
The reclassification… narrows the definition of “professional degree” programs to just eleven fields: medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, law, veterinary medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, chiropractic, theology, and clinical psychology…. Theology is included, whereas nursing at all advanced levels (Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice), teaching and education degrees, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, social work, public health, architecture, and counseling are excluded — professions that educate children, care for the sick and elderly, and provide essential social services.