PhD/PsyD Health Service Psychologist for NHSC Loan Repayment Eligibility?

[Terri Dactyl]

Greetings all. This is my first post and it's a doozy. Also, please let me know if I posted in the correct area. I've searched the forums for answers regarding my question, but so far have come up with nothing. Help/advice from early career psychologist who is going/has gone through this process would be most appreciated. I'm researching loan repayment programs and the NHSC program seems to be the most viable option, as a Psy.D. student.

From my understanding (please correct if I'm wrong), the only NHSC-eligible discipline for mental health psychologists is a "Health Service Psychologist" (HSP). Well, I'm training in clinical psychology... not "Health Service" psychology, which is the first time I've heard this term. So does that mean I have to become credentialed as an HSP through the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (NRHSP) after obtaining licensure as a clinical psychologist?

According to the NRHSP website, I will have to start banking my credentialing materials beginning with internship (which I will begin next month). I wouldn't become credentialed until two years of supervised experience (internship/post-doc) and obtaining licensure. If this is true... I'll have to begin the application process for the NRHSP ASAP.

In short, is this correct? Would I need to become credentialed as a HSP in order to be eligible for the NHSC program? Is this additional acronym necessary? It seems just an additional credential for licensure mobility and nothing else. Has anyone gone through the NHSC application/credentialing process that could offer some advice and/or the steps they took in order to participate in the NHSC program? Also, could I still participate in the NHSC program if on a IBR?

Sorry for the lengthy post. Between the NHSC, NRHSP, PSLF, and IBR I'm basically I'm sitting here at practicum with nothing to do (clients no show) but to make myself anxious with all these acronyms and eligibility requirements. In addition, I'm from an APA-accredited program and will go to an APA-accredited internship. I've also begun the early entry option (EEO) with ABPP. From my understanding, the credentialing materials can be transferred between NRHSP and ABPP. Hopefully these tid-bits help in organizing a response about the process.

Thanks in advance!

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[AcronymAllergy]

I don't think you need to become credentialed with NRHSP in order to the eligible for NHSC loan repayment. Rather, I think you just need to be filling the appropriate role (i.e., providing clinical mental health services) in the appropriate context/setting (i.e., at an NHSC-approved site in an under-served area). I want to say that when you look at the requirements for providers, NHSC lists "clinical or counseling psychologist" as acceptable for psychology, but I could be confusing it with something else.

Regardless, you'll need to apply, and there are a limited number of spots for all eligible providers (e.g., physicians, nurses, etc.), so I believe the competition can be fairly stiff.

 

[erg923]

Cant really be of help with your question, but I recently heard about the "Health Service Psychologist" title, or designation, or whatever is simply a label/title given to a psychologist who has had his/her credentials verify by the National Register (http://www.nationalregister.org/about/mission-vision-values) . Seem like a silly title to award since ALL psychologists who are practicing are providing a "health service."

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

It is a tedious process and you won't be able to apply until you are fully licensed. They only have application once a year over a 45-60 day window to submit your application. You will need to work in an approved setting that meets the qualifications of being in an underserved mental health shortage area. You are approved on two-year cycles and depending on the rating of your employer, they pay $25,000 to $30,000 per year towards your student loans. You may reapply each two years and they send you a check to send to your loan provider.

Health Service Provider is somewhat generic for Clinical/Counseling, Combined, or combination of all. You don't have to apply for the NRHSP or ABPP designation, but it may be to your advantage to apply for these during ECP duration.

Although you may have $30,000 for loan payment every year, from my review, many of these jobs pay in the $60,000 dollar range. However, some are higher than this amount depending on competition and location of the site.

I believe you have ten-years to pay back your student loans and if you continue with NHSC for ten-years, this will be roughly $300,000 towards your student loans. I believe for MD/OD they receive a higher amount due to many having student loans in the $500,000 range.

It is a great program and I plan on applying once I am licensed.

 

[WisNeuro]

This sounds like a terrible option. The amount of money I'd give up by taking a job in the 60k range is about equivalent to the amount that they will pay per year. In the end it's a wash financially. And, unless you really want to live in that under served area, it's a loss on that front. What's the incentive for this?

