364: [URGENT] Proposed Federal Rule Could Block PA Students From Student Loans — Here’s What To Do

A federal policy change could quietly reshape the future of the Physician Associate profession — and most clinicians don’t even know it’s happening.In this urgent advocacy episode, Tracy sits down with Jen Campbell, PA-C, cardiology PA, PA supervisor, and current president of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates (PSPA), to break down what a proposed Department of Education rule could mean for PA students, future clinicians, and patient access to care.At the center of the issue is a redefinition of what counts as a “professional program.” If PAs are excluded from that definition, graduate loan limits could drop to $25,000 each year and a lifetime cap of $100,000, making PA school financially inaccessible for many students — especially first-generation, rural, and lower-income applicants.This isn’t just a student issue. It’s a workforce issue. A patient care issue. A healthcare access issue.And the most important part?There is still time to act. **Comment period ends on March 2nd**What the proposed federal rule actually says (plain-English breakdown)Why the definition of “professional degree” mattersHow loan caps could limit access to PA schoolWho will be most affected — and why that matters for patient careThe link between education access and clinician shortagesHow individual clinicians can influence policy (yes, you)Real steps you can take today to advocate for the professionIf fewer students can afford PA school → fewer clinicians graduate → patient access declines.Policies like this don’t just affect training.They shape the future of healthcare delivery.If you only act on one advocacy issue this year — make it this one.Ways to help:Submit a public comment to federal regulators HERE: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ED-2025-OPE-0944-0001  Contact your representative or senator using www.5Calls.org Educate colleagues who haven’t heard about this yet - SHARE this episode widely! Advocacy doesn’t require a title.It requires a voice.Jen Campbell, PA-CCardiology Physician AssociatePA Supervisor managing 25 APPs across four hospitalsPresident, Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates (PSPA)Advocate for clinician workforce sustainability and education accessConnect with Jen on LinkedIn or through PSPA to learn more about current advocacy initiatives.Physician Associate advocacy, PA student loans, Department of Education rule, graduate loan limits, healthcare workforce shortage, PA school cost, federal loan policy, healthcare legislation, clinician advocacy, PA profession future, PSPA president interview, AAPA advocacy, healthcare access policy, student loan reform healthcare, federal rulemaking healthcare education.You don’t have to be a policy expert to change policy.You just have to speak.What You’ll LearnWhy This Matters📣 Call to Action👩‍⚕️ About Today’s GuestKeywords:Key Takeaways: TAKE ACTION:Head to www.tracybingaman.com/act Advocacy Central at the AAPA https://www.aapa.org/advocacy-central/federal-student-loan-changes/