A nursing degree demands an exceptional level of dedication, involving numerous hours of classroom instruction and essential hands-on practical training. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners are educated to be the backbone of healthcare, providing indispensable services crucial to patient survival. Nurses across the United States display unparalleled commitment and skill, playing a vital role in life-saving procedures, spotting medication errors, and addressing life-threatening conditions with speed and precision.

Despite the rigorous training and critical responsibilities that nurses bear, the US Department of Education does not currently recognize nursing as a professional degree. This oversight undermines the invaluable contributions nurses make to the healthcare sector and their profound impact on patient health and safety. Nurses work seamlessly alongside physicians and other medical professionals, making crucial decisions in high-pressure situations to ensure the highest level of care for their patients.

Nurse practitioners, a key component in advancing clinical care, serve as primary and specialty healthcare providers. Recognition of nursing as a professional degree is not just a matter of prestige—it directly impacts nursing graduates in terms of student loans, recognition in the workplace, and opening pathways for further academic and career advancements.

Moreover, redefining nursing as a professional degree can help address the chronic shortage of healthcare practitioners by elevating the status and attractiveness of the nursing profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nursing positions are projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth heightens the need for the profession to be seen and respected as an equal partner in healthcare.

Support this petition to urge the US Department of Education to recognize nursing as a professional degree. This recognition is essential for reflecting the true worth of nursing in the medical field and for providing nurses the respect and opportunities they have earned through their hard work and dedication. Sign this petition to stand in solidarity with thousands of nurses who strive every day to provide excellent care as vital members of the healthcare team.