayment Application.
Site eligibility is based on the following criteria:
- the size of the community;
- first priority is given to rural communities having a population under five thousand;
- second priority is for communities having a population between five thousand and ten thousand; and
- third priority to communities having a population greater than ten thousand.
- the number of veterinarians practicing in the community and the surrounding area;
- the access by residents to veterinarians practicing in the community and the surrounding area; and
- the degree to which residents support the addition of a veterinarian within the community.
The applicant must:
- have graduated from an accredited college of veterinary medicine;
- be fully licensed to practice food animal veterinary medicine in North Dakota; and
- be employed full-time in a private practice veterinary medicine clinic and commit to two, three, or four years of service in one or more selected communities.
Providers participating in the loan repayment program can enter into an agreement to practice up to four years and receive the following loan repayment assistance for outstanding educational loans from institutional lending agencies of the United States, Canada, or other countries.
The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health reviews and prioritizes all applicants and presents recommendations to the Health Council for approval at their February meeting. The applicants are reviewed and prioritized based on personal statements, letters of recommendation, and if they are practicing in areas of greatest need.
- The veterinarian has completed the service requirements of the contract.
- The veterinarian is unable to complete the service requirement of the contract because of a permanent physical disability.
- The veterinarian demonstrates to the State Health Council extreme hardship or shows other good causes justifying the release.
- The veterinarian dies.