Defaulting on student loans can be a serious issue that can have lasting consequences on a person's financial well-being. However, for some professionals, such as nurses, defaulting on student loans can also have implications for their professional licenses.

‘Default' and ‘License' Meanings Vary by State

Before we dive into specific examples, it's important to note that each state has its own laws and regulations regarding professional licenses and student loan default. In general, however, most states have some type of provision that allows licensing boards to take action against professionals who default on their loans.

One example of a state that takes student loan default seriously when it comes to professional licenses is Texas. In Texas, the Board of Nursing is authorized to deny, revoke, or suspend a nurse's license if they default on their student loans. According to the Texas Occupations Code, the Board may take action against a nurse who has defaulted on a loan guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation or any other state or federal agency.

Similarly, in California, nurses who default on their student loans may face disciplinary action from the Board of Registered Nursing. According to the California Business and Professions Code, the Board has the authority to discipline a licensee for "defaulting on a student loan guaranteed by the state or federal government."

In Georgia, nurses who default on their student loans may also face disciplinary action from the state's Board of Nursing. According to the Georgia Secretary of State, the Board may take disciplinary action against a nurse who has defaulted on a federal education loan.

While these are just a few examples, they illustrate the point that defaulting on student loans can have serious consequences for a nurse's professional license. It's important for nurses to be aware of the potential implications of defaulting on their loans and to take steps to avoid default if possible.

How to Avoid Default

So, what can nurses do to avoid defaulting on their student loans? There are several options available, depending on the nurse's individual circumstances. For example, nurses may be able to enter into an income-driven repayment plan, which allows them to make payments based on their income rather than the amount they owe. Nurses may also be able to defer their loans if they are experiencing financial hardship, or consolidate their loans to make them more manageable.

In addition to these options, nurses can also seek out resources and support to help them manage their student loans. For example, many nursing associations offer resources and advice for nurses who are struggling with student loan debt. Nurses can also work with a financial advisor or debt counselor to develop a plan for paying off their loans and avoiding default.

Help is Available

Though the specifics of professional license discipline for student loan default vary by state, defaulting on student loans can have serious consequences for a nurse's career. A nurse who is facing default needs legal advice from a lawyer who understands the issues involved and can offer wise, experienced counsel. If you're a nurse who is worried about defaulting on your student loans, attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Nationwide Professional License Defense Team are here to help. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 today.