11/24/2025
URGENT CALL TO ACTION for all CRNAs
A new proposal by the U.S. Department of Education would cap federal student loans for graduate degrees at $100,000. A separate 200,000 dollar cap would apply to professional degrees.
Under the current proposal, DNP and DNAP programs ARE NOT included in the definition of a professional degree. This means future SRNAs would only qualify for the 100,000 dollar cap, which is insufficient to finance a full nurse anesthesia education with federally guaranteed student loans.
This exclusion is unjustified and deeply concerning. It threatens the pipeline of future CRNAs and could worsen provider shortages across Alabama and the nation. Reduced access to graduate nursing education ultimately limits patient access to safe, high-quality anesthesia care, especially in underserved communities.
âď¸ How to take action
1. Visit AACNâs advocacy page:
aacnnursing.org/policy-advocacy
2. Write to your U.S. Senator and Representative and tell them CRNAs and advanced-practice nurses must be included in the definition of professional degrees and must retain access to appropriate federal student loan levels.
3. Share this post and encourage your colleagues, students, and friends of the profession to act.
