Nursing is a Professional Degree Act

This bill, known as the "Nursing is a Professional Degree Act," aims to update the definition of a professional degree within the Higher Education Act of 1965. It specifically amends Section 455(a)(4)(C) by removing a reference to an outdated federal regulation for defining such degrees. The legislation establishes a new, comprehensive definition for a professional degree, characterizing it as one that signifies completion of academic requirements for beginning practice in a profession, often requiring licensure, and demonstrating a level of professional skill beyond a bachelor's degree. A significant provision of this bill is the explicit inclusion of various nursing degrees , such as MSN, DNP, DNAP, and Ph.D, alongside other recognized professional degrees like Pharmacy, Dentistry, Medicine, and Law. This redefinition ensures that these nursing programs are formally recognized under federal higher education statutes, potentially impacting student loan eligibility or other related provisions.