The North Dakota RuralMed Program is a full tuition support initiative for medical students at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
This program was created to solve the growing shortage of doctors in rural North Dakota communities.
Instead of paying back a traditional loan, students commit to practicing medicine in a rural area of the state after completing their residency.
The goal is to improve healthcare access in places outside major cities like Fargo or Bismarck.
By encouraging students to serve where they’re most needed, the North Dakota RuralMed Program strengthens local medical systems and creates long-term community impact.
Who Can Apply to the RuralMed Program?
The program is available only to students who are enrolled at UND’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Applicants must be in good academic standing and be willing to commit to practicing in rural North Dakota after their residency.
First-year medical students are given priority, although second-, third-, and fourth-year students may also be considered.
It’s important to note that “rural” does not include the large metro areas of Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, or Bismarck-Mandan.
Eligible towns are usually smaller communities with limited access to physicians.
How Does the Program Work?
The RuralMed Program pays 100% of a student’s tuition during all four years of medical school.
In return, students must begin working full-time in an approved rural North Dakota location within six months of completing their residency.
They are required to practice there for at least five calendar years.
If a participant meets all the conditions, their tuition loan is fully forgiven over time.
This approach helps reduce student debt while ensuring a reliable flow of trained doctors into underserved communities.
Why Is the RuralMed Program Important?
Many towns in North Dakota struggle to attract and retain healthcare providers.
The RuralMed Program helps close that gap by incentivizing medical students to commit to long-term rural service.
This increases the number of available doctors in places where medical care is often hard to find.
It also builds stronger relationships between doctors and patients in small communities.
People in rural areas get the consistent care they need from physicians who understand their local challenges.
What Are the Application Requirements?
To apply, students must be enrolled in UND’s medical program and remain in good standing.
Applicants will need to submit an application form, resume, and a personal statement outlining their commitment to rural healthcare.
The application can be submitted in person to the Office of Student Affairs or emailed to the program coordinators.
There are no fixed deadlines, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Students who are seriously considering a rural career are encouraged to apply early, especially during their first year of medical school.
Who Oversees the Program?
The RuralMed Program is managed by staff from the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Peter Sandroni, MD, is one of the program directors who oversees rural medical education.
Angela Osborn and Jane Thorvilson are two of the key contacts for application support and general questions.
These staff members guide students through the process and help them stay on track throughout their medical journey.
They also monitor students’ progress and ensure that all service commitments are met after graduation.
Where Do RuralMed Graduates Work?
RuralMed graduates serve in a variety of small towns across North Dakota.
Some common locations include Devils Lake, Rugby, Valley City, Grafton, and Williston.
These communities benefit from the consistent presence of well-trained doctors who often stay beyond their five-year service obligation.
Many physicians build their lives and careers in these areas, leading to long-term improvements in community health.
This success shows how the program creates real change across the state.
Financial Benefits of Joining the Program
The cost of medical school can be overwhelming for many students.
By covering full tuition, the RuralMed Program removes one of the largest financial barriers to becoming a doctor.
Students can complete their studies without the pressure of large student loan repayments.
This financial freedom allows graduates to focus more on patient care and community service.
The five-year service commitment turns that investment into real-world value for both doctors and patients.
Final Thoughts on the RuralMed Program
The North Dakota RuralMed Program is a life-changing opportunity for medical students who are passionate about rural healthcare.
It offers full tuition support in exchange for a clear, impactful commitment to serve where it’s needed most.
For UND medical students, this program provides both financial relief and a meaningful career path.
It also ensures that North Dakota’s rural communities receive quality healthcare for years to come.
If you are currently enrolled in medical school and believe in serving others, the RuralMed Program might be your perfect fit.