(a) To be eligible to receive a loan under this subchapter, a student must:
(1) be sponsored by an eligible community;
(2) at the time of the application for the loan, be enrolled in high school or enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a postsecondary educational institution in this state;
(3) meet academic requirements as established by the department;
(4) plan to complete a health care professional degree or certificate program;
(5) plan to practice as a health care professional in a qualified area of the state; and
(6) meet other requirements as established by the department.
(b) Other requirements for eligibility for a loan under this subchapter must include:
(1) one or more interviews with the student; and
(2) a statement written by the student of the student's reasons for:
(A) entering the health care profession; and
(B) wanting to provide health care services to a qualified area in this state.