Invest in your future with VA
Scholarships, stipends, and paid training for high-need health careers—all working towards a job at VA after you graduate and get licensed.
Creating future VA health care professionals
VA offers several scholarship programs for aspiring healthcare professionals in exchange for their service in a critical occupation at a VA medical facility. If our mission of improving the lives of Veterans calls to you, we want you to apply.
This is the official VA Website for the Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP), Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP), and the HPSP Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling Service) Scholarship. Previous websites under the Intelliworx URL are no longer valid. Websites outside of this page may not have accurate or up to date information and should not be viewed as the official source.
Benefits at a glance
- Full tuition at a U.S. regionally accredited school.
- Monthly stipend to help with living expenses.
- Annual book stipend for instructional materials.
- Career at VA after you graduate and meet VA qualification standards.
Eligibility at a glance
- Full-time enrollment in a qualifying program at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university.
- 3.5 cumulative GPA (CGPA) with official transcript. Transcripts must show 15 earned credit hours within the past 5 years at the time of applying.
- Must be a US. Citizen, and 18 years of age or older, and must be able to pass background check to gain security clearance.
- Not in default or delinquent on federal debt.
The next application cycle is projected to open in January of 2027. More detailed information will be listed here about opening and closing dates later in the year. You are encouraged to check this site periodically for the most up to date information. If no new information is listed, it has not been updated yet.
Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP)
HPSP awards scholarships to students receiving education/training in a health care services discipline. In exchange, you agree to serve in a VA health care facility for a minimum 2-year service obligation.
This is a highly competitive scholarship and only the most competitive applicants will be selected from their collective field of study. The minimum eligibility requirements are not negotiable or able to be waived.
HPSP stands ready to help VA fill rural, critical, and hard to fill vacancies across the U.S. 100% of HPSP scholars will relocate at their own expense to accept an assignment serving Veterans in one of those vacancies. Even if there is a VA local to you, you will relocate to your assignment if you accept an HPSP scholarship.
Scholarships are only offered for the clinical skills found on this website. Non-clinical, administrative fields, such as degrees in Healthcare Administration, are not eligible for HPSP scholarships.
Service obligation times may vary and based on specific health care occupations.
Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-17/subject-group-ECFRa0cc09d866cde8e
Enrollment
- Unconditionally accepted in the accredited academic program that will qualify for employment in one of the professional fields associated with the scholarship program. Proof of enrollment and unconditional acceptance must be provided at time of application.
- Academic institution must be located within the U.S., accredited, and at the educational level required.
- Dual enrollment, dual majors, pre-requisite courses, or multiple applications are not considered.
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
- Have a 3.5 CGPA using a current transcript that shows 15 earned credit hours within the past 5 years at the time of application. Transcripts outside the 5-year period or that show less than 15 earned credit hours will automatically be removed from consideration.
- Pass/Fail courses are accepted. An official letter from your academic institution must outline the converted CGPA to a 4.0 scale with total credit hours earned.
Citizenship and Age
- 18 years of age or older.
- U.S. Citizen as defined by birth or naturalization. Note: Work visas and resident alien status are not accepted.
- Pass background checks, security clearance, or other pre-onboarding requirements as determined by VA.
- Veteran status is not required for any of the eligible programs listed.
- Cannot be completing an existing service obligation to another program, federal agency, or entity at time of application.
Federal Debt
- Not in default or delinquent on any federal debt, defined as 31 days past due on a scheduled payment, taxes, audit disallowances, guaranteed or direct student loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or VA mortgages, and other miscellaneous administrative debt.
The exact list of occupations offered scholarships varies by application cycle and will be prioritized by VA need. If your chosen field is not listed below, HPSP does not currently offer a scholarship for that degree. Even if historically your field of study was eligible, it might not be offered a scholarship during the upcoming cycle. Program eligibility changes each year, and you are encouraged to monitor this website for future offerings.
The following professions may be eligible for an HPSP scholarship:
- Clinical laboratory scientist
- Clinical psychology (HPSP and Vet Center)
- Diagnostic radiologic technologist
- Nursing, associate degree
- Nursing, bachelor’s degree
- Nursing, master’s degree or doctoral degree for Nurse Practitioner
- Pharmacist, doctoral degree
- Physical therapist, doctoral degree
- Physician assistant, master’s degree
- Physician, (MD/DO) NOTE: No pediatrics/neonatal
- Social worker (HPSP and Vet Center
Registered Nurses:
Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed by the applicant:
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. The ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs, including clinical doctorate, masters/post master’s certificate, baccalaureate, associate, and diploma nursing education programs.
