Nursing

Nursing isn't not a professional field, but the Trump administration's Department of Education reclassified advanced nursing degrees (MSN, DNP) as standard graduate degrees instead of "professional degrees," limiting federal loan amounts under the new "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), which only allows higher caps for a few specific fields like medicine and law, creating financial hurdles for nurses seeking advanced education and exacerbating the nursing shortage, impacting roles like Nurse Practitioners (NPs). 

What Changed?

• Loan Limits: The definition of a "professional degree" determines higher federal loan limits (around $200k total) versus standard graduate limits (around $100k total).

• Exclusion: Nursing (MSN, DNP, PhD) was excluded from the new, narrow list of federally recognized professional degrees, which now focuses on Medicine, Dentistry, Law, etc..

• Legislation: This stems from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) signed by President Trump, with implementation around July 1, 2026. 

Why It Matters (Impacts):

Special Guidance for International Students and Immigrants in Nursing

As someone who has mentored healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds, I want to offer specific advice for new immigrants pursuing nursing careers in the United States:

Understanding Credentials and Licensing

• Credential evaluation: Begin by having your international nursing credentials evaluated through organizations like the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)

• NCLEX preparation: Even experienced international nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam; start preparation early with specialized resources for international nurses

• State requirements: Research specific licensing requirements in your target state, as they vary significantly

A CNA stands for a Certified Nursing Assistant, a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or other medical professionals. They play a vital role in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings by assisting with daily tasks, monitoring patients, and ensuring their comfort and well-being. 

Key responsibilities of a CNA include:

• Helping patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) like eating, bathing, and dressing.

• Monitoring vital signs and reporting any changes to medical staff.

• Assisting with patient mobility and transfers.

• Providing basic patient care, comfort, and hygiene.