 

[AcronymAllergy]

This sounds like a terrible option. The amount of money I'd give up by taking a job in the 60k range is about equivalent to the amount that they will pay per year. In the end it's a wash financially. And, unless you really want to live in that under served area, it's a loss on that front. What's the incentive for this?

I think (although could be wrong) that the money is tax-free, and/or may not count as income. I'm not at all sure on that, though. (Edit: Just checked, and the repayment amounts are indeed tax-free).

Also, I think the amounts may have been incorrectly stated above. For a Tier 1 site, you can earn up to $50,000 for both years (i.e., $25k/year); for a Tier 2 site, it's $30,000 for both years. Both amounts can be "re-upped" every two years. And I believe the amount is for the full two years, such that if you leave the position early, you probably have to pay it all back.

If you could find a site that paid equivalent to the other places you were looking at, that'd of course be great. Or perhaps even if they paid maybe $10-15k/year less. But I agree that if you're choosing between a starting offer of $100k at one place or $60k + NHSC at another, it seems to make more sense to take the $100k offer (depending on things like cost of living comparisons).

 

[edieb]

This sounds like a terrible option. The amount of money I'd give up by taking a job in the 60k range is about equivalent to the amount that they will pay per year. In the end it's a wash financially. And, unless you really want to live in that under served area, it's a loss on that front. What's the incentive for this?

It is what you get when the only real demand for people in your profession comes from the V.A. and DoD

 

[WisNeuro]

Just a reminder to crunch the numbers kids. If AA is right, I would actually be losing a significant amount of money in this program if I had loans. Plus, I can lower my tax burden by just throwing max contribution at 401k.

 

[erg923]

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a loan repayment program (reimburses what you paid the previous year) up to 12k per year for 10 years. This only comes attached with certain jobs, usually in more rural areas, although it seems rather inconsistent to me since my position came with it and I am in a major midsouthern city.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a loan repayment program (reimburses what you paid the previous year) up to 12k per year for 10 years. This only comes attached with certain jobs, usually in more rural areas, although it seems rather inconsistent to me since my position came with it and I am in a major midsouthern city.

Probably depends on how much difficulty they've had attracting qualified folks in the past, how much HR is willing to work/agree to this, and how strong the Psychology "lobby" is at the VA (I believe it's much easier to get this sort of thing listed for physician and nursing positions).

Also, it's worth noting that VA jobs are automatically disqualified from NHSC participation.

 

[erg923]

Yea. The chief of mental health at this VAMC is a psychologist. Rare. My position came with the federal Loan repayment program. Coincidence? I think not.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Yea. The chief of mental health at this VAMC is a psychologist. Rare. My position came with the federal Loan repayment program. Coincidence? I think not.

Given that many of those positions are now open to psychologists, I wonder if it's more a matter of folks simply not applying...? Case in point, I believe the Atlanta VA recently had their Chief of Mental Health spot come open, and psychologists were encouraged to apply. No clue how that turned out, though.

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

It is non taxed and you are not required to make monthly payments or it is optional. To put in realistic perspective, some dedicate 4-6 years to NHSC and then they move on to a higher paying positions. For a new graduate it provides additional training during Early Career and then you may move to a higher paying job once your loans are paid off.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

It is non taxed and you are not required to make monthly payments or it is optional. To put in realistic perspective, some dedicate 4-6 years to NHSC and then they move on to a higher paying positions. For a new graduate it provides additional training during Early Career and then you may move to a higher paying job once your loans are paid off.

Yes, it's definitely an option, particularly if you're weighing two job offers with relatively similar salaries but one qualifies for NHSC loan repayment and the other does not. In that case, I think pretty much anyone would choose the NHSC option, although you of course have to weigh other factors like the type of work you'll be doing, if the work environment itself seems healthy (and, in the situation you've described, seems as though it'd provide adequate opportunities for training and professional growth), etc.

But for example, I just saw a posting this morning for a child neuropsychologist spot starting between $85k and $110k. Mind you, I'm not a kiddo person, but if I were choosing between the middle- to upper-end of that range (e.g., $95k+) or a $60k position that qualified for $25k/year in loan repayment, I'd lean toward the former, particularly if there were opportunities for growth.

All in all, my opinion is that it's a great program that's attempting to get services delivered to folks who are underserved and very much in need of them. There are just multiple factors that need to be weighed when making this or any other employment decision, as always.

 

[WisNeuro]

AA, don't forget that many of those positions have 401k's with matching based on a % of your salary. There's a few more thousand to think about.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

AA, don't forget that many of those positions have 401k's with matching based on a % of your salary. There's a few more thousand to think about.

Yep, very true. Other benefits (e.g., accrual rate of leave, relocation and/or annual travel funds, signing bonus, concurrent academic appointments, research opportunities, start-up costs, etc.) also all of course need to be considered. Although if some of the NHSC positions are with state facilities, they probably also have some sort of employee retirement program, and may also have a pension...and pensions can be pretty sweet.

 

[IT514]

It is non taxed and you are not required to make monthly payments or it is optional. To put in realistic perspective, some dedicate 4-6 years to NHSC and then they move on to a higher paying positions. For a new graduate it provides additional training during Early Career and then you may move to a higher paying job once your loans are paid off.

I dont think it would provide any additional training for a new graduate, as you have to be licensed for these positions and they are often in areas where you might be the only game in town.

 

[BuckeyeLove]

Only way I would consider it is with the BOP; solid pay and benefits (something like 20 years for retirement). However, most of my colleagues in the BOP have stated that you aren't allowed to conduct certain types of private practice work due to the potential for conflict of interest (any form of assessment from what I've gathered), which would be a huge conflict of interest for some (myself included) with regards to building a sustainable/viable business.

 

[erg923]

Only way I would consider it is with the BOP; solid pay and benefits (something like 20 years for retirement). However, most of my colleagues in the BOP have stated that you aren't allowed to conduct certain types of private practice work due to the potential for conflict of interest (any form of assessment from what I've gathered), which would be a huge conflict of interest for some (myself included) with regards to building a sustainable/viable business.

What is the "conflict of interest" from the BOPs persepctive?

 

[BuckeyeLove]

I've gotten different stories from different psychologists, some saying that all forms of PP assessment are a nogo, while others stating that only forensic assessment addressing certain psycholegal capacities are nogos. However, I do believe that you can work as a consultant with regards to assessment in PP while also working for the BOP. Regarding reasons...your guess is as good as mine. I imagine it's too minimize any chance for duel clinical roles. Am I correct that the VA doesn't impose those kind of restrictions?

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

I dont think it would provide any additional training for a new graduate, as you have to be licensed for these positions and they are often in areas where you might be the only game in town.

Training as in gaining further experience before going into independent practice where you may increase your income substantially.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I've gotten different stories from different psychologists, some saying that all forms of PP assessment are a nogo, while others stating that only forensic assessment addressing certain psycholegal capacities are nogos. However, I do believe that you can work as a consultant with regards to assessment in PP while also working for the BOP. Regarding reasons...your guess is as good as mine. I imagine it's too minimize any chance for duel clinical roles. Am I correct that the VA doesn't impose those kind of restrictions?

Might depend on the VA, but I've never heard of any of the ones at which I've worked imposing any restrictions, so there don't appear to be any national/federal regulations prohibiting it. Heck, I may know more people than not who do some sort of side job(s).

 

[WisNeuro]

Training as in gaining further experience before going into independent practice where you may increase your income substantially.

How is that additional? Anyone getting a job afterwards gets that same experience?

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

Might depend on the VA, but I've never heard of any of the ones at which I've worked imposing any restrictions, so there don't appear to be any national/federal regulations prohibiting it. Heck, I may know more people than not who do some sort of side job(s).

The psychologist I know who work at the VA have independent practice and teach classes at Medical Schools or Universities. Many are on licensing board and some are Chair of licensing board. VA does not seem to have restrictions. I know the BOP at Carswell, has psychologist who are adjunct faculty and also have independent practices so I gather they do not have restrictions.

 

[erg923]

Am I correct that the VA doesn't impose those kind of restrictions?

Correct. I have a consulting practice with various managed care organizations. Some of my colleagues have various side gigs, including forensic assessment service.

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

How is that additional? Anyone getting a job afterwards gets that same experience?

The additional training/experience is they get a large chunk of their student loan paid off during this time period, whereas others are paying back student loan out-of-pocket during the same time-period.

 

[WisNeuro]

The additional training/experience is they get a large chunk of their student loan paid off during this time period, whereas others are paying back student loan out-of-pocket during the same time-period.

