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Deeply Concerning Development: the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Education to reclassify MSN, DNP, and APRN as non-professional

Posted 10 minutes ago

Colleagues,

I am reaching out to you regarding a deeply concerning development: the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Education to reclassify advanced nursing degrees—MSN, DNP, APRN—as non-professional for Title IV funding eligibility. This change threatens the integrity of our profession, impacts student loan limits, and jeopardizes the future pipeline of nursing faculty and advanced practice providers.

As your State President—and as someone currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—I felt the sting of this announcement personally. For a moment, I had to step back and remind myself not to let this injustice pull me down. Instead, I have chosen to rise above it and become a voice for change—a voice that demonstrates nursing is and always will be a profession grounded in science, ethics, and compassion.

Here’s what we can do together:

  • Amplify our voice by contacting lawmakers through the ANA Advocacy Action Center:
    https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
  • Share this link widely with our members and encourage them to take action immediately.
  • Consider issuing a joint statement from our leadership team to reinforce our stance and commitment to professional recognition.

This is not just a policy issue—it’s about the trajectory of nursing education, practice authority, and patient care. When nursing speaks with one voice, prejudice and misguided leadership cannot prevail.

Thank you for standing united during this critical time. Please let me know your thoughts on next steps and how we can mobilize quickly.

I ask that this Blog be shared on our website, LinkedIn, and Facebook, but also ask that your voice be heard. As each of you are incredible leaders, I implore you to mentor, advocate, and lead the charge to correct this ignorant action.

In solidarity,
J.D. Buchert, DNP(c), MSN, M.Ed., MS, RN, CNOR
President – Texas Collaboration of Perioperative Registered Nurses