- Note: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013. ACEN’s website may be utilized to verify accredited programs using automated inquiry processes. However, for verification of any nursing program’s accreditation prior to 1998, an automated inquiry cannot be used and ACEN must be contacted directly via their email contact information on the ACEN website to verify.
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 7, Washington, DC 20001. The CCNE is an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and accredits nursing education programs at the bachelor and master’s level.
Physicians:
Hold a degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed.
Approved schools are:
- Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted.
- Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association for the year in which the degree was granted.
Psychologists:
Hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology at the time the program is completed, accredited by one of the following:
- The American Psychological Association (APA)
- The Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)
- The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. To meet this requirement, the term “specialty area” refers to the specific specialty areas recognized by the accrediting body and not to specific job duties that might require special skills.
Currently, APA accredits doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations of two or more of those areas. PCSAS accredits doctoral programs in psychological clinical science. CPA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology.
Strictly for the purpose of determining eligibility for appointment as a psychologist in VHA, there is no distinction between the specialty areas, except for school psychology.
School Psychology degrees do not qualify. There are no job assignments in VHA that require the skills of a school psychologist; therefore, an applicant with a degree in the specialty area of school psychology is not eligible for appointment.
Social Workers:
Hold a master’s degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited.
A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master’s degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a Master of Social Work.
106A4– Workforce Management and Consulting
VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) Training for Scholarship Recipients (BIS 23783)
TMS ID: 131023566
Program Description: This training will provide VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) participants with information regarding requirements during obligatory service outlined in the HPSP agreement and information about the breach and waiver process.
Program Expiration: March 1, 2029
Access: TMS# 131023566
Location: At your computer workstation for viewing with TMS access.
Modality: Access the training at your workstation via TMS registration.
Credit/hours: 0.25 hours
Accreditations: N/A
Direct VA TMS Link: VA HPSP Training for Scholarship Recipients (BIS 23783)
Questions?
ILEAD Contact:
Katherine Sheridan, MEd
Healthcare Education Specialist
VHA Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD)
Katherine.Sheridan1@va.gov
Program Office Contact Info:
Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP)
VIOMPSP awards scholarships to students seeking a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility. In exchange, students agree to a minimum 3-year service obligation at a VA healthcare facility.
Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-17/subject-group-ECFRdbdb91e36a91bfe/
The scholarship is offered to the following specialty occupations:
- Certified Visual Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT)
- Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT)
- Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS)
- Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS)
Enrollment
- Enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited academic program leading up to meeting the qualification standards for employment. Education programs must lead to a certification granted by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).
- Only available to VA employees: Enrolled as a part-time student in an accredited academic program leading up to meeting the qualification standards for employment based on qualification standards. Education programs must lead to a certification granted by ACVREP.
Citizenship and Age
- 18 years of age or older.
- U.S. Citizen as defined by birth or naturalization. Note: Work visas and resident alien status are not accepted.
- Pass background checks, security clearance, or other pre-onboarding requirements as determined by VA.
- Cannot be completing an existing obligation to another program, federal agency, or entity at time of application.
Program Coverage
- Full Time Status: Up to $15,000 per academic year up to a maximum of 4 years to complete education (cumulative total award of $45,000).
- Only Available to VA Employees (part-time status): Awarded for a minimum of 1 academic year to a maximum of 6 academic years to compete.
HPSP Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling Service) Scholarship
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that offer a wide range of social and psychological services to Veterans.
The HPSP Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling Service) Scholarship supports healthcare professionals who are pursuing a full-time education in a behavioral health discipline. Disciplines include: psychology, social work, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counseling and marriage and family therapy.
The Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that offer a wide range of social and psychological services to Veterans.
- Service obligations: 6-year obligated service period required in exchange for the scholarship award.
- Employment and placement: Vet Center locations are not VA medical centers (VAMCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), or other locations offering services leased by VA.
- Funding: Covers the last two years in the program of study. Psychology internships do not account for nor are included in the 2-year period.
Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-17/subject-group-ECFR4514450af20a497
Enrollment
- Enrolled in an accredited academic program leading up to meeting the qualification standards for employment based on the specialty occupation.
- Academic institution must be located within the U.S., accredited, and at the educational level required.
- Dual enrollment, dual majors, pre-requisite courses, or multiple applications are not considered.
