AAPA Commends U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler for Introducing Legislation to Protect Access to Student Loans for PAs, Other Professions

AAPA Commends U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler for Introducing Legislation to Protect Access to Student Loans for PAs, Other Professions

Alexandria, Va. (Dec. 18, 2025) - The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) commends U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17-R) for introducing legislation to ensure physician associates/assistants (PAs) and several other professions are included in the "professional" tier for federal student loans - in keeping with the intent and language of The Working Families Tax Cut Act (H.R. 1).

The Professional Student Degree Act would codify into law the definition of "professional degree" currently in regulation. It lists programs considered "professional" under this definition including PAs as well as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other professions consistent with the language and intent of the provision Congress enacted as part of H.R.1.

"AAPA applauds Congressman Lawler for stepping up to introduce this legislation and ensure the final rule issued by ED reflects the legislative language and intent of what Congress enacted," said AAPA President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO.

"People who are going into healthcare should be able to have access to the loans they need so they can afford to complete their professional studies and take care of patients. That is the standard we should be working toward. If we fail to protect access to healthcare education today, we will feel the consequences in every clinic and every community tomorrow."

###

About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed, board-certified clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.