Last week, the Department of Education concluded its negotiated rulemaking session and agreed to a definition of "professional program" that excludes physician associates (PAs) from eligibility for higher federal student loan limits. This decision could discourage future PAs from entering the profession and hinder efforts to address growing healthcare workforce shortages.
TAPA wants to hear from you, as federal student loans can play a critical role in making PA education accessible. By sharing your experience below, you can help TAPA illustrate the impacts of these proposed changes—on students, the profession, and the broader healthcare system.
