US-based Pinoy nurses wary of reducing student loans amid nursing degree reclassification

Filipino nurses working in the United States have raised concern on the exclusion of nursing programs from the list of recognized professional degrees, a move that could negatively impact eligibility for student loan benefits.

In a joint statement led by the Nursing Organizations of Color on Nov. 20, the Philippine Nurses Association of America and other related organizations condemned the US administration’s redefinition of the said programs as it creates barriers in advancing nursing education, especially to nurses of color.

“Nurses of color already carry disproportionately higher student loan debt than their white counterparts. Excluding Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and nursing PhD programs from professional degree classification will create insurmountable financial obstacles for aspiring nurse leaders of color who are essential to providing care in medically underserved communities,” they stated.

The organizations emphasized the importance of workforce diversity in improving patient outcomes and healthcare access in the US, hence taking away their benefits will be an added layer to their struggles and the field that they handle.

According to them, nursing programs are at par with other recognized professional degrees, considering the level of education and practice nursing students undergo.

“The Department’s proposed framework requires that professional degree programs signify completion of academic requirements for beginning practice, represent professional skill beyond a bachelor’s degree, require professional licensure, and be doctoral-level programs,” the joint statement read. 

“Advanced practice registered nurse programs meet every criterion stated in the department’s framework. Graduates of these programs are independent providers, healthcare systems leaders, researchers, and educators who require professional licensure and provide direct patient care,” they added.

According to Visa Solutions Healthcare, to date, Filipinos account for four percent of the nurses in the US, and 33 percent of the foreign registered nurses.

Redefining professional degrees

The redefinition of professional degrees in the US was made by the country’s education department in line with the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” that includes student loan changes.

A USA Today report said that on Nov. 21 explained the impact of the said regulatory change in the country, especially those students who are in the health-allied fields.

Graduate students pursuing “professional degrees” on the newly defined list are able to borrow up to $50,000 per year and up to $200,000 overall.

Those who are studying non-professional degrees, however, are limited to only $20,500 per year and up to $100,000 overall—double the amount less than those ones studying in professional degrees.