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Free and best-value programs for FQHC workers in California — loan repayment, training, union education funds, and more. Every resource linked to its primary source.
Upcoming Deadlines
NHSC Loan Repayment Program — 2026 application closes March 31, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET(7 days) · Apply
18 of 18 results
4 programs
HRSA
The National Health Service Corps pays up to $80,000 toward your student loans in exchange for a 2-year full-time commitment at an NHSC-approved site. Most FQHCs in California qualify. Covers clinicians, behavioral health providers, and dental professionals working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
Eligibility
Licensed primary care providers (MD, DO, NP, PA, CNM), behavioral health providers (LCSW, psychologists, LPCs, LMFTs), and dental providers at NHSC-approved sites with qualifying student loan debt.
CA HCAI
California's own loan repayment program provides up to $50,000 for health professionals who commit to serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or at FQHCs for 2 or 4 years. Administered by the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI).
Eligibility
Physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, PAs, NPs, CNMs, pharmacists, and mental/behavioral health providers working at California HPSA sites or FQHCs.
CA HCAI
One of the most generous programs available — up to $120,000 for non-licensed workers (CHWs, peer specialists, SUD counselors, wellness coaches) and up to $240,000 for licensed prescribing practitioners. Requires 2-4 year service commitment in a Medi-Cal behavioral health setting.
Eligibility
CHWs, peer support specialists, SUD counselors, wellness coaches ($120K), licensed non-prescribing practitioners ($180K), and licensed prescribing practitioners ($240K) serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
Physicians for Healthy California
Up to $300,000 in loan repayment for physicians who commit to 5 years of service to Medi-Cal beneficiaries. One of the largest loan repayment programs in the country, specifically designed for doctors serving California's safety-net patients.
Eligibility
Licensed physicians (MD/DO) who commit to treating Medi-Cal patients for 5 years at qualifying sites in California.
5 programs
Calbright College
Completely free, 10-12 month online Community Health Worker certificate program. Includes 2 internships and hands-on skills development. Partnership with SEIU-UHW and AlliedUP Co-op. Average starting salary for graduates: $57,000. California's only tuition-free online CHW program.
Eligibility
California residents. No prior healthcare experience required. Self-paced online format. Must complete 2 internships.
Public Health Institute
Free 3-session introductory training series for Community Health Workers covering care navigation, holistic care, and advance care planning. Available online and in-person across 4 California regions. Includes up to $2,750 in incentives plus personal coaching.
Eligibility
Community Health Workers and care navigators in Bay Area, LA, San Mateo/Santa Clara, or Central California. Online option also available.
Partners in Care Foundation
Free workforce development training program for Community Health Workers in the Los Angeles area. Offers both in-person training and an online CHW training option. Focused on practical skills for community-based health work.
Eligibility
Anyone interested in becoming a CHW. In-person training in the LA area. Online option also available.
Mt. San Antonio College
California's only tuition-free Vocational Nursing (LVN) program. Up to 13 months (1,530 hours of theory and clinical instruction). Prepares you for the California state licensing exam. Offered through the School of Continuing Education at Mt. San Antonio College.
Eligibility
Open enrollment through School of Continuing Education. Must complete prerequisites. Program is 13 months full-time.
ACEs Aware / CA DHCS
Free California-specific training on screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and providing trauma-informed care. Funded by the state of California. Completion qualifies Medi-Cal providers for ACE screening reimbursement ($29 per screening).
Eligibility
All healthcare providers and staff. Particularly valuable for CHWs, care coordinators, behavioral health staff, and nurses working with trauma-affected populations.
4 programs
NACHC
National Association of Community Health Centers offers leadership exchanges, supervision e-learning, coding webinar series, and billing/collections communities of practice. The 2026 Leadership Exchange runs April–September. Calm in Crisis de-escalation training available March 2026.
Eligibility
Health center professionals at all levels. Some programs are role-specific (clinical executives, billing staff, supervisors).
CPCA
The California Primary Care Association now offers its Strategic Workforce Planning Program at NO COST — previously required a fee. Multi-month program with bite-sized sessions covering workforce planning, retention strategies, and leadership development. Also offers MedicalAssist+ (MA+), a 6-month virtual training and retention program for Medical Assistants.
Eligibility
California FQHC and community health center staff and leadership. MA+ program specifically for Medical Assistants.
CA AHEC / HRSA
HRSA-funded training center providing free technical assistance and workforce development resources for public health professionals in California. Part of the Western Region consortium covering CA, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Pacific Islands.
Eligibility
Public health professionals and community health workers in California. Free technical assistance available for workforce development.
SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers free online training in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention. Self-paced courses available to all healthcare workers.
Eligibility
Open to all healthcare workers. Particularly relevant for behavioral health staff, CHWs, care coordinators, and anyone working with SUD populations.
2 programs
SEIU Healthcare Education Fund
If you're an SEIU member, your union's education fund covers up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement for general education, prerequisites, certificates, and degrees. Plus up to $10,000 in wage replacement for income lost during training. Fully funded career pathway programs, career counseling, and skill development — all at no cost to eligible members.
Eligibility
SEIU union members (including SEIU-UHW, Local 1199, Local 49). Funded by employer contributions. Must be employed at a participating employer.
NUHW
National Union of Healthcare Workers provides $2,000 every three years for professional supplies, books, training materials, and continuing education. Additional in-person and online trainings in healthcare reform, communication strategies, and union steward development.
Eligibility
NUHW union members. $2,000 issued every three years. Specific benefits may vary by local and employer agreement.
3 programs
CA Employment Training Panel
California's Employment Training Panel funds employer-customized training for workers in key industries including nursing and allied healthcare. Pay-for-performance contracts — training is free to the employee. FQHCs, community health centers, and rural hospitals are eligible employers.
Eligibility
Employees at eligible California employers including FQHCs, community health centers, and healthcare organizations. Your employer must apply for an ETP contract.
CA CalWORKs
CalWORKs covers the cost of approved education and training programs that lead to specific jobs, including healthcare careers. Services include work study, job placement, childcare assistance, skills training, and curriculum development. Contact your local county welfare department to enroll.
Eligibility
CalWORKs recipients seeking career advancement. Must be enrolled in CalWORKs and approved for education/training by your county case worker.
CA DHCS
Free training resources for CalAIM Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Lead Care Managers and care coordination staff. Provided through managed care plans and regional alliances (Central California Alliance, HPSM, Health Net, Molina). Covers ECM workflows, documentation requirements, and care team coordination.
Eligibility
ECM Lead Care Managers, care coordinators, and staff at FQHCs and community health centers participating in CalAIM ECM programs.
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