Strategic Disempowerment "When they cut your titles, they cut your voice — but we are still the backbone, still the frontline, still the fire.” According to recent reporting, the following professions/degrees have been excluded from the higher “professional degree” classification by the U.S. Department of Education — meaning they will face tighter student-loan caps and fewer benefits. Nursing, Physician Assistants (PAs), Physical Therapists, Audiologists, Educators (Teachers), and Social Workers