NMC Dean of Nursing Featured in Newsweek

NMC Dean of Nursing Featured in Newsweek: America’s Top Nursing Schools on Navigating DOE Changes

Omaha, Neb. - Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Mindy Barna, Dean of Nursing and Vice President of Nursing Operations, was recently featured in Newsweek in the article “America’s Top Nursing Schools on Navigating DOE Changes.” The national piece highlights how leading nursing institutions are responding to recent policy shifts by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and outlines the implications for graduate nursing students and the profession as a whole.

Read the full Newsweek article here.

The article discusses a change announced by the DOE that would no longer classify nursing as a “professional” degree under federal financial aid guidelines — a reclassification that could limit student loan eligibility for graduate nursing students beginning in mid-2026. Amid this evolving landscape, top nursing schools are sharing perspectives on advocacy, workforce needs and student support. NMC and other “Special Focus: Nursing” institutions spoke to Newsweek about how they are approaching the issue and prioritizing student success.

In Newsweek, Dr. Barna emphasized the professional identity of nurses and the need for clear federal policy that supports advanced nursing education. “We all know that nursing is a professional degree. [Nursing] is a profession,” Barna said. “What the major confusion has come down to is how it is being described through federal financial aid.” Her comments reflect NMC’s commitment to ensuring that graduate nursing students are recognized and supported for their advanced roles in healthcare.

“Nursing is a profession that demands rigorous education, clinical expertise, and leadership,” said Dr. Barna. “We remain focused on advocating for policies that support access, affordability, and opportunity for our students and the future nursing workforce.”

NMC's nursing programs — from undergraduate to graduate levels — prepare students for a spectrum of careers in patient care, leadership, education and advanced practice. Whether searching for a women's nursing college or a coed institution with the same level of dedicated, specialized nursing education, students find that NMC's emphasis on evidence-based practice, clinical excellence and compassionate care equips graduates to respond to the complex needs of diverse healthcare settings. Prospective students and visitors can explore NMC’s nursing degrees and offerings on our website.

Nebraska Methodist College is a private, healthcare-focused institution consistently recognized among the top-ranked nursing schools in U.S. With a mission grounded in service, academic excellence and community impact, NMC equips graduates to meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems. To learn more about NMC, visit our site today!