Minisode - Professional… But Not Nursing

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Hosted by: Shannen Reyes-Aguayo & Nyleen Flores
IG: @credentialingchronicles

🔥 SPICY TEA ALERT! Shannen and Nyleen have front-row seats to the most devastating policy threat to advanced practice nursing in decades!

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has proposed new rules that are set to eliminate the Grad PLUS Loan Program for future Nurse Practitioners (NPs), CRNAs, and Physician Assistants (PAs) starting in July 2026.

In this "earth-shattering" mini-sode, we spill the tea on the shocking truth behind the DOE's new definition of a "Professional Degree" and the huge financial cost to those excluded:

• The Funding Cliff: The new rules will cap borrowing for APRNs and PAs at just $100,000 total, while their programs often cost up to $200,000. We break down the $100k gap and explain who is left to pay the difference.
• The Professional Paradox: We analyze why professions like Optometry and Podiatry were included in the higher loan bracket, but critical fields like Nurse Practitioners and CRNAs were excluded.
• The Real-World Crisis: Find out how this policy will worsen primary care shortages, threaten mental health services (PMHNPs), and create a burnout catastrophe for current nurses who will be left to shoulder the patient load.
• Action Plan: Learn about the public comment period (early 2026) and how current practitioners, students, and advocates are fighting back against a policy that "degrades and devalues" the largest healthcare profession.

Grab your coffee—you'll need the caffeine for this level of outrage!

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