OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Nebraska health care officials warn the state’s nursing shortage could worsen after the U.S. Department of Education removed nursing from its definition of professional degrees, reducing federal loan limits for future students.

The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) said the state is currently short approximately 5,000 nurses. The federal change could threaten the state’s ability to train and retain nursing professionals.

Loan limits cut in half

The reclassification means future nursing students will face reduced federal loan limits. The lifetime cap will drop from $200,000 to $100,000 when the change takes effect.

The NHA said a typical advanced nursing degree costs around $170,000, making the reduced loan limits problematic for students pursuing higher educatio

See Full Page