Emory Nursing Deans Voice Concerns Over DOE degree Reclassification
ATLANTA, Ga.(Atlanta News Frist) – A recent change in designation by the Department of Education, removing nursing from the list of professional degrees, is raising concerns among Emory University nursing leaders about the affordability of graduate education for aspiring nurses.
Lisa Muirhead, Senior associate Dean at the Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, emphasized the potential impact on the profession. “Anything that keeps nursing students from fulfilling their goals is a detriment to their profession,” she stated. The reclassification could force students to rely on private loans, which often carry considerably higher interest rates.
Dean Linda McCauley echoed these concerns, questioning the rationale behind the decision. “In the escalating need for healthcare providers, why would you put up roadblocks? And that’s what this DOE action is doing,” she said.
Currently, students pursuing “professional degrees” are eligible for federal loans up to $200,000, while graduate students face a $100,000 loan limit, according to a report by Newsweek. McCauley highlighted the financial implications, explaining, ”So you imagine if that’s a federally backed loan versus a private loan, an interest rate of 5 versus 15%.” The average Emory Nursing Masters degree student already carries a debt of $100,000.
Muirhead warned that increased financial burdens could lead to a decline in the number of nurses entering the field, ultimately impacting healthcare access for all.”The wait times to access emergency services,delays in clinic appointment times,access to maternal health,behavioral health,oncology services,for the geriatric and aging population,we will all be affected,” she explained.
Both deans expressed hope that the Department of Education will reconsider the change. McCauley added, “I don’t take it that they had studied the situation fully and had made a reasoned decision.”
Atlanta News First reached out to the Department of Education for comment and clarification but has not yet received a response.