Making the Case for Health Care “Professions” and How Marketing Can Clarify the Reclassification Impact
A recent decision by the U.S. Department of Education to classify nursing and other health positions as “non-professional” has raised concern across the health care community. At a time of severe workforce shortages, the change prompts confusion and swift calls for clarity.
// By Susan Dubuque //
The Department of Education’s updated occupational classifications place nursing, social work, counseling, public health, physical and occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology under a “non-professional” designation, despite requiring advanced degrees, clinical rotations, and rigorous licensure.
For health care leaders, the implications extend well beyond semantics. These classifications can affect eligibility for federal financial aid, loan repayment programs, and workforce development funding, supports that attract students and sustain essential career pathways. The timing is especially challenging as the country faces a persistent nursing shortage, an escalating mental health crisis, and recruitment struggles across nearly every profession in health care.
Professional associations, advocacy groups, health systems, and educators are pressing for clarification and reconsideration, urging federal officials to acknowledge the expertise and responsibility these roles demand.
Keep reading as we take an in-depth look at how health care leaders are responding to this decision and how marketers can help safeguard future talent pipelines.