NCEMNA Statement: Reclassification of Nursing Threatens Access to Care
- martynaskarys
- 3 days ago
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Debra A. Toney
December 2, 2025
NCEMNA Statement: Reclassification of Nursing Threatens Access to Care
The National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA) is deeply concerned
about the recent reclassification of nursing as a non-professional degree. This threatens to limit access to federal student loans for graduate nursing students, while disproportionately affecting ethnic minority nurses.
The Trump administration is no longer considering nursing as a professional degree, as it begins rolling out student loan changes in its One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Nursing is a profession that requires rigorous academic and clinical training. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play a vital role in providing high-quality patient care, particularly in rural and underserved communities with significant ethnic minority populations. Reducing access to federal student loans may exacerbate existing healthcare disparities, as ethnic minority nurses are already underrepresented in advanced practice roles. This decision may further limit opportunities for ethnic minority students, who often rely on federal loans to pursue graduate education.
NCEMNA urges the Department of Education and Policymakers to reconsider this decision and recognize nursing as the essential profession it is. We advocate for preserving access to federal student loans and loan forgiveness programs, ensuring nursing students can pursue their educational goals without undue financial burden.
NCEMNA President, Dr. Angie Millan “encourages all stakeholders to join us in advocating for nursing students and professionals, ensuring the continued strength and diversity of the nursing workforce”.
About NCEMNA
The National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA) is a coalition of five national ethnic minority nurse associations dedicated to promoting healthcare equity and advancing the nursing profession. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, NCEMNA works to address the health needs of diverse communities across the country. NCEMNA Mission: Be the unified body advocating for equity and justice in healthcare.
Media Contact
Debra A. Toney, PhD, RN, ADLN, FAAN