The United States Department of Education’s move to narrow the definition of “professional” graduate degree programs beginning July 1 has many concerned about its impact, particularly those in the healthcare field.

Among the professions that are being excluded in the proposed change, brought forth by DOE Secretary Linda McMahon in 2025, is nursing.

Senator John Fetterman and healthcare professionals have spoken out against the move, which would cap the amount of federal loans permitted for an individual pursuing this degree from $200,000 to $100,000.

In a letter addressed to McMahon, Fetterman urged the DOE to reconsider finalizing the proposed rule.

“Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the Department of Education has implemented several changes that have effectively dismantled pathways to higher education, weakened oversight and student protections and reshaped nearly every corner of the nation’s education system. Thousands of Pennsylvanians who have invested their time, effort and hard-earned money to achieve graduate degrees in essential fields, like nursing, have had their student loan repayment thrown into total chaos by the Department’s shortsighted actions and policies,” Fetterman wrote.

In a release from Fetterman’s office, it was noted that Pennsylvania is “estimated to face a nursing shortage of more than 20,000 nurses in 2026.”

It further noted the disproportionate effect it will have on rural communities.

“An effective education system cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Students deserve a lending system that reflects the full range of educational goals and the evolving needs of our nation. Further, students deserve the opportunity to pursue careers that reflect their skills, interests and aspirations. I urge the Department to reconsider finalizing this proposed rule and to reevaluate the reclassification of professional degree programs and associated borrowing limits,” Fetterman wrote in his letter.

In Clinton County and many parts of Northcentral Pennsylvania, UPMC and Geisinger are the largest healthcare systems, which see a multitude of patients. The Express contacted both systems about the proposed change.

UPMC Chief Nurse Executive Maribeth McLaughlin said she is hopeful the DOE’s decision can be reversed, particularly to continue growing the professional field.

“I am hopeful this will be reversed. Advanced degrees in nursing directly tie to growing the next generation of nurses and our pipelines. Nurses with advanced degrees are needed for teaching positions in our nursing programs and allow us to keep growing the profession,” she said.

McLaughlin noted there is also a need for nurse practitioners, midwives and advanced practice nurses who “often work alongside physicians in rural communities and other areas of need.”

“This would mean fewer of those essential nurses providing care,” she said.

Janet Tomcavage, MSN, RN, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger, noted the healthcare system deeply values learning and education for individuals to discover and pursue their calling to care for others.

“Especially in nursing, a profession rooted in compassion and service,” she said. “Our nurses at every level are not only at the heart of the care we provide, but each brings unique talents, perspectives and strengths to our teams. There are countless pathways for nurses to grow, specialize and follow their professional passions, and every one of those roles is vital to the work we do.”

Tomcavage noted Geisinger has supported other groups “in their voice supporting the professional status of nursing.”

“The American Hospital Association and The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania have advocated for protecting and strengthening advanced nursing pathways, and Geisinger is a member of both,” she said.

With the potential change in a nursing degree’s status, this could pose difficulties in continuing to grow the healthcare workforce — particularly in Clinton County and other rural areas that already face challenges in access to quality healthcare.

According to McLaughlin, UPMC is continuing to look for solutions to grow its workforce.

“In the Lock Haven area, we find strong interest in nurse openings at our outpatient locations and emergency department. Last year at UPMC Williamsport, we successfully exceeded our hiring goals, bringing on 100 nurses,” she said.

McLaughlin said retention is also strong, “due to flexibility in staffing so our nurses have greater opportunities for work/life harmony, enabling nurses to advance in their careers at a pace that suits their specific goals.”

The healthcare system also offers various staffing opportunities, such as full- or part-time, job share, weekend, steady off shifts, casual and other flexible options.

At Geisinger, Tomcavage says the healthcare system, like many others, continues to face challenges in recruiting qualified nurses to meet growing care needs in the communities they serve.

“Although we have core teams who focus on recruitment and retention of nurses in our regions, we currently experience a systemwide vacancy rate of approximately 18 percent,” she said. “This persists even with a top-decile voluntary turnover rate of less than 9 percent, reflecting the strong commitment of our nursing workforce.”

Tomcavage noted that, as the population in northcentral and northeastern Pennsylvania ages, healthcare needs grow.

“As a result, more nurses are needed to provide this care across inpatient, ambulatory and home settings. We collaborate closely with local nursing schools to offer strong clinical training opportunities, though the need for more nurses remains as we look to meet both current and future demands,” she said. “Ensuring access to high-quality care remains our priority, and we are continually investing in strategies that build and sustain the nursing pipeline.”

Similarly, according to UPMC’s Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Brandy Hershberger, the healthcare system works closely with many nursing schools in the region.

“Additionally, UPMC’s hospital-based nursing schools combine unparalleled clinical experiences with exceptional academics. We prepare our graduates to enter the workforce to become leaders in health care and advocates for their patients,” Hershberger said.

Hershberger said its Mercy School of Nursing at UPMC Altoona, its eighth UPMC School of Nursing, is experiencing strong enrollment, expecting to welcome 112 students in the fall.

“To alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a nursing degree, after completion of one semester, our UPMC Schools of Nursing offer a tuition loan forgiveness program that provides up to $7,000 per semester in tuition forgiveness for all remaining semesters,” she added.

Geisinger has also worked to offer other ways for individuals to access a nursing degree.

“To expand access to nursing education and support those who aspire to this vital profession, Geisinger launched the Nursing and Health Sciences Scholars Program several years ago,

Tomcavage said. “Through this initiative, employees can receive up to $40,000 toward the cost of an RN degree — funding that typically covers about two years of tuition.”

According to Tomcavage, this program can also be combined with its employee tuition reimbursement program to further reduce a financial barrier.

“Over the last three years, these efforts have helped approximately 300 employees obtain their RN degrees,” she said.

Geisinger also looks to spark an interest in nursing earlier in the education pipeline, Tomcavage said.

“Our paid co-op program for high school seniors allows students to explore healthcare careers firsthand, including nursing. Participants gain real-world experience in a clinical environment and learn directly from our nurses, helping them understand what a future in nursing can look like,” she said.

Geisinger also offers nurse externships and internship programs.

“These programs are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, preparing students to transition confidently into nursing roles,” Tomcavage said.

Much like UPMC, Geisinger also operates a School of Nursing.

“Our program enables students to begin a secure and rewarding nursing career in as little as two years. Importantly, students enrolled in the Geisinger School of Nursing are automatically eligible for the Nursing and Health Sciences Scholars Program, ensuring financial support is accessible from the start of their educational journey,” Tomcavage said.