12/10/2025

Policy Watch: AACN Urges Action to Support Nursing as a Professional Degree

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has taken a strong stance and is urging nurse educators and stakeholders to engage in advocacy regarding the Department of Education’s Proposed Rule. This rule, as currently drafted, may exclude post-baccalaureate nursing programs from the definition of a "professional degree," which could have significant implications for student loan eligibility and caps for future advanced practice nurses.

New AACN Resource for Advocacy

AACN has launched a new webpage to provide updates and resources to assist members in submitting comments to the Department of Education, calling for nursing's inclusion in the "professional degree" definition. This resource will be vital as we await the announcement of the open comment period.

Immediate Congressional Action Requested by AACN

AACN is strongly encouraging action in support of a bipartisan congressional sign-on letter that outlines concerns with the proposal's omission of post-baccalaureate nursing programs.

• Key Leaders: The letter is being circulated by Senate Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), House Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and House Nursing Caucus Vice Co-Chair and nurse, Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02).

• Action Deadline: AACN has issued an Action Alert asking members to contact their Representative and Senators to sign onto this letter by the COB Thursday, December 11, 2025!

Other Policy Updates

Support for recognizing nursing as a professional degree continues to build on Capitol Hill:

• Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) published a video highlighting the impact of the proposed student loan caps and encouraging constituents to respond during the open comment period.

• Representative Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26) led 69 colleagues in a letter demanding the reversal of strict federal loan limits on certain advanced degree programs, including post-baccalaureate nursing education.

• U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act: Bipartisan support continues for this bill, which would honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status.

For more details and to access the Action Alert, please visit AACN's Policy Watch webpage.