The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology raised concerns about federal student loan limits affecting CRNAs and other advanced nursing degrees.
The rule defines “professional students” as those in certain degree programs eligible for up to $50,000 in annual federal loans, with a $200,000 cap. Graduate students are limited to $20,500 annually and $100,000 total. Advanced nursing degrees are not included in the professional category, and the changes take effect July 1.
Jeff Molter, MSN, CRNA, president of the association, said the U.S. Department of Education’s final rule restricts loan access, despite nurse anesthesia programs meeting eligibility requirements. He said the policy could affect workforce supply and patient access to care, according to an April 30 system news release.
The group said the policy could reduce the pipeline of anesthesia providers, leading to delays for procedures such as cancer screenings, childbirth and surgery. It added that the effects would be most pronounced in rural and underserved areas, where CRNAs often serve as primary anesthesia providers.
The association also cited financial barriers for students, stating those in doctoral-level nurse anesthetist programs would need to secure more than $77,000 in additional private loans. It added that 75% of prospective applicants said education would no longer be financially feasible under the caps and 80% expressed concern about securing private loans.
AANA urged federal policymakers to reconsider the rule, citing potential impacts on access to nurse anesthesia education and care delivery.
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