By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Under the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” nursing has been removed from the definition of a “professional” degree, and the Grad PLUS loan program is slated for elimination. This means that students pursuing post-baccalaureate nursing degrees will face new borrowing limits. These changes have caused significant concern within the nursing community. Several organizations, including the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, have expressed their opposition and worry about the impact on the existing nursing shortage. Despite this outrage, the Department of Education has refuted claims of the changes by calling the reporting “fake news”.
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Donald Trump’s New Bill Doesn’t Classify Nursing as a ‘Professional’ Degree for College Students, Sparking Outrage, and it’s understandably causing a stir. The core of the issue is a change in how the government classifies certain college degrees, specifically related to student loan eligibility. This new policy, or rather executive order, as it turns out, reclassifies degrees like nursing, physician assistants, and physical therapy as something other than “professional” degrees.
Now, why does this matter? Well, the immediate impact is a potential reduction in the amount of federal student loan money available to students pursuing these degrees. This is a classic example of how policies, especially those related to finances, can have far-reaching consequences. Fewer loan options could make it more difficult for aspiring nurses, physical therapists, and others to afford their education. Consequently, fewer people might be willing to chase these degrees, potentially exacerbating existing shortages in these vital professions. One can also surmise the reasoning here may be less about the value of the education, and more about who’s taking advantage of the programs.
Consider the potential fallout: fewer nurses, fewer physical therapists, fewer people to fill these essential roles. The reaction to the news has been overwhelmingly negative, and the implications of this reclassification are already being questioned. The reclassification feels arbitrary, especially considering that fields like theology *are* still classified as professional. The fact that the list of affected professions includes fields where state licensing is required is also a key point to note. This juxtaposition has led many to question the rationale behind the decision.
The list of affected professions is extensive, including nursing, physician assistants, physical therapists, audiologists, architects, accountants, educators, and social workers. What adds a particularly concerning layer to this is the disproportionate impact on women. These professions are largely dominated by women. For instance, nursing is approximately 88% women, physician assistants around 72%, and educators around 77%. The change appears to be targeting professions heavily populated by women, and is yet another case of the government’s constant war on women.
The implications are far-reaching. The policy seems to be a clear attempt to limit the amount students pursuing these degrees can receive in federal loans. This will lower borrowing limits, which is likely insufficient to cover the cost of the degrees. The fields of nursing and teaching are already suffering shortages, which will only be made worse.
The impact isn’t just economic; it’s also about the value society places on these professions. The term “professional” carries weight; it suggests a level of expertise, training, and importance. Removing that designation sends a message about the value of these fields. It creates a playing field where faith healers are on the same level as actual nurses. A nurse is someone who keeps him alive, and yet Trump seems to have forgotten that.
This policy has also drawn attention to what some perceive as a disconnect between the administration and the lives of everyday Americans. Many critics assert that the administration does not consult experts and that the policies in place are designed to benefit the rich, rather than the average citizen.
The immediate consequences of this are clear, but the long-term implications are what’s truly concerning. What does this mean for the future of healthcare and education? Are we creating obstacles for the next generation of nurses, therapists, and educators? The policy will be challenged and debated. The change is not just a classification; it is a signal of the priorities and values that will define a new America.