The U.S. Department of Education has categorized APRN and PA clinicians as "graduate" students rather than "professional" students under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, lowering their federal loan limits.

In a recent letter, the ACC argues that current classification could negatively impact the clinician workforce and patient access to care.

"The U.S. faces a health care professional workforce shortage even as demand for these professionals is increasing with the nation's aging demographics," the letter states. "[Advanced practice providers (APPs)] play a critical role in not just caring for patients, but in educating and training the next generation of professionals. Implementing loan caps at the graduate level for APPs will negatively impact the ability to train future nurses, creating a cascade of workforce shortages."

A bipartisan group of 150 lawmakers and several medical societies, including the Heart Failure Society of America and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, have also called for this change.

The ACC has made these recommendations to the department in recognition of its long-standing commitment to the concept of cardiovascular team-based care. Read about additional ways ACC Advocacy is bolstering the clinician workforce now and for the future.

Clinical Topics: Cardiovascular Care Team

Keywords: Health Services Accessibility, Advanced Practice Nursing, Health Personnel, Health Services, ACC Advocacy, Workforce, Students