1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the Department of Education's recent reclassification of certain healthcare degrees under President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. This policy change, set to take effect in July 2026, excludes nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, and audiology programs from the 'professional' degree category. This decision will have far-reaching consequences for our healthcare system and the future of these critical professions. The reclassification significantly impacts the financial support available to students pursuing these vital healthcare careers. Under the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), graduate students in these fields will now be limited to $20,500 in annual loans, compared to the $50,000 available for 'professional' students. This drastic reduction in financial support could deter many talented individuals from entering these high-demand fields, potentially exacerbating existing workforce shortages in critical areas of healthcare. The American Nurses Association has already recognized the severity of this issue and has initiated a petition to reinstate nursing as a professional degree. Their action underscores the widespread concern within the healthcare community about the implications of this policy change. I urge you to take immediate action to address this misclassification. Specifically, I ask that you: 1. Introduce or support legislation to overturn this aspect of the One Big Beautiful Bill, ensuring that nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, and audiology programs retain their 'professional' degree status. 2. Engage with the Department of Education to reassess the criteria used for classifying professional degrees, emphasizing the critical nature and advanced training required for these healthcare roles. 3. Support increased funding for healthcare education programs to offset the potential negative impacts of this policy change. The health of our communities depends on a robust and well-trained healthcare workforce. By maintaining the professional status of these degrees, we can ensure that students continue to receive the necessary financial support to pursue these essential careers. Your action on this matter is crucial for the future of our healthcare system and the well-being of all Americans.