Graduate Nurse Programs Excluded From ‘Professional Degree’ Definition

The Department of Education released its final rule regarding the definition of professional degree programs, excluding nursing from the “professional degree” programs. This means nurses pursuing graduate degrees will have federal borrowing limits of $20,500 per year and $100,000 in aggregate. However, students in programs deemed “professional degree” by the DoE such as medicine, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and dentistry, would quality for up to $50,000 a year in federal loans and a $200,000 aggregate limit. “AONL is deeply disappointed by the Department of Education’s RISE Committee final rule, which excludes post baccalaureate nursing education from the definition of a professional degree,” said AONL CEO Claire M. Zangerle, DNP, RN. “This decision fails to recognize the rigor, licensure requirements and essential role of advanced nursing education in preparing nurses to practice, lead, teach and deliver care across all settings.” By classifying post baccalaureate nursing programs as nonprofessional, the rule restricts access to federal student loan support and creates new barriers for nurses pursuing graduate education, said Zangerle, who serves as American Hospital Association CNE. The AHA also expressed disappointment with the final rule, which excludes physician assistants and physical therapists, among other professions, from the higher borrowing limits.  “The definition fails to account for the significant education and training required to enter these professions and could deter prospective students from pursuing health care careers, “ said Ashley Thompson, AHA senior vice president for public policy analysis and development.  “This could result in fewer essential clinicians at the bedside, leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care.”  The borrowing limits are set to take effect July 1.