Gov. Shapiro Launches New State-Level Nurse Shortage Assistance Program

Governor Shapiro and Secretary Bogen announced yesterday the new state-funded, state-level Nurse Shortage Assistance Program (NSAP),  which will build a pipeline of educated nursing professionals to provide care across the Commonwealth. 

Eligible recipients must:

•  be pursuing a nursing degree and 
• commit to a three-year work placement at a partnering Pennsylvania hospital after graduation. 

Awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participating nurses can receive up to $10,000 per year in loan repayment assistance from state funds, capped at $30,000 total over the life of the program. 

Nursing students can obtain more information and apply through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) “PA Nurse Shortage Assistance Program” webpage.

Hospitals that participate in NSAP must commit employer matching funds equal to at least 100 percent of the requested state funding, resulting in a potential loan repayment of $20,000 per year. 

Participating hospitals match state funds loaned to nurses dollar for dollar. 

The Hospital Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) reports nursing shortages of up to 22,000 nurses by 2028, particularly in rural communities. 

At Wayne Memorial Hospital, Shapiro said the initiative should help rural hospitals with recruitment and retention efforts. Shapiro also expects that approximately 200 nurses will participate in the NSAP at hospitals across Pennsylvania, which will most likely increase as more hospitals sign up. 

At a time when the federal government‘s Department of Education’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee’s Final Rule limits federal student loan access for nurses pursuing advanced degrees, this state initiative in Pennsylvania is an important investment and support for future nurses. 

Sources:

Fact Sheet: Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Health Care Workforce. (rev. 8/25/2026).  The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. https://www.haponline.org/Resource-Center?resourceid=1314 

Federal Student Aid. Update to List of Professional Degree Programs Due to Court Order (Updated July 10, 2026). Knowledge Center. https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2026-06-29/update-list-professional-degree-programs-due-court-order-updated-july-10-2026 

In Wayne County, Gov. Shapiro launches New Nurse Shortage Assistance Program. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Oct. 13, 2026). https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/in-wayne-county–gov–shapiro-launches-new-nurse-shortage-assist  McFarland, L. (Oct. 13, 2026). Gov. Shapiro, Sec. Bogen launch Nurse Shortage Assistance Program in Honesdale.  WVIA News. https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2026-10-13/gov-shapiro-sec-bogen-launch-nurse-shortage-assistance-program-in-honesdalePHEAA.  PA Nurse Shortage Assistance Program. https://www.pheaa.org/schools-partners/training/community-partners/pa-nurse-shortage-assistance-program