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2025

The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) issued a statement in support of nursing as a professional degree. “CASN stands united with our U.S. colleagues and global partners in urging immediate action to review this position.”
Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) gave a speech on the floor of Congress highlighting the Department of Education’s failure to classify post-baccalaureate nursing programs as professional programs while the nation “is experiencing a nursing shortage.
Representative Michael V. Lawler (R-NY-17) sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon encouraging the Department to “to maintain a wider definition of ‘professional degree’ to “include programs such as nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and more.”
Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) released a statement that she “strongly disagree[s] with the Department of Education’s recent changes classifying graduate nursing degrees on a lower footing than other medical degrees and will be making it clear to the Administration that these changes are unacceptable and should be immediately reversed.”
As we wait for the Department of Education to publish the proposed rule and open a formal comment period in the coming weeks, we encourage you to take action by contacting your Senators and Representative and encourage them to reach out to the Department of Education to request that they explicitly include post-baccalaureate nursing programs in the regulatory definition of “professional degree” programs.
The National Academy of Medicine released a statement on November 24 underscoring how nurses are essential to healthcare and “deserving of professional degree recognition.”
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), a nurse and a House Nursing Caucus Vice Co-Chair, sent a letter to the Department of Education's Secretary and Under Secretary asking for an immediate reconsideration of nursing's inclusion under the "professional degree” classification.
AACN and other national nursing associations are leading a petition urging the Department of Education's to revise its proposed definition of “professional degree” programs to explicitly include nursing. More than 200,000 individuals have signed the petition so far.
On October 31, AACN signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) letter to the Department of Education (ED), urging the Department’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee to explicitly include post-baccalaureate nursing programs in the regulatory definition of “professional degree programs” when implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
On October 31, AACN signed onto a letter along with a broad coalition of health profession, education and professional associations to ED and the RISE Committee asking that they adopt a consistent standard for defining "professional degrees," such as using CIP Code 51-Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences.
Submitted multiple nominees as potential negotiators on the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee, though none were selected.
Coordinated with practice and community partners to submit comments, and gain a better understanding of the impact of these changes on member schools.
On October 2, AACN signed onto a Federation of Associations of Schools of the Health Professions (FASHP) letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its negotiated rulemaking process on the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The letter urges the Department to ensure that the health professions workforce is included in the definition of "professional degrees."
Senator Murray (D-WA), Representative DeLauro (D-CT-03), and Senator Baldwin (D-WI) released a statement calling on Education Department to reverse unilateral funding cuts to critical education programs.
The Department of Education and Department of Labor move to integrate education and workforce systems through staff detail, integrated state plan portal, and centralizing program funds.
On August 28, AACN signed onto a letter led by the American Council on Education (ACE) urging the Department of Education to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill "in a way that fully considers the impact on all stakeholders, including students, families, institutions of higher education, and current and future student loan borrowers." Among ACE's recommendations was the creation of a comprehensive list of "professional degree programs" that includes nursing.
On August 25, AACN submitted comments to the Department of Education urging the Department to modernize the existing definition of “professional degree” under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to explicitly include post-baccalaureate nursing degrees. AACN also signed onto related communications issued by the Nursing Community Coalition and a broad coalition of healthcare providers and programs.
A federal judge has declared the Education Department’s attempt to bar diversity programs unlawful.
Secretary of Education McMahon directs the National Center for Education Statistics to collect admissions data for institutions of higher education that will allow Americans to ensure race-based preferences are not used in university admissions processes, in accordance with a new Presidential Memoranda, Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions.
Supreme Court allows mass layoffs at the Department of Education as President Trump seeks to close the agency.
AACN joined with the American Council on Education and other national associations in filing an amicus brief in support of Harvard University’s lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to subvert higher education to the federal government’s political leadership.
On May 30, AACN signed on to a letter with other higher education associations urging the State Department to make any pause on student visa processing as short as possible, cut wait times, and streamline the process for student visa applicants.
On May 14, AACN joined with a broad coalition of higher education organizations in a statement calling upon the Trump Administration to protect and renew the longstanding partnership between the federal government and colleges and universities.
The Department of Education expands accreditation options for colleges and universities.
