Nurse and PA Associations Sue Trump Administration Over New Student Loan Rules Impacting Healthcare
Organizations representing nurses and physician assistants (PAs) have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, challenging a new rule that caps annual federal student loans. The rule differentiates between professional and non-professional degree plans, placing nursing and PA programs in the latter category, which offers lower loan limits. Historically, these programs have been classified as professional, allowing for higher loan amounts. Todd Pickard, President of the American Academy of Physician Associates, argues that the new limits will prevent students from securing enough funds to cover educational and living expenses, potentially exacerbating healthcare shortages. The median cost of a PA education ranges from $90,000 to $110,000 annually, with total program costs reaching up to $160,000. The new loan limits are set at $20,500 per year, with a total cap of $50,000, which Pickard claims is insufficient. 
