Nursing is no longer considered a 'professional degree.' What changed?

 

As President Donald Trump's administration redefines which degrees are considered "professional," many graduate students are left with questions and concerns about how to finance their education.

With a current list and definition of "professional degrees" used by the Department of Education, which omits some professions like nursing, here's what to know about which programs are listed and what it could mean for students.

What is a professional degree?

The confusion and controversy stem from a 1965 federal law, which defines a "professional degree" as one that "signifies both completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor's degree."