Nursing Shortage

Trump Bill’s Nursing Degree Classification Sparks Outrage and Concerns

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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Nursing Graduate Programs Lose Federal Loan Access Under New Policy

Due to the implementation of President Trump’s federal spending bill, graduate nursing programs are no longer classified as professional degrees, thus eliminating access to federal loans for nursing students. This change has sparked concerns among Kentucky nurses, who are already facing a healthcare workforce shortage, with a majority of the state’s counties designated as health professional shortage areas. The Kentucky Nurses Association fears the reclassification will worsen the shortage and impact patient care, as advanced practice registered nurses are crucial for providing essential healthcare, especially in rural areas. The American Nurses Association is urging members to contact legislators to advocate for nursing to be reclassified as a professional degree to ensure access to loan programs and strengthen the workforce.

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