Department of Education Nursing Status Change
Supporting Nurses: Why Access to Advanced Education Matters
At AMN Healthcare, we know that nurses are foundational to America’s healthcare system. Every day, they provide skilled, compassionate care that touches lives in every community. As healthcare continues to evolve, ensuring nurses have access to advanced education is critical not just for their own professional growth and knowledge building, but for the health of our communities and nation.
The Current Challenge
Recent changes in federal policy have redefined which programs qualify as “professional degrees,” and nursing was excluded from that list. While this may seem like a technical adjustment, it could have real-world consequences. These advanced degree programs are required for clinical educators as well as a large range of professional degrees and clinical roles that meet the needs of patients. Advanced nursing programs often cost between $60,000 and $100,000, and without access to higher federal loan limits, many nurses may find graduate-level education financially out of reach.
Why This Matters
Nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses play an essential role in care delivery. They diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage complex conditions, often serving as primary care providers in rural and underserved areas. These individuals also play a critical role in educating nurses entering or advancing in the profession. Limiting access to affordable education could reduce the pipeline of qualified professionals at a time when demand is surging.
- Workforce pressures are growing: Our recent 2025 Survey of Registered Nurses shows 58% of nurses report burnout most days, and 33% are nearing retirement eligibility.
- Demographic trends are accelerating: With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, projections indicate the U.S. will need more than a million additional nurses by 2030.
The Broader Impact
When advanced nursing education becomes financially inaccessible, it affects more than just individual nurses – it impacts patients and communities. Reduced access to care, longer wait times, and fewer providers in rural areas are all potential outcomes. It may also limit diversity in the profession, as those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds face greater barriers.
A Call for Collaboration
This outcome highlights a disconnect between policy and the realities of modern nursing. There is still time to work together to ensure nursing education remains accessible. Recognizing advanced practice nursing as a professional degree is an investment in healthcare security for all Americans.
Our Commitment
AMN Healthcare remains dedicated to supporting nurses, through advocacy, workforce solutions, and programs that help clinicians thrive. We have a variety of programs to help our clinicians pursue continued education and obtain scholarships and financial support in doing so. AMN Healthcare will continue to offer these programs as well as work with our health system and education partners to ensure nurses have access and resources to pursue advanced degrees. Nurses have always answered the call during times of crisis, and we must ensure they have the resources to continue doing so.
