“Titles and classifications do not define the profession….our actions do.”

Dear Colleagues,

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education released its final rule regarding federal student loan repayment and borrowing limits. The rule classifies post-baccalaureate nursing programs as “graduate degrees” rather than “professional degrees,” resulting in lower federal loan caps for nurses pursuing advanced education.

OADN strongly opposes this decision and is deeply concerned about the harmful consequences it will have for the nursing workforce pipeline. At a time when healthcare systems across the country continue to face severe workforce shortages, policies that create additional financial barriers for nurses seeking advanced education are shortsighted and counterproductive.

In response, Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA), a geriatric nurse practitioner, and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have introduced the bipartisan Nursing is a Professional Degree Act to explicitly recognize post-baccalaureate nursing education as a professional degree under federal law, including MSN, DNP, DNAP, and PhD programs. Representative Kiggans, who delivered special opening remarks at the 2023 OADN Convention in San Diego, has been a strong advocate for nursing education and workforce development. OADN strongly supports this bipartisan legislation and appreciates the leadership of Representative Kiggans and Senator Merkley in advancing this effort.

As a member of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), OADN joins the coalition in expressing serious concern regarding the Department’s decision. In its recent statement, the NCC noted that, while the Department acknowledged nursing meets its own three-part test for professional degree classification, it claimed nursing programs failed to satisfy undefined contextual requirements (Final Rule, p. 112). Ignoring the extensive evidence submitted through federal comments, including input from the NCC, 277 national and state organizations, and more than 150 bipartisan members of Congress, reflects a troubling disregard for the importance of investing in nursing education, removing barriers to entering the profession, and addressing ongoing workforce needs.

Advanced nursing education is essential to the future of healthcare delivery in this country. Nurses pursuing graduate and doctoral education are preparing to serve as faculty, advanced practice registered nurses, researchers, clinical leaders, and healthcare innovators. Policies that make these educational pathways less accessible undermine efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce and expand access to care.

This message is especially important as we recognize National Nurses Week and celebrate the extraordinary contributions nurses make every day across healthcare, education, research, and public health. As RDML Jennifer R. Moon, Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, recently stated, “Titles and classifications do not define the profession….our actions do.” That reminder is particularly meaningful at this moment. While OADN strongly disagrees with the Department’s decision, nothing changes the essential role nurses play in protecting, promoting, and advancing the health of our nation.

OADN has formally signed on in support of the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act and will continue working alongside national nursing organizations and congressional leaders to advance this important bipartisan legislation.

OADN remains committed to advocating for policies that expand access to nursing education, reduce unnecessary barriers for students, and strengthen the nursing workforce at every level.

Sincerely,

Lynette Apen, DNP, RN, CNS, CNE
President
Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN)