A federal judge in Massachusetts this week found that the Department of Education’s exclusion of nursing degrees from its definition of a professional degree is likely contrary to law, agreeing with an earlier analysis by the D.C. court. While the court did not grant a temporary injunction in the lawsuit brought by AANA, American Nurses Association, and allied organizations, it found that the department improperly added requirements beyond what the law allows and that MSN, DNP, and DNAP degrees should be eligible for consideration as professional degrees.
Under current Department of Education guidance, MSN, DNP, and DNAP students continue to receive the higher federal student loan limits while the legal process continues.
AANA remains committed to ensuring that federal student loan policies do not discourage qualified future CRNAs from entering the profession. We will continue working with our partners toward a lasting solution that supports students, strengthens the anesthesia workforce, and helps ensure patients have access to high-quality anesthesia care wherever they live.