The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Accredited medical college.” An institution of higher education located in this Commonwealth that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education to provide courses in medicine and empowered to grant professional and academic degrees in medicine as defined in the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L. 457, No. 112),¹ known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985.

“Agency.” The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

“Approved institution of higher learning.” An institution of higher learning located in this Commonwealth and approved by the agency.

“Approved nursing program.” An institution located in this Commonwealth and accredited to grant professional and academic degrees or diplomas in nursing as defined in the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L. 317, No. 69),² known as The Professional Nursing Law.

“Degree in medicine.” A degree from an accredited medical college that qualifies the degree recipient to be licensed as a physician.

“Designated area.” Any of the following:

“Eligible applicant.” An individual who holds an undergraduate degree from an institution of higher learning and is enrolled in:

“Guarantor.” An insurance company or not-for-profit guarantor whose primary purpose is to provide default coverage and loss prevention services to an offeror of unsecured student loans.

“Licensed health care facility.” A health care facility that is enrolled in the Commonwealth's medical assistance program and is licensed under Article X of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L. 31, No. 21),³ known as the Public Welfare Code, or the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L. 130, No. 48),⁴ known as the Health Care Facilities Act.

“Nursing school applicant.” An individual who is a resident of this Commonwealth and is enrolled in an approved nursing program.

“Offeror.” An institution that makes unsecured loans to eligible students in cooperation with the agency.

“Physician.” An individual licensed to practice medicine and surgery within the scope of the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L. 1109, No. 261),⁵ known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act, or the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L. 457, No. 112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985.

“Registered nurse.” An individual licensed to practice professional nursing under the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L. 317, No. 69), known as The Professional Nursing Law.

“Work requirement for nurses.” Postgraduate, full- time employment in direct patient care with a licensed health care facility located in this Commonwealth in an occupation related to an approved course of study. The term does not include a paid student internship, a paid fellowship, volunteer service or employment before graduation.