The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is advancing a new definition of “professional degree” that excludes nursing, including NP and APRN programs. This change would sharply restrict federal student loan access and raise financial barriers for future APRNs — a direct threat to Nevada’s healthcare workforce.

What This Means

• Nursing would not qualify as a “professional” program, while fields like medicine, dentistry, law, and pharmacy would.
• APRN students could lose access to higher federal student loan limits and some student-loan forgiveness pathways.
• Changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Federal Student Loan Limits at Stake

If APRN programs are not classified as professional:

• ~$20,500 annual cap
• ~$100,000 lifetime limit

If APRN programs are classified as professional:

• ~$50,000 annual cap
• ~$200,000 lifetime limit

This difference of more than $100,000 would make APRN education far less accessible.

Why It Matters for Nevada

• APRNs are essential to addressing Nevada’s shortages in primary care, mental health, and rural health services.
• 80% of NPs serve Medicare and Medicaid patients, making reduced access to graduate nursing education a direct threat to patient care.

NAPNA’s Position

NAPNA urges the DOE to:

• Recognize NP and APRN programs as professional degrees, and
• Preserve full access to federal student loans, borrowing limits, and student-loan forgiveness programs for nursing graduate students.

Nevada depends on APRNs — their education must remain financially attainable.

Take Action Now

1. Contact Nevada’s U.S. Senators

• Catherine Cortez Masto: https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/contact
• Jacky Rosen: https://www.rosen.senate.gov/contact/

2. Contact Your Nevada U.S. Representative

Find your district: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

• Dina Titus (CD-1): https://titus.house.gov/contact
• Mark Amodei (CD-2): https://amodei.house.gov/contact
• Susie Lee (CD-3): https://susielee.house.gov/contact
• Steven Horsford (CD-4): https://horsford.house.gov/contact

3. Share This Alert

Please share with students, colleagues, and faculty across Nevada.

Thank you for advocating for our patients and our profession!

NAPNA Officers & Board of Directors