That's not additional experience though, it's just working at a lower salary. Both situations are the same experience-wise, as in working with their clinical populations.

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

That's not additional experience though, it's just working at a lower salary. Both situations are the same experience-wise, as in working with their clinical populations.

Hmm... I guess it depends on how you frame it! The people I know who have done this may have a lower salary but it tends to even out as you are not paying extra taxes with the lower salary and the money from NHSC is not taxed that you pay back your loans for two-year agreements. When you have increased Salary you pay higher taxes unless you have many deductions. I am not a Tax Accountant by all means so don't quote me on this. When you make a higher salary as in above $60,000 you pay a significantly higher proportion of your salary towards taxes. So, if you make a salary of $80,000 per year without loan repayment option you actually make significantly less take home or in pocket money due to paying back anywhere between $500 to $1000 per month towards student loans. However, if you make $60,000 per year you are in a lower tax bracket and you have NHSC pay back a portion of your loans every two years between $50,000 and $60,000 you actually come out ahead in the long run.

Many medical doctors do this for three to five years and it seems to have sound logic and these positions are competitive and most are fortunate to get these positions. I believe the employing agencies gets some type of benefit from NHSC as well monetarily for participating in the NHSC program.

 

[WisNeuro]

I just wanted people to know that this wasn't an additional training experience, that's pretty misleading. Also, there are better ways to lower your salary tax burden. One being maxing out your 401k at 17.5 k a year. Other jobs offer a before tax FSA that will further lower this threshold. Taking a lower salary is not a good method of lowering your tax burden.

If such a job is your only option, this may be a good option for you. I would just urge people to see what's available and crunch the numbers. In my own position, if I had loans, this program would be a huge net loss in money over the years.

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

It seems that people who are approved for the NHSC are very happy with the program. They have other options but chose the NHSC option. We have three MD's at my employer participating in NHSC and they do receive additional training supervision at my employer that they may not receive in other employers. I think they are committed for three years and they are doing their residencies here. Two of the NP are participating in the NHSC program and many MSW and LPC are participating in the NHSC program. We have all of the benefit packages including 401K where they employer matches monthly contributions.

I am unsure why you are not in favor of having a loan repayment program because most view it as a "Win-Win" scenario for employers and early career health care professionals.

 

[Terri Dactyl]

Thank you so much for all the quick replies! Lots of info to digest and consider!

AcronymAllergy, you're right that it says eligibility includes psychologists from a clinical or counseling psychology program. I'm caught on the third criteria of "The ability to practice independently and unsupervised as a health service psychologist." Like Erg923, this is the first time I've heard the term "health service psychologist" used. I was worried that it could be some loop hole to limit the eligibility of clinical psychologists from applying. For example, oh yes, clinical psychologists can apply BUT you must be able to practice as a credentialed health service psychologist- too bad application denied! But if that's not the case, then good! That's one less paperwork process to do.

Do any of you know of colleagues who successfully obtained NHSC loan repayment? If so how they managed the process?

OneNeuroDoctor, it does sound like a great program and the best option for loan repayment if I can get it. Unfortunately I had to take out the max of my loan monies for the last couple of years of grad school; so I've racked up a lot in student loans. Serving several years in an underserved community [though I say this now] doesn't sound so bad since that's one of my target populations career-wise. If I had less in loans I would agree with WisNeuro that it wouldn't be a viable or wise option.

Once I'm at the point of applying as an early-career psychologist, I'm under no illusion that I'm going to make the big bucks right off the bat (e.g., Psy.D., non-neuro, forensic concentration). It would be a great option while I get my bearings and establish myself/career. The sites I'm looking into are within a major metropolitan city (competition!), so I may have the ability to work elsewhere unless the program restricts additional employment. But they have the half-time option so I'm thinking not... As for BOP, I dunno... that doesn't sound right. My former supervisor and several professors work for the BOP and are forensic psychologists, so they do evaluations in their private practice without restrictions or dual roles.

Again, I'm early to game with all this talk but it's better to know now than oh be screwed later on. Thanks again everyone!

 

[WisNeuro]

I am unsure why you are not in favor of having a loan repayment program because most view it as a "Win-Win" scenario for employers and early career health care professionals.

