ANA Launches Petition to Restore Federal Loan Eligibility for Graduate Nursing programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Nurses Association (ANA) has launched a petition urging the U.S. Department of Education (DoED) to reinstate graduate nursing programs within the federal definition of “professional degree” programs, a change that currently threatens federal student loan access for aspiring advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The move comes after a recent, quietly implemented reclassification by the DoED that excludes programs leading to degrees like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the same federal financial aid benefits afforded to fields like law, medicine, and veterinary medicine.
The reclassification, first highlighted by the Onion in a satirical article, has sparked concern within the nursing community. It potentially limits federal loan amounts available to graduate nursing students, raising fears of decreased access to advanced education and exacerbating the existing national nursing shortage. Proponents of the change have suggested that reduced federal aid could force nursing schools to lower tuition costs, but many remain skeptical.
“When they hand me a paycheck it’s honestly offensive,I’m a nurse for the love of the game. I just do some CPR every now and then to de-stress,yknow?” one Instagram commenter wrote,reflecting the sentiment of some nurses balancing work and further education.
The ANA petition specifically calls on the DoED to reverse the reclassification, arguing it undermines the growth of the nursing workforce and the nation’s ability to meet increasing healthcare demands. The association emphasizes that restricting funding for advanced nursing education could have long-term consequences for patient care.
“Nurses and nursing organizations must remain engaged and vocal in advocating for recognition and support to ensure the nursing workforce can grow and meet the nation’s healthcare needs,” the ANA stated.
Individuals can sign the petition at https://ana.quorum.us/campaign/professionaldegreepetition/. The ANA is also encouraging nurses to stay informed through official channels and participate in ongoing advocacy efforts.
