Over the past several weeks, the nursing community has mobilized in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s recommended changes to the definition of “professional degree,” which could have significant implications for nursing education programs across the country.

In response, ANA and the broader nursing community launched a petition, now surpassing more than 200,000 signatures, along with a storytelling campaign and educational resources to ensure nurses’ voices are heard at the federal level. As concern and engagement continue to rise nationwide, ANA Government Affairs has made this a top priority and is actively advocating on behalf of nurses.

Sign the petition here

The ANA Government Affairs staff continues to treat this issue as a top priority. Here are the key steps currently underway:

• Responding to numerous media inquiries and strongly asserting ANA’s position

• Issuing official statements on November 10 and November 26

• Collaborating through coalition letters submitted in October with NCC and PARCA

• Closely monitoring potential movement on federal rulemaking, which the U.S. Department of Education has signaled may be released in January

• Meeting with leaders of the Senate HELP Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee, both of which have jurisdiction over the Department of Education

• Engaging with the Senate and House Congressional Nursing Caucuses

• Supporting bipartisan letters urging that nursing be clearly included under the “professional degree” definition

• Responding to the Department of Education’s recent public statement, following significant feedback from concerned nurses nationwide

• Convening daily strategy sessions with the broader nursing community to coordinate next steps

ANA will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available and remains fully committed to advocating for the nursing profession throughout this process.