Alaska SHARP
SHARP supports health care workforce recruitment and retention of healthcare practitioners in medical, dental, and behavioral health disciplines through student loan repayment and direct financial incentives. The goal of SHARP is to increase the availability of health care services throughout the state, especially to rural and underserved populations.
SHARP-1
Contracts in this category provide education loan repayment for licensed practitioners providing 80% direct patient care services at a primary care setting located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Qualifying organizations consist of non-profit and governmental organizations.
SHARP-1 is funded partially by a Federal State Loan Repayment Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA H56HP46808 9/1/22-8/31/25) and required matching organization funds. Contracts require a 2-year service obligation.
To learn more about SHARP-1 read the HRSA Clinician Eligibility and Application Requirements and the HRSA State Loan Repayment Program Service Requirements for Clinician Awardees.
SHARP-3
Contracts in this category provide both education loan repayment and direct incentive payments for licensed practitioners and other healthcare disciplines. Tier-1 and Tier-2 contracts require 50% direct patient care services at a primary care setting located in a state designated Healthcare Services Shortage Area. Tier-3 option provides a broader range of practitioner occupations and does not require direct patient care services. Qualifying organizations consist of non-profit, for-profit, governmental agencies, public universities, and school districts.
SHARP-3 is 100% funded by the employer, but the employer payment may come from any available source, including a philanthropic institution, health foundation, government agency, community organization, or private individual. Employers are utilizing grant funding, personnel vacancy savings from their existing budgets, contributions, and any available resources. Contracts require a 3-year service obligation.
To learn more about SHARP-3 read the Health Care Professionals Workforce Enhancement Program in Alaska Statute 18.29 and companion regulations 7 ACC 24.
SHARP JotForm Links
SHARP Council
SHARP has an oversight body termed the Alaska SHARP Council which provides guidance to the Alaska Department of Health regarding both SHARP-1 and SHARP-3. The SHARP Council has two standing sub-committees: (a) Admissions Committee, and (b) Partnership Funding Committee. Meetings are open to the public and can be found at Alaska’s Online Public Notices website.
Finding Work in Alaska
Contact SHARP
To contact the SHARP Program staff please contact: sharp.inquiry@alaska.gov