The Rise of Male Nurses: A New Chapter in Healthcare

Male nurses are becoming an increasingly vital part of the healthcare industry as demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. While nursing has long been considered a female-dominated field, more men are joining the profession, bringing diverse perspectives and strengths to patient care. As male nurse stereotypes continue to fade, the number of men entering the field is rising.

What percentage of nurses are male?

According to The American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN), the percentage of male nurses has consistently increased over the last twenty years with male nurses now comprising about 12% of the profession. Similarly, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that about 13% of registered nurses (RNs) are male. And according to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, male RNs made up 11.2% of the workforce in 2022, compared to 9.4% in 2020, and 8.0% in 2015.

Enrollment within nursing programs reflects this trend, with the AACN’s Annual Survey of baccalaureate and higher degree programs estimating that as of 2022, 13% of nursing students at the undergraduate level were male.

Let’s explore the rise of male nursing, debunk common myths and gender stereotypes, highlight exciting career opportunities for male nurses, and provide actionable advice for men considering a career in nursing.

So, why are more men choosing nursing?

Nursing remains one of the most respected and trusted professions. It offers job security and flexibility, excellent pay and benefits, and various opportunities for specialization and career growth. It is an attractive option for men seeking a stable yet dynamic career. Here are three key reasons why male nursing is becoming more popular:

Career Stability & Financial Benefits

Nursing can provide stable employment and competitive salaries, making it an attractive career path for men. According to the 2022 Nurse Salary Research Report, the average male nurse salary is comparable or higher than that of their female counterparts, with these opportunities for higher earnings usually available in specialized, exciting fields. These include specialties such as critical and intensive care nursing, emergency nursing, flight nursing, and perioperative nursing. While the BLS does not break down nurse salaries by gender, it does report that the median annual wage for registered nurses was $86,070 or about $41.38 per hour as of May 2023. This is significantly higher than the average salary for all occupations in the United States of $65,470 or $23.11 an hour.

Action-Oriented & High Stakes Roles

Nursing may appeal to men who are looking for a fast-paced work environment. Emergency and trauma nursing require quick clinical decision-making under pressure, which are skills that men who have a military or first responder background may already possess. Flight nursing takes high-stakes care to new heights–quite literally–as it involves the delivery of skilled care while airborne in various environments. These nursing specialties may therefore appeal to men who thrive in exciting settings and to those who want to make an immediate, life-saving impact on their patients.

A Purpose-Driven Career

Men in nursing are often drawn to the nursing profession’s service-oriented nature. For military veterans, nursing can offer a structured and disciplined environment that is suitable to their sense of duty to their patients, fellow nurses, and healthcare team. Nursing requires problem-solving, integrity, and critical thinking, skills at which veterans often excel. The nursing profession may therefore allow ex-military and service members to find purpose in the next phase of their professional lives.

Dispelling Myths About Male Nurses

Tackling Male Nurse Stereotypes

One of the biggest barriers to more men entering nursing is the misconception that it is a “women’s profession.” In reality, nursing demands a diverse range of skills that transcend traditional gender stereotypes. Men entering the field often bring unique strengths, such as direct communication styles and the ability to connect with male patients in ways that can enhance overall patient care. Additionally, many come from backgrounds in male-dominated professions, such as construction, engineering, or military service, where they develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a strong sense of teamwork—all of which translate well to nursing.

Breaking Barriers & Overcoming Discrimination

Male nurses may encounter biases or challenges related to gender discrimination in the workplace. One 2019 study exploring mens’ experiences in nursing showed that male nurses experience feelings of gender role conflict, feelings of exclusion in the workplace, and other stressors that come from working in a female-dominated profession. This study found that despite these difficulties, male nurses still found great gratification in their line of work.

While gender discrimination still exists, gender diversity in nursing is increasing, and workplaces are becoming more inclusive. Both the ANA and AACN recognize the importance of diversity and gender inclusion. The American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) actively works to change these perceptions and promote gender diversity in nursing. