Trump Plan to Exclude Nursing from Professional Degrees Sparks Outcry

A proposal from the Trump administration could significantly impact nursing education across the United States. The suggestion to exclude nursing from the list of professional degrees has generated widespread concern among nursing advocates and educational institutions.

Potential Effects of the Exclusion on Nursing Professionals

The proposed changes are part of a broader initiative authorized by a Republican-backed act, commonly referred to as the “one big, beautiful bill.” This act introduces new borrowing limits for higher education starting July 1, 2026. According to the new regulations, students pursuing professional degrees will only be allowed to borrow $50,000 each year with a lifetime borrowing cap of $200,000.

In contrast, those enrolled in non-professional graduate programs, such as nursing, will face an annual borrowing limit of $20,500 and a total lifetime cap of $100,000. Nursing advocates argue that this could exacerbate the ongoing nurse shortage by limiting access to necessary education. Kim Litwack, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing, emphasized that fewer students may pursue nursing degrees if access to funding is restricted.

Concerns Raised by Nursing Advocates

Nursing advocates are alarmed by the proposal’s definition of professional degrees. While the administration’s definition includes fields such as pharmacy, dentistry, and medicine, nursing is notably absent. This lack of inclusion could limit nursing students’ opportunities to finance their education at a time when the nation is grappling with a severe shortage of nurses.

• Restriction on borrowing for nursing students could lead to fewer professionals entering the workforce.
• Grad PLUS program, allowing full cost borrowing for graduate students, will be eliminated.
• 95% of nursing students are reportedly not affected by the proposed borrowing limits.

Government’s Response and Future Implications

The Education Department asserts that the proposal intends to redefine what constitutes a professional degree to determine eligibility for higher loan limits. This new definition aims to help borrowers avoid “insurmountable debt.” However, there is skepticism regarding its implications on the nursing profession.

Other professional groups, including the American Academy of Audiology and the Council on Social Work Education, have also expressed dissatisfaction with their exclusion from the professional designation list. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, highlighted the illogical nature of excluding nursing from this classification.

Call for Change and Public Comment

Industry experts hope that the proposal may be amended before being finalized. The Education Department plans to publish the proposal in the Federal Register, allowing for public commentary. Economists like Olga Yakusheva from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing warn that such financial limitations could discourage potential nursing students, especially in areas with physician shortages, further deteriorating healthcare access.

Patricia Pittman from George Washington University’s Milken Institute expressed concerns about the long-term impact of these changes on rural healthcare. The overarching sentiment among nursing professionals is one of frustration and disappointment, with many urging the Education Department to reconsider its approach to nursing in this new policy.