Academy Responds to Department of Education on Federal Student Loan Caps
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its proposed definition of “professional degree” and associated caps on federal graduate student loans.
This response was informed by member input to ensure the concerns and experiences of O&P professionals were reflected.
The Academy raised significant concerns about two elements of the proposal: the exclusion of orthotics and prosthetics from the “professional degree” designation and the proposed caps on degrees categorized as “non-professional.”
Our submission outlines why O&P education meets the federal definition of a professional degree. Entry into the profession requires completion of a CAAHEP-accredited master’s program, a mandatory 18–24-month residency, national board certification, and, in many states, licensure. Certification must also be maintained through continuing education.
The Academy also detailed the financial realities facing O&P students, including high tuition costs, limited program availability, modest residency compensation, and reliance on federal loans to bridge educational expenses and early-career earnings.
Restricting access to adequate federal student loans would have significant downstream effects, including:
- Reduced access to O&P education
- Worsening workforce shortages
- Increased patient wait times
- Greater clinician burnout
- Delayed or diminished care for individuals who rely on orthotic and prosthetic services
O&P care is essential rehabilitative infrastructure supporting mobility, independence, and long-term health. Policies that limit entry into the profession ultimately impact the millions of Americans who depend on timely orthotic and prosthetic care.
Accordingly, the Academy has urged the Department of Education to:
- Classify O&P master’s-level education as a professional degree
- Increase loan caps for degrees designated as non-professional to reflect actual educational costs
The Academy will continue engaging federal policymakers to protect access to O&P education and ensure a sustainable workforce capable of meeting growing patient demand.