I am very concerned about the decision of the U.S. Department of Education to decertify federal loan support for large parts of the non-physician health-care providers (social workers, nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, dental hygienist, and nurse educators) as well as teachers and architects. At a time when there is a critical shortage of all of these health-care providers and of teachers, it seems imprudent to make the process to attain these patient treatment skills and teacher education skills more difficult to attain. One of the most serious causes of the nursing shortage is the significant shortage of nurse educators who train all nurses. The resulting decrease in funds for the training of these professionals will limit the opportunities for highly talented and promising individuals whose finances limit their ability to afford the cost of education and training.
Frank Vozak
Oak Park