U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice Announce Title IX Special Investigations Team.
U.S. Department of Education Opens Revised Income-Driven Repayment Plan and Loan Consolidation Applications for Borrowers.
AACN signed on to a response to a Request for Information for the Trump Administration's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan relating to the use of AI across the higher education landscape.
U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened investigations into 45 universities following the February 14 Dear Colleague Letter that reiterated schools’ civil rights obligations to end the use of racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.
U.S. Department of Education Issues More Details About DEI Guidance, including a New FAQs.
Linda McMahon was confirmed as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

On December 11, Senate Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and House Nursing Caucus Vice Co-Chair and nurse, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), introduced the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act. This bill would invest $1 billion into schools of nursing to ensure nursing education pathways remain strong. AACN was proud to be one of more than 50 organizations who endorsed this bill. See Senator Merkley’s press release with quotes from AACN leadership.
Research!America will host a webinar on October 28 from 12:00-1:00 pm (ET) in support of the Americans for Medical Research Campaign, focusing on strategies for effective communication by scientists to the public. Register here.
On September 22, AACN signed onto a letter with 164 organizations in support of the Joint Associations Group on Indirect Costs (JAG), thanking appropriators and urging them to strengthen language in the final spending bills supporting JAG’s work and prohibiting the Office of Management and Budget from instituting arbitrary caps on federal support for research costs.
On September 17, AACN joined NINR in celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a scientific symposium on Advancing Nursing Science to Improve Health for All: NINR’s Impact.
Research!America launched the Americans for Medical Research landing page, a campaign to share stories from researchers, clinicians, and patients about the importance of medical research in their lives.
CMS initiated the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program.
HHS's MAHA Commission released a new report, the Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy.
The Department of Education and federal partners issued guidance to help colleges and universities mitigate foreign threats to research.
GAO states Trump violated statute by withholding NIH funds.
Register for NINR's 40th Anniversary Scientific Symposium Advancing Nursing Science to Improve Health for All: NINR’s Impact.
On July 25, AACN signed onto a letter led by the Committee for Education Funding, Coalition on Human Needs, Coalition for Health Funding, and Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce to the leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The letter urges the Committees to increase funding for various health, education, and workforce programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
NIH director is replacing his top outside advisory board.
On June 25, AACN signed onto a coalition letter with leading healthcare associations urging Senate leadership to reject proposed cuts to Medicaid in the Committee’s budget reconciliation bill given the impact on women’s and child healthcare.
More than 460 laid-off CDC employees are being reinstated.
Last week, a federal judge in Massachusetts ordered the National Institutes of Health to restore hundreds of research grants terminated earlier this year.
Becker's Hospital Review released an overview of NIH grant funding losses by state and the toll of NIH funding cuts: 6 key takeaways.
NINR announces Scientific Symposium to celebrate 40 years of solutions-oriented nursing research.
On June 5, AACN joined with a broad coalition of organizations in a letter urging the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to reject the $18 billion in cuts to the National Institutes of Health proposed in the President's budget and work with the Administration on a different path forward.
On June 10, AACN signed on to a letter along with other national nursing organizations expressing strong concerns over HHS Secretary Kennedy’s decision to dismiss all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
The Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) released a report identifying key drivers behind the childhood chronic disease crisis.
On May 22, the House of Representatives passed the President's domestic policy bill, sending it on to the Senate.
On May 14, AACN signed onto a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS-ED) urging them to support at least $420.85 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Environmental Health in the FY 2026 LHHS-ED Appropriations bill.
On May 13, AACN signed onto a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies urging them to reject the elimination of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was outlined in the Administration’s FY 2026 budget proposal.
On May 6, AACN published a response to the President's Nurses Day message urging the Administration to protect funding for nursing education and workforce programs.
The National Science Foundation announced the implementation of a standard 15% indirect cost rate.
On April 29, AACN signed onto letters from American Indian/Alaska Native Health Partners to the House and Senate supporting funding for the Indian Health Professions Account and Indian Health Service.
AACN released a statement of concern regarding the President's proposed budget for FY 2026 that includes across the board cuts to federal agencies, including HHS, NIH, HRSA, and the Department of Education.