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
- Have a 3.5 CGPA using a current transcript that shows 15 earned credit hours within the past 5 years at the time of application. Transcripts outside the 5-year period or that show less than 15 earned credit hours will automatically be removed for consideration.
- Pass/Fail courses are accepted. An official letter from your academic institution must outline the converted CGPA to a 4.0 scale with total credit hours earned.
Citizenship and Age
- 18 years of age or older.
- U.S. Citizen as defined by birth or naturalization. Note: Work visas and resident alien status are not accepted.
- Pass background checks, security clearance, or other pre-onboarding requirements as determined by VA.
- Cannot be completing an existing service obligation to another program, federal agency, or entity at time of application.
Federal Debt
- Not in default or delinquent on any federal debt. Defined as 31 days past due on a scheduled payment, taxes, audit disallowances, guaranteed or direct student loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or VA mortgages, and other miscellaneous administrative debt.
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors:
Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in:
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Clinical rehabilitation counseling
- Clinical mental health counseling and clinical rehabilitation counseling
You may also qualify with a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to:
- Addiction counseling
- Community counseling
- Gerontology counseling
- Marital, couple, and family counseling
CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/.
Note: Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs that are accredited by CACREP do not meet the LPMHC qualification standards, as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling.
Marriage and Family Therapists:
Hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from a program approved by COAMFTE.
Psychologists:
Hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology at the time the program is completed, accredited by one of the following:
- The American Psychological Association (APA)
- The Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)
- The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. To meet this requirement, the term “specialty area” refers to the specific specialty areas recognized by the accrediting body and not to specific job duties that might require special skills.
Currently, APA accredits doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations of two or more of those areas. PCSAS accredits doctoral programs in psychological clinical science. CPA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology.
Strictly for the purpose of determining eligibility for appointment as a psychologist in VHA, there is no distinction between the specialty areas, except for school psychology.
School Psychology degrees do not qualify. There are no job assignments in VHA that require the skills of a school psychologist; therefore, an applicant with a degree in the specialty area of school psychology is not eligible for appointment.
Social Workers:
Have a master’s degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited.
A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master’s degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a Master of Social Work.
How to apply
- Create your account in the Application Management System (AMS) when the application cycle opens. Use 1 user profile and provide 2 email addresses for communication.
- Prepare documents which include your:
- Application
- Academic Verification
- Recommendations
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Declaration for Federal Employment
- SF50 (for current or former VA employees)
- Start early and complete each task on time; some items require coordination with your school or other entities.
- Submit by the deadline. If you edit after submitting, file an addendum and ensure all items are complete before the window closes.
- Complete the online application. Paper, scanned, or emailed applications aren’t accepted. Use a reliable internet connection and updated browser.
System requirements
- Reliable internet access
- Modern web browser
- Ability to upload required documents
What to expect after applying
Candidates that meet the minimal eligibility requirements will be reviewed by the VHA Scholarship Committee. After the committee has made the selections, referrals are then sent to the national program manager and director who will decide which applicants will be selected and awarded the scholarship.
During the application process, we encourage applicants to refer to this page and explore additional resources and monitor the email addresses provided for any updates. During the selection process, we receive a high volume of inquiries and won’t be able to provide any information or updates until selections are complete.
Frequently asked questions
No, Veteran status is not required.
Yes. Recipients must be willing to relocate (at their own expense) after earning their degree and must meet all VA qualification standards for the healthcare occupation for which the scholarship was awarded. Every scholarship participant will sign a mobility agreement in conjunction with their agreement that affirms they are willing to move, at their own expense, anywhere in the U.S. to meet Veteran care needs where they are most critical.
HPSP scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive any recruitment or relocation incentives offered while completing their obligated service. Accepting any recruitment or relocation incentives will result in incurring a debt that the HPSP scholarship recipient will be obligated to repay in full.
Stipend Overpayments-All HPSP/Vet Center participants must submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) request in AMS. Undergoing an LOA would include, but is not limited to, recipients beginning their residency or internship or leaving the course of study prior to the recipient’s scholarship completion award date. Failure to not submit an LOA will result in erroneous stipends or federal government debt. Current HPSP/Vet Center participants who have been notified of their stipend overpayments are eligible to submit a stipend waiver. For more information, please contact the HPSP office (VHAHPSPTeam@VA.gov).