I'm all about having a loan repayment program, but people should understand the numbers. In many cases, this program is actually worse than you could do on your own. It makes sense in some cases, yes, but in others, it is a terrible option. I just want people to be informed of all the variables rather than telling them that everything will be Pollyannish and that they shouldn't care about student loan debt at all. That is terrible advice, people should very much consider student loan debt when thinking about graduate school. Telling them otherwise is downright irresponsible.

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

Thank you so much for all the quick replies! Lots of info to digest and consider!

AcronymAllergy, you're right that it says eligibility includes psychologists from a clinical or counseling psychology program. I'm caught on the third criteria of "The ability to practice independently and unsupervised as a health service psychologist." Like Erg923, this is the first time I've heard the term "health service psychologist" used. I was worried that it could be some loop hole to limit the eligibility of clinical psychologists from applying. For example, oh yes, clinical psychologists can apply BUT you must be able to practice as a credentialed health service psychologist- too bad application denied! But if that's not the case, then good! That's one less paperwork process to do.

Do any of you know of colleagues who successfully obtained NHSC loan repayment? If so how they managed the process?

OneNeuroDoctor, it does sound like a great program and the best option for loan repayment if I can get it. Unfortunately I had to take out the max of my loan monies for the last couple of years of grad school; so I've racked up a lot in student loans. Serving several years in an underserved community [though I say this now] doesn't sound so bad since that's one of my target populations career-wise. If I had less in loans I would agree with WisNeuro that it wouldn't be a viable or wise option.

Once I'm at the point of applying as an early-career psychologist, I'm under no illusion that I'm going to make the big bucks right off the bat (e.g., Psy.D., non-neuro, forensic concentration). It would be a great option while I get my bearings and establish myself/career. The sites I'm looking into are within a major metropolitan city (competition!), so I may have the ability to work elsewhere unless the program restricts additional employment. But they have the half-time option so I'm thinking not... As for BOP, I dunno... that doesn't sound right. My former supervisor and several professors work for the BOP and are forensic psychologists, so they do evaluations in their private practice without restrictions or dual roles.

Again, I'm early to game with all this talk but it's better to know now than oh be screwed later on. Thanks again everyone!

I would go into the NHSC website and get on their email list as early as possible. I believe you have to be from a NR or APA accredited program but I have known people who were approved without NR or APA accreditation in high need areas where they do not receive applicants from NR or APA accredited programs.

Additionally, many changes related to student loans repayment are in the works and my guess is additional programs are going to be developed.

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

I'm all about having a loan repayment program, but people should understand the numbers. In many cases, this program is actually worse than you could do on your own. It makes sense in some cases, yes, but in others, it is a terrible option. I just want people to be informed of all the variables rather than telling them that everything will be Pollyannish and that they shouldn't care about student loan debt at all. That is terrible advice, people should very much consider student loan debt when thinking about graduate school. Telling them otherwise is downright irresponsible.

Of course...it is ludicrous to take out more student loan money than needed as it has to be paid back. Fortunately, there are many safeguards in place restricting this from happening.

 

[WisNeuro]

Of course...it is ludicrous to take out more student loan money than needed as it has to be paid back. Fortunately, there are many safeguards in place restricting this from happening.

Not nearly enough safeguards as there are programs with tuition well above 30k/year.

 

[CogNeuroGuy]

Just as an FYI: I thought it would be nice to have a piece of "evidence" for people to review as they make their arguments and counterarguments.

Program Guide: http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/downloads/lrpapplicationguidance.pdf#nameddest=fulltime

 

[erg923]

Additionally, many changes related to student loans repayment are in the works and my guess is additional programs are going to be developed.

This is much more rosy picture of "big government" than is realistic, given the current fiscal climate. They have already dismantled/scaled back the PSLF program, thus evidence suggests the opposite. Less. Not more.

 

[WisNeuro]

Yeah, and if the Senate goes red, you can look at a few more scalebacks in the next administration. I wouldn't count on this grand expansion of loan repayment programs. A scale down is more likely.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I am a participant in the NHSLC and should be getting a 50K check in about a month. It is a great option for me as I am getting paid quite a bit more than 60k. In fact, I am making more than the median for an early career psychologist so the loan repayment is just a plus. Also, it is important to note that you have to be licensed as a psychologist to be eligible. Our post-doc is not eligible until she is licensed. I am also contributing to a 401k to get that tax benefit, as well.