Colleges with DEI Programs or Israel Boycotts will no longer be eligible for NIH grants.
On April 25, AACN signed on to a coalition letter urging Congress to reject the proposed HHS budget cuts and ensure that essential programs are adequately funded.
On April 22, AACN joined with other higher education leaders calling for constructive engagement to better serve the American people while rejecting undue government intrusion and the coercive use of public research funding.
From Insider Higher Ed: How Researchers Could Get Their Canceled NIH Grants Back
A federal judge issued an order temporarily blocking the 15% cap on research funding from NIH.
AACN Signs on to Legal Challenge to New NIH Funding Guidance
AACN Statement on New NIH Guidance Limiting Indirect Costs for Research Grants

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.
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.
Submitted comments advocating for the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees within the “professional” category, citing licensure requirements, federal definitions, CIP code alignment, and workforce needs.
As the convener of the 64-member Nursing Community Coalition, AACN signed onto coalition comments to the Department making the same request.
Worked directly with the American Council on Education (ACE) to be sure nursing was included in comments ACE sent to the Department.
On September 17, AACN submitted comments to the Department of Education expressing the importance of, and continued support for, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs, particularly for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, AACN signed onto a related letter led by the American Council on Education.
U.S. Secretary of Education Confirms On Time Launch of the 2026–27 FAFSA Form.
The Department of Education issued new proposed Public Service Loan Forgiveness rules.
Also on July 14, AACN sent a letter to Representative Judy Chu (D-CA-27) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) thanking them for introducing the Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt (POST GRAD) Act (H.R.3711/S.1948).
U.S. Department of Education offers revised federal student loan repayment options.
On June 27, AACN signed onto an American Council on Education letter to Senate leadership expressing concerns about cuts to federal student aid and new taxes on higher education institutions proposed in the Senate’s budget reconciliation bills.
On June 17, AACN led a healthcare community sign on letter advocating for higher education provisions in the Senate budget reconciliation process. This includes preserving subsidized loans for undergraduates, retaining the Grad PLUS Program, increasing the proposed aggregate limit for unsubsidized federal loans, and preserving other federal loan programs.
Last week, Senator Alex Padilla (CA) and Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced bicameral legislation to help students afford advanced education by restoring graduate students’ eligibility for receiving subsidized federal loans.
U.S. Department of Education announced actions and proactive steps to ensure American taxpayer dollars spent on federal student aid programs are used responsibly.
The Department of Education released a statement reminding colleges and universities of their obligations to help struggling borrowers.
Department of Education to resume federal student loan collections, starting May 5.
The 2025 Nurse Corps Scholarship application cycle closes on Thursday, April 24, 7:30 pm (ET).
The Small Business Administration, the agency newly responsible for overseeing student loans, announced a 43% reduction in force.
HHS has published a list of grants terminated since January 2025, including information of recipient institutions, projects funded, and award totals.
An Executive Order creates new eligibility limitations for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

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.
As we enter the second week of the government shutdown, AACN continues to monitor and encourage members to "Share Your Voice" on any impacts this shutdown is having in your district/state.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously recommended that vaccination for COVID-19 be determined by individual decision-making and adopted new recommendations for the varicella (chickenpox) vaccination for young children
On September 19, AACN signed onto a letter led by the Alliance for Aging Research urging the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to recommend the full schedule of vaccines and ensure access and patient choice.
On September 12, AACN submitted comments to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule; AACN also sign onto comments led by the APRN Workgroup to CMS.
On September 15, AACN signed onto a letter lead by Voices for Non-Opioid Choices regarding the implementation of the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation ("NOPAIN") Act and urging Congress to ensure patients can access all FDA-approved non-opioid treatment options that are used in the post-surgical setting and that such products qualify for separate payment under the NOPAIN Act.
On August 19, AACN joined a healthcare community sign-on letter to the leadership of the House Energy and Commerce and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committees urging reauthorizing of Title VII Health Professions and Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs before the end of fiscal year 2025 on September 30.
On August 19, AACN signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition letter to all members of Congress urging them to take action on top legislative and appropriations priorities impacting our nursing schools, faculty, students, and researchers.