Fees not covered (as of 1 Jan 2027):
- Room/Board/Meal Tickets/Café Services/Commons Access/Mess Charge Fees
- Books/Uniforms/Non-Class Specific Equipment/Online Support Fees
- Application/Drug Screening/Background Investigation/Records/Audit Fees
- Health/Life/Dental/Vision Insurance Fees/Disability Insurance/Health Fee/Medical Liability Insurance
- Transportation/Parking /Bus/Travel/Study Abroad Fees
- Student Government/Student Body/Union/Organization Membership/Class Fees
- Student Records/Counseling/Health & Wellness/Activity/Facility/Rec Center/Endowment/Student Self-Help
- Late Charge/Repeat Coursework/Penalty Fees
- Certification Board/Licensure & Certification/Testing/Dissertation Fees
- Others as determined at the discretion of the VA Secretary or appointed staff
Generally, no. An applicant who already owes a post-training service obligation to VA or another entity is ineligible for HPSP while that conflicting obligation exists. Reserve Components of the military are exempt from this and are welcome to apply.
HPSP eligibility requires U.S. citizenship by birth or naturalization. Resident-alien status or a work visa do not satisfy that requirement.
Applicants cannot be in default or delinquent on any federal debt. Delinquency is described as 31 days past a scheduled payment and included federal student loans, taxes, mortgages, and other administrative debt.
To meet the needs of the clinical requirement, simply work with your program’s clinical coordinator who can help you identify your program’s existing affiliations. Make every effort to attend a clinical rotation at VA, if an existing affiliation exists and positions are available. If no clinical positions are available at VA — whether due to limited slots or no existing affiliation — the requirement will be waived. Your institution determines the clinical assignment; HPSP has no influence or control over that decision.
Yes. You must be enrolled full-time in a program of study for which the scholarship was awarded at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
Material changes can affect scholarship eligibility, funding, and the service timeline and should be reported to the HPSP program office. A participant who voluntarily terminates the funded course of study or, in applicable circumstances, changes from full-time to part-time status can trigger breach or repayment provisions.
Failure to maintain acceptable academic standing can terminate participation and create a repayment obligation under the HPSP agreement and governing regulations.
Where licensure is required, the regulation sets timelines within which an individual must become licensed in a U.S. state or territory after becoming eligible to apply. Failure to do so can result in breach consequences.
No. Only 1 application per user is reviewed. Duplicate accounts or applications aren’t accepted.
The scholarship starts the first day of the next semester following the signing of the HPSP agreement/contract by the recipient and the VA Under Secretary of Health (USH) or designee.
No, stipends are tax-free.
Deadlines are posted on this page.
For specified professions—including medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, optometry and podiatry—a participant may request deferment to complete approved advanced clinical training. Deferment is not automatic and is governed by VA approval and program requirements.
Yes. When VA approves certain deferred advanced clinical training, additional service can be imposed. The regulatory formula varies depending on whether the specialty is determined necessary to meet VHA healthcare requirements.
Generally, the obligated service period begins with a qualifying VA appointment and service after completion of the education requirement or approved deferred training. Training time should not be assumed to count toward the service obligation unless the participant’s governing agreement and applicable authority specifically provide for it.
Participants should not assume a guaranteed facility of choice. HPSP is a workforce program, and placement is tied to VA staffing needs and qualifying vacancies. Participants sign a mobility agreement affirming understanding of the relocation requirement. Preferences may be considered, but the governing agreement and VA placement process control.
There is a minimum 2-year service obligation for HPSP participants. While particular occupations, scholarship durations, and special HPSP tracks can carry different obligations, the controlling sources are the statute, regulations, and the signed scholarship agreement applicable to the participant. These range from 2 years for RNs, and up to 6 years for Specialty Providers and Vet Center Scholarship recipients.
For participants whose service has been deferred for approved advanced training, the regulation describes service beginning with appointment in full-time clinical practice at the VA assignment or location determined by the Secretary. Other occupations follow their applicable HPSP agreement and placement rules after educational and qualification requirements are completed. For all others, while working in their VA assignment, the obligated service begins once the participant has obtained their independent level of licensure.
Vet Center participants: Vet Center HPSP participants begin their Service Obligation on their initial placement date.
Get help from the HPSP team
You may email HPSPTeam@va.gov for additional help. We are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET (closed on federal holidays).
You may also attend Scholarship Events and information sessions with your questions.
More opportunities for students and recent grads
We’re proud to offer numerous avenues to further develop your health care career.
VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP)
Paid, hands-on experience for students in nursing, medical laboratory science, and pharmacy programs.
Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP)
For physicians in residency; repays qualifying educational loans tied to a VA service obligation.