Education Rule Change Threatens Nursing Workforce, Access to Care

Event summary

  • The U.S. Department of Education finalized the 'Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE)' rule on April 30, 2026.
  • This rule excludes post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from being recognized as 'professional degrees' for federal student loan purposes.
  • The Department acknowledged that nursing meets the Congressional definition of a 'professional student' but chose to exclude it.
  • The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), representing 461,000 NPs, strongly opposes the rule.
  • AANP is urging the President and Congress to take action to reverse the decision.

The big picture

The Department of Education's decision represents a significant setback for the nursing profession, which is already facing critical workforce shortages. This policy shift could disproportionately impact lower-income individuals seeking to enter the field, further limiting access to care in underserved communities. The move also highlights a growing tension between federal agencies and professional organizations regarding the definition and funding of specialized training programs.

What we're watching

Regulatory Headwinds
The likelihood of Congressional or Presidential intervention to overturn the Department of Education’s ruling remains uncertain, creating potential for further policy shifts impacting nursing education funding.
Workforce Impact
The rule will likely deter potential nursing students, exacerbating the existing shortage of nurses and potentially impacting patient care access and quality.
Legal Challenges
AANP’s call for action suggests potential legal challenges to the rule are probable, which could introduce significant delays and uncertainty for nursing programs and students.