Background Information

Advanced nursing education is critical to addressing workforce needs and ensuring patients have access to high-quality cancer care.

Recent changes to federal student loan programs created lower borrowing limits for many graduate nursing students than those available to students pursuing other professional degrees. These limits could create barriers for future nurses seeking advanced education and clinical training.

The Nursing is a Professional Degree Act (H.R. 8691/S. 4568) would classify post-baccalaureate nursing degree programs as professional degree programs for federal student loan purposes. This change would allow nursing students to access the same borrowing limits available to students in other professional degree programs.

More than 250 organizations support this legislation, including ONS and many leading nursing and healthcare organizations.

How YOU Can Help

Urge your members of Congress to support the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act (H.R. 8691/S. 4568) and help ensure future nurses can pursue advanced education without unnecessary financial barriers.

Strengthening access to nursing education is an investment in the future nursing workforce and the patients who depend on it.