The Minnesota Rural Pharmacist Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds for repayment of Qualified Educational Loans. Qualified Educational Loans include government, commercial, and foundation loans for actual costs paid for tuition, reasonable education and living expenses related to the past graduate or undergraduate education of the Pharmacist. Credit card debt or loans from family members do not qualify. Parent PLUS loans do not qualify. Loans in current or active default are not eligible for forgiveness in this program, even if considered in good standing with the collections agency. Previously defaulted loans that have since been completely rehabilitated and are not currently in active default status are eligible. Although licensed pharmacists who are practicing in a designated rural area are eligible to apply, students and residents in their final year of training receive the highest preference. A prospective participant must submit an application to the ORHPC during the open application cycle, as a licensed pharmacist or while completing their final year of pharmacy school or residency training. This is a competitive selection process. Selections are made based on suitability for practice as indicated by personal and professional experience and training noted on an application, as well as preference given to those closest to completing their training. Preference will be given to applicants who document diverse cultural competencies. Participants are required to practice for at least 30 hours per week, for at least 45 weeks per year, for a minimum of three years in a designated rural area. Participants must live and work in Minnesota. Participants are eligible to participate for up to four years in the program as a physician in a designated rural area. Please visit the award's website or contact the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care at the Minnesota Department of Health for more information.