Restore Professional Classification to Advanced Practice Nursing Education

As an American Nurse, I call on the U.S. Department of Education and our elected leaders to immediately reverse the recently issued policy that removes professional classification from Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) education programs. This decision is profoundly misguided, out of step with modern healthcare, and harmful to the development of the highly trained nursing workforce that millions of Americans rely on every day. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses — including Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse-Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists — complete rigorous graduate-level education, national certification, and advanced clinical training. Their preparation includes complex diagnostics, pharmacology, systems leadership, evidence-based practice, and culturally responsive care. These are the hallmarks of a true professional discipline. Removing professional classification from APN programs: Misrepresents the academic rigor of advanced nursing education, which meets or exceeds other recognized professional degrees. Threatens access to care by weakening the pipeline of primary care, mental health, maternal health, and rural health providers at a time of severe national shortages. Contradicts decades of evidence demonstrating that APRNs deliver safe, effective, high-quality care with outcomes comparable to or better than other clinicians. Jeopardizes students and institutions, placing financial aid opportunities, accreditation pathways, and workforce development efforts at risk. Undermines the nursing profession, its standards, and the regulatory framework that protects patient safety. This policy change creates real and immediate consequences for communities, healthcare systems, and the patients who depend on APRNs every day. It disregards the expertise of national nursing organizations, accrediting bodies, educators, and frontline clinicians. I urge the Department of Education to: Reverse this reclassification without delay. Engage directly with nursing experts, academic leaders, accrediting agencies, and professional organizations. Ensure that policies affecting healthcare education reflect the realities of clinical practice and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession. Advanced Practice Nursing is a professional discipline, and it must be recognized as such to protect educational quality, workforce stability, and patient access to care. I stand with the nursing profession and the communities we serve. We call for immediate action to restore the professional classification of APN programs.