Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 4, 2026
Bottom line
This bill statutorily recognizes advanced nursing degrees as professional degrees under federal higher education law, ensuring clarity for student aid eligibility and aligning federal definitions with modern nursing practice.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to explicitly include various advanced nursing degrees (Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), or Ph.D. in Nursing) within the statutory definition of a "professional degree." It also removes a previous reliance on a specific Code of Federal Regulations section for defining "professional student" and instead provides a direct statutory definition for "professional degree" that encompasses a broad range of licensed professions.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that explicitly recognizing advanced nursing degrees as professional degrees is crucial for acknowledging the rigorous academic and clinical training required for these professions. This clarification ensures that nursing students pursuing advanced degrees are eligible for the same federal student aid and loan benefits as students in other recognized professional fields, helping to address nursing shortages and support the professional development of the healthcare workforce. It aligns federal law with the reality of modern nursing practice.
Opponents contend
No direct organized opposition is typically raised against clarifying definitions that expand eligibility for existing programs, especially when it supports a critical workforce like nursing. Potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the broader fiscal implications of expanding eligibility for federal student aid programs, or whether this change might inadvertently affect other definitions or program criteria not directly addressed by the bill. However, these are generally minor compared to the benefits of clarity.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for comprehensive evaluation.
Section 2, page 1, lines 10-26
Amending the Definition of Professional Student and Professional Degree
This section modifies the Higher Education Act of 1965. First, it removes a reference to a specific federal regulation (34 CFR 668.2) that previously helped define a "professional student." Second, it adds a new, comprehensive definition for "professional degree" directly into the statute. This new definition outlines that a professional degree signifies completion of academic requirements for beginning practice in a licensed profession, requiring skills beyond a bachelor's. Crucially, it then explicitly lists several degrees, including various advanced nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, DNAP, or Ph.D), alongside degrees in pharmacy, dentistry, law, medicine, and others.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this explicit inclusion of advanced nursing degrees rectifies an oversight and provides much-needed clarity and equity. It ensures that nursing professionals, who are vital to the healthcare system and undergo extensive training, are recognized on par with other professional fields for federal student aid purposes, thereby supporting workforce development and reducing financial barriers to advanced education.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision because it primarily clarifies and updates existing definitions to reflect current educational standards and workforce needs. Any potential concerns would likely be indirect, such as the overall cost implications of federal student aid programs, rather than the specific recognition of nursing degrees.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension addressed is the alignment of federal statutory definitions with the evolving landscape of professional education, particularly in healthcare. The bill resolves potential ambiguities that might have previously disadvantaged nursing students compared to those in other recognized professional fields, ensuring equitable access to educational financing.