The home visiting field has seen the Department of Education’s decision to classify nursing and social work as outside the scope of “professional degree” programs for federal loan purposes. This classification could significantly limit graduate education pathways and worsen existing workforce strain.
Across home visiting models, our ability to improve health, strengthen family stability, and support multigenerational wellbeing depends on a highly trained workforce of nurses, social workers, and mental health clinicians. These professionals bring specialized skills in maternal and child health, infant and early childhood mental health, and family support—expertise that is foundational to impactful home visiting.
The workforce is already under immense pressure. The United States faces a critical nursing shortage, with projections estimating a deficit of nearly 300,000 nurses and hospital vacancy rates exceeding 10%. Mental health clinicians face similar shortages nationwide. Restricting access to federal graduate loan programs will only heighten these challenges and undermine efforts to recruit and retain the qualified professionals who deliver home visiting services.
Nurses and social workers are essential professionals. Excluding them from the federal definition of “professional degree” not only diminishes their value but also creates new barriers for those seeking advanced training—barriers that ultimately affect the children and families we collectively serve through home visiting.
We urge the Department of Education to reconsider this decision and restore nursing and social work to the list of programs recognized as professional degrees within federal loan eligibility rules.
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
About Changent
Changent is a national organization dedicated to improving health outcomes by scaling and supporting data-driven programs that create lasting, multigenerational impact for children, families and communities. As the umbrella organization for Child First and Nurse-Family Partnership®, Changent works to ensure every child and family has access to the resources they need to thrive. Through innovative partnerships, inclusive care and a commitment to long-term transformation, Changent empowers healthier futures for generations to come.