Protect Federal Student Loan Access for Professional Degrees in Health Care

March 30, 2026

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) submitted comments to the US Department of Education in support of recognizing physician assistant/associate (PA) and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) credentials as professional degrees under proposed federal regulations. CHEST is committed to strengthening the health care workforce and ensuring patients across the country have access to timely, high-quality care.

“PA and APRN education is clinically intensive and time-demanding, limiting students' ability to work while completing didactic training and required clinical rotations. Federal loans are therefore a necessary bridge to completion of training and entering the workforce,” said Timothy Kinsey, DMSc, PA-C, CCAPP, FCCP.

“Advanced practice providers (APPs), including PAs and APRNs, are essential members of the care team,” said CHEST President Neil Freedman, MD, FCCP. “Policies that reduce or restrict access to federal student loans for APPs minimize the financial and time investment required to earn these credentials and will predictably constrict the workforce pipeline, worsening wait times and barriers to access.”

By advocating for this change, CHEST aims to reduce barriers to advanced clinical education and support the growing demand for highly trained health professionals who play essential roles in respiratory patient care, research, and education.

READ THE LETTER »