Policy Watch: AACN on Nursing as a Professional Degree

AACN has launched a new web page in support of recognizing nursing as a professional degree in response to recent actions by the Department of Education. As we await the announcement of the open comment period to respond to Department’s Proposed Rule, this page will provide updates and resources to assist members in submitting comments calling for nursing’s inclusion in the definition of “professional degree” programs.

Explore the New Page

Take Action: Senate Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), House Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and House Nursing Caucus Vice Co-Chair and nurse, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) are circulating a congressional sign-on letter outlining concerns with the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee’s proposal that does not include post-baccalaureate nursing programs as a “professional degree.” Please click on our Action Alert to send messages to your Representative and Senators asking them to sign onto this letter by the COB Thursday, December 11, 2025!

• Support for nursing as a professional degree continues to gain support on the Hill including:
  • Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) published a video on X highlighting the impact of the new Department of Education proposed student loan caps, encouraging her constituents to respond during the open comment period.
  • Representative Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26) led 69 of his colleagues in a letter to the Trump Administration demanding the reversal of its decision to impose strict federal loan limits on certain advanced degree programs, including post-baccalaureate nursing education.
• Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Angus King (I-ME), along with Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-08), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), reintroduced the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, a bill honoring women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status.
• Applications are currently being accepted for the position of Director of the National Institute of Nursing Research through December 12, 2025.

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