By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Department of Education, under the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has excluded nursing from the definition of a “professional degree,” which could limit student nurses’ access to crucial funding. This decision, eliminating Grad PLUS loans and capping borrowing amounts for graduate students, has raised alarm among nursing organizations, who claim it will harm patient care. Despite concerns over the impact on an already strained nursing workforce, the Education Department dismissed criticisms, citing a consistent definition of professional degrees. This exclusion also affects other fields, while programs like theology are still deemed “professional,” raising questions about the criteria.
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Outrage after Trump’s bill reclassifying nursing as not a ‘professional degree’ is absolutely justified, and the initial reaction is one of bewilderment. Why would anyone, especially a former president, choose to diminish the status of a profession so crucial to our society? It’s a move that seems to defy logic, particularly given the well-documented staffing shortages plaguing hospitals across the country. As a traveling nurse, the reality of struggling hospitals and overwhelmed staff is a daily concern, and this decision just adds another layer of complication to an already strained system.
The reclassification seems to stem from a disturbing disregard for professions that are predominantly filled by women and minorities. The implication that nurses, educators, and social workers aren’t “professionals” is not only insulting but also reinforces outdated gender stereotypes. These are the people who are on the front lines, helping save lives, educating the next generation, and providing vital support to vulnerable communities. To strip their degrees of professional recognition is a slap in the face. It’s a policy that hits hard, especially in rural areas, exacerbating existing healthcare disparities and making it even harder for those communities to attract and retain qualified professionals.
It’s difficult not to see this as part of a larger, troubling trend. There’s a persistent narrative that devalues certain fields, often those dominated by women, and this bill certainly fits that pattern. While chiropractors, for example, continue to be recognized as professionals, this bill seems to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the status and impact of these vital careers. The notion that a “Prager U degree” would be sufficient for a nurse is beyond insulting. The amount of skill, knowledge, and experience required to be an RN should not be diminished.
The practical consequences of this reclassification are serious. The biggest concern is student loan forgiveness programs. If a nursing degree is no longer considered a professional degree, it could affect eligibility for loan forgiveness, placing an even greater financial burden on those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. This makes it more difficult for students to pursue nursing degrees, which can only worsen the nursing shortage and further destabilize healthcare systems. The bill also has some people worried about how this decision affects specialized nursing programs and how it may impact accreditation and licensing requirements in the future.
This decision seems to fly in the face of logic. It would seem that the underlying agenda is to avoid loan forgiveness to these professions. It is easy to interpret this decision as yet another example of the administration’s contempt for these fields. It’s hard to ignore the perception that this reclassification is rooted in misogyny and a desire to keep women “in their place.” It’s a move that appears to be aimed at dismantling the education department because of the idea that the federal government has no place in making education decisions.
The list of professions targeted by this reclassification is extensive, including educators, social workers, physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. These are all essential roles, and these people are already dealing with shortages and understaffing. The fact that the bill also targets mandated reporters of abuse is particularly alarming. It’s a pattern that shows a lack of understanding or empathy for the struggles of those who work in these fields. To take away student loan forgiveness is an immense burden and shows a callous disregard for the challenges that are already faced.
The outcry is not just from nurses. Many other professions considered “professional” are affected by this bill. Physician assistants, teachers, and therapists are now included as well. The implications are far-reaching, and the outrage is justified. In today’s world, nurses, therapists, and teachers provide the bulk of the patient’s care. To say they aren’t professionals is simply wrong.
This bill has far-reaching effects on people who choose nursing. It is clear that the backlash is warranted, with some calling for resistance and mobilization, as well as a call to vote in the midterms. It will be interesting (and horrible) to see how the bill continues to play out. And how a president like Kamala Harris would have handled the situation.
It’s a reminder that elections have consequences, and this is a clear example of the negative impact of such policies. It is a decision that must be challenged, and the fight to restore the professional status of nursing and other critical professions must continue.