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South Dakota Department of Health
South Dakota Department of Health

Rural Healthcare Facility Recruitment Assistance Program

OPEN May 1, 2024 | Application Due Date: December 31, 2024

The 2024 Rural Healthcare Facility Recruitment Assistance Program application cycle is open from May 1 through December 31, 2024. This program provides a $10,000 incentive payment to eligible health professionals who complete a three-year, full-time service commitment in a community with a population of 10,000 or less.

The incentive payment is split between the state and the employing facility, with the portion that each pays dependent on the size of the community in which the facility is located.  Communities with a population of 2,500 or less pay 25% of the $10,000 incentive and communities over 2,500 pay 50% of the $10,000 incentive. 

Eligible healthcare professionals include dietitians, certified medical laboratory professionals, nurses (RN/LPN), occupational therapists, paramedics, pharmacists, physical therapists, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, healthcare social workers, and dental hygienists.  Please note that there is a limit of three participants per facility each year.

Because program slots are limited and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, facilities are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible on or after May 1st. 

View Application Form and Learn More

View Frequently Asked Questions 

For more information, please contact the Office of Rural Health at 1-800-738-2301. Applications can be mailed to the Office of Rural Health, 600 East Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501, or scan and email the application to DeAnn.Sprenger@state.sd.us.