Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
To amend the definition of a professional student in the Higher Education Act of 1965.
This bill, HB8691, aims to change the Higher Education Act of 1965 by updating the definition of a professional student to include nursing students. This would recognize nursing as a professional degree and potentially affect how nursing students are treated and funded under federal education programs. The bill is in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on May 7, 2026.
The proposed change would primarily impact nursing students and the institutions that educate them. By reclassifying nursing as a professional degree, it could influence student aid eligibility, program oversight, and professional recognition for nursing graduates. This bill has bipartisan support, with sponsors from both Democratic and Republican parties.
Currently, HB8691 is in the introductory phase, having been introduced and referred to the appropriate committee for further consideration. Key actions include its introduction on May 7, 2026, and its referral to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Moving forward, the committee will review the bill and may schedule hearings or mark-ups before it advances to a vote.
