Pending proposal to cap student loans could affect growth of healthcare workforce

(BPT) - With national healthcare workforce shortages continuing to impact patient access to care across the country, groups like the American Academy of Physicians Associates (AAPA) — the national organization that represents physician associates/assistants (PAs) — are actively working to raise awareness of a proposed rule from the Department of Education (ED).

In early November, ED announced its decision to set a definition of a "professional program" that excludes PAs, nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, physical and occupational therapists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and others from eligibility for higher federal student loan limits.