Federal Action Threatens PA Student Loan Access

A critical development threatens the financial viability of PA education and could significantly impact the future PA workforce in Iowa and across the nation.

What Happened?


On November 7, 2025, the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) released a statement in response to a concerning decision by the Department of Education's RISE committee. The committee has proposed regulatory text for implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that excludes PA programs from the definition of "professional programs" for student loan purposes, despite PA education clearly meeting all congressional criteria.


Why This Matters


Under the proposed loan limits for new borrowers after July 1, 2026, PA students would face borrowing caps that fall well below the actual cost of completing their required education. This change would:


  • Create significant financial barriers for students entering PA programs
  • Potentially reduce the pipeline of future PAs during a critical healthcare workforce shortage
  • Undermine the accessibility of PA education for qualified candidates
  • Contradicts clear congressional intent in defining professional programs


PA Programs Meet All Federal Criteria


As PAEA CEO Sara Fletcher, PhD, emphasized: "PA programs are accredited graduate-level professional programs designed explicitly to meet the academic requirements necessary for clinical practice."


PA programs unequivocally meet all three requirements established in H.R. 1 for "professional programs":


  1. Prepare students to complete academic requirements for professional practice
  2. Provide education and training beyond the bachelor's degree level
  3. Lead directly to professional licensure


PA students complete intensive full-time graduate coursework, participate in year-long supervised clinical rotations, and must pass rigorous national certification and state licensure requirements, all of which prevent outside employment and necessitate reliable access to federal financial aid.


PAEA's Response


PAEA is urging the Department of Education to revise its proposal before the final rule is released to align with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's clear statutory criteria. The organization has committed to pursuing every available avenue to protect students' ability to finance their education and maintain the strength and accessibility of PA programs nationwide.


What Can You Do?


This issue affects not only future PA students but also the sustainability of our profession and our ability to meet growing healthcare demands. We encourage all Iowa PA Society members to:



The Bottom Line


As healthcare demand continues to accelerate, federal policy must recognize the nature and rigor of PA education. Excluding PA programs from professional student loan access contradicts both the letter of the law and the urgent needs of America's health workforce.


The Iowa PA Society will continue monitoring this situation closely and will provide updates as they become available. Together, we must ensure that future generations of PAs have the financial support necessary to complete their education and join our profession.