 

[WisNeuro]

It's good to hear that there are some good paying jobs under the program. How is the flexibility in choosing a locale?

 

[463951]

Of course...it is ludicrous to take out more student loan money than needed as it has to be paid back. Fortunately, there are many safeguards in place restricting this from happening.

I don't know how you can state something like this that is so far from the truth. Care to share what "safeguards" you are referring to?

 

[OneNeuroDoctor]

I don't know how you can state something like this that is so far from the truth. Care to share what "safeguards" you are referring to?

There are limits on amounts of loan money allowed per program. You have to be making academic progress to receive loans and there are caps on how much you may receive.

If the program is APA accredited you are eligible for more loan money than non APA accredited programs.

For non APA programs the cap is in the 180.000 range. If you qualify based on credit history a grad plus loan could allow for additional loan money.

 

[WisNeuro]

The cap does not apply to private loans, which is something that students will turn to. And, I cannot imagine taking six figures of loans out for the degree. That is just absurd.

 

[erg923]

There are limits on amounts of loan money allowed per program. You have to be making academic progress to receive loans and there are caps on how much you may receive.

If the program is APA accredited you are eligible for more loan money than non APA accredited programs.

For non APA programs the cap is in the 180.000 range. If you qualify based on credit history a grad plus loan could allow for additional loan money.

Dude, you are speaking about "safeguards" that prevent taking out half million dollars. But when you hit 200 or 300k for a career that pays 60-90k...whats the difference between half a million in debt and 300k in debt?!

 

[463951]

There are limits on amounts of loan money allowed per program. You have to be making academic progress to receive loans and there are caps on how much you may receive.

If the program is APA accredited you are eligible for more loan money than non APA accredited programs.

For non APA programs the cap is in the 180.000 range. If you qualify based on credit history a grad plus loan could allow for additional loan money.

I have heard that the limit is something like $224,000 – that is insane!! This is anecdotal, but I have heard students from a professional school tell me that to qualify for plus loans (about $25,000 per year, which is in addition to the federal loans they take out), all they have to do is fill out a form online that takes all of 30 seconds and boom, they have a plus loan. Apparently you have to have REALLY bad credit to not qualify. Don't get me wrong, students should take responsibility for how much they are taking out in loans, but to say that there are "safeguards" in place is really misleading.

 

[LPPSYD]

I've gotten different stories from different psychologists, some saying that all forms of PP assessment are a nogo, while others stating that only forensic assessment addressing certain psycholegal capacities are nogos. However, I do believe that you can work as a consultant with regards to assessment in PP while also working for the BOP. Regarding reasons...your guess is as good as mine. I imagine it's too minimize any chance for duel clinical roles. Am I correct that the VA doesn't impose those kind of restrictions?

I can't remember the specifics, but BOP psychologists can't do forensic evaluations on the side because it's a potential conflict of interest if the case or person ended up in the federal system. I'm sure someone else can provide a more articulate/detailed response. They can have private practices and do other types of evaluations. Some do contracted work for PTSD disability evaluations. I'm pretty sure that's for the VA, but I'm sure the VA psychologists on here can speak to whether or not that's accurate.

 

[Terri Dactyl]

It's good to hear that there are some good paying jobs under the program. How is the flexibility in choosing a locale?

... I'm also curious to know. There are many "facilities" within my underserved area of choice with high scores; but I wonder if I can choose a city/region or whether or not applicants are just assigned to an open facility.

 

[smalltownpsych]

... I'm also curious to know. There are many "facilities" within my underserved area of choice with high scores; but I wonder if I can choose a city/region or whether or not applicants are just assigned to an open facility.

You get the job at the facility, then apply for the program. The NHSC website has a search for jobs function that can help you to see where sites are at. The info is not always that accurate, but what I did was cross-reference with other job postings.

 

[Terri Dactyl]

Oh yes you're right, I forgot the job is first... Me playing worst case scenario, it would suck to obtain the job and then have my application denied (since it's competitive). Do you know whether or not there would be a waiting period to reapply or could you the following year?

 

[smalltownpsych]

You can reapply every year and if the site has an open slot then you should be able to get it as long as you fill out the application correctly (not an easy task). They will fund based on the sites score. My site has a very high score so always gets the highest amount.