AONL Weighs in on Federal Regulatory Definition of Professional Degree

CHICAGO – AONL alongside 56 national nursing organizations urged the U.S. Department of Education’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education Committee to explicitly include post-baccalaureate nursing programs in the regulatory definition of “professional degree programs” when creating rules to implement OBBBA.

This request is critical because the designation would allow post-baccalaureate nursing students to qualify for higher federal loan amounts than under the current “graduate degree” category. 

"Recognizing post-baccalaureate nursing education as a professional degree is critical to building a stronger health care workforce and preparing the next generation of nurses to meet the nation’s needs,” said Claire Zangerle, AONL CEO. “This designation affirms the vital role of advanced nursing education in all areas of nursing practice – clinical care delivery, academia and leadership. Without advanced nursing education funding, there is even greater risk of workforce shortages in an already strained environment as there will be fewer nurses entering and advancing within the profession.  

With many advanced degree-seeking nursing students carrying significant loan debt, ensuring they receive the same recognition and resources as peers in other health disciplines is essential to a sustainable future for nursing. Failing to recognize nursing as a professional degree will severely restrict access to funding for graduate nursing education, undermining efforts to grow and sustain the nursing workforce”. 

The Department of Education is expected to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the coming weeks, providing stakeholders additional opportunities to submit comments and help shape the final policy. AONL is closely monitoring this process and will update members as developments occur
 

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About the American Organization for Nursing Leadership

As the national professional organization of more than 12,000 nurse leaders, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership is the voice of nursing leadership. Our membership encompasses nurse leaders working in hospitals, health systems, academia and other care settings across the care continuum. Since 1967, the organization has led the field of nursing leadership through professional development, advocacy and research that advances nursing leadership practice and patient care. AONL is a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association. For more information, visit AONL.org.