On August 11, AACN signed onto a letter led by Families USA urging HHS Secretary Kennedy to preserve the structure and membership of the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
Lawsuit over NIH Grant Funding heads to the Supreme Court.
On July 14, AACN signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition letter thanking the Senators and Representatives who introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S.1874/H.R.3593).
The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators published an implementation timeline for higher education provisions of the reconciliation bill signed into law July 4.
On June 23, AACN signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition letter thanking Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) for introducing the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act (H.R.3170), and supporting its passage this Congress.
On June 9, AACN signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) letter thanking Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) for introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R.2531/S.1232).
AACN is working with congressional offices to share information and communicate the value of NINR and nursing science. AACN was proud to see Senate Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), highlight the importance of NINR at the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with the NIH Director (see comments beginning at 1:06:20).
On May 28, AACN signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) letter thanking the leaders of the House and Senate Nursing Caucuses for introducing a bipartisan and bicameral resolution honoring National Nurses Week.
On May 15, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued a nationwide preliminary injunction halting the Department of Energy from "implementing, instituting, maintaining, or giving effect to the Rate Cap Policy in any form with respect to the IHEs (institutions of higher education)."
Members of both Congressional Nursing Caucuses led a Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution celebrating National Nurses Week.
On April 17, AACN joined with other nursing associations in urging Congress to support Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs.
Congress passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, funding the government through the end of FY2025 and avoiding a government shutdown.
House Republicans released a proposed continuing resolution to fund the government through September 30.

Applications are currently being accepted for the position of Director of the National Institute of Nursing Research through December 12, 2025.
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the appointment of five new members to the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with meetings to be held September 18 and 19.
CDC director Susan Monarez is fired, and other agency leaders resign.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revives Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines.
This week, HHS launched its Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) "MAHA in Action" tracker.
HHS will begin a coordinated wind-down of its mRNA vaccine development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
A new Executive Order, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, will give political appointees oversight of the administration of federal grants.
The Department of Education announced negotiated rulemaking to implement President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.
U.S. Department of Education announces immediate implementation of higher education provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) released a new report detailing impact of Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” on health care in America.
On May 12, the President issued an Executive Order mandating that drug manufacturers begin offering American consumers the most-favored-nation lowest price on pharmaceuticals.
Secretary Kennedy published an editorial defending the large-scale reduction in force at HHS.
Senate confirms Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
President Trump to nominate Dr. Susan Monarez to be CDC Director.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as the US Secretary of Labor.

Prior to Thanksgiving, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Tom Engels and Principal Deputy Administrator Ann Sheehy visited the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Preventive Medicine and School of Nursing to see firsthand how HRSA’s workforce investments are shaping the future of health care.
On July 30, AACN signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging full support for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the NINR in FY 2026. This letter comes as AACN Advocates sent nearly 400 messages in three days to their Senators urging support for these critical nursing education, workforce, and research programs.
AACN was proud to join the Coalition for Health Funding’s Hill Day on July 24 to advocate for the future of public health, including support for all Title VIII Programs and NINR.
HHS abruptly cancels preventive services task force meeting.
AACN has heard from some members that funding for both the Nursing Workforce Diversity Program and the Nursing Faculty Loan Program has been cancelled. If you have received a notice of cancellation, please share your experience with us.The HRSA Faculty Loan Repayment Program application is open through July 3.
AACN needs you to ask your Members of Congress to cosponsor and pass the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S.1874/H.R.3593). This legislation would help ensure that pathways into nursing remain strong, and patients maintain access to high-quality nursing care.
On May 27, AACN joined with a coalition of nursing associations in response to an FTC request for comment on reducing anti-competitive regulatory barriers. The comment letter highlights regulatory barriers that prevent APRNs from practicing to the full extent of their education and clinical training and suggests approaches to removing barriers.
Applications are open through June 17 to become a National Health Service Corps (NHSC)-approved site.
The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program is accepting applications through April 17. The program provides funds to Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses working in an eligible public or private critical shortage facility, or nurse faculty at an eligible school of nursing.
The 2025 Nurse Corps Scholarship application cycle is now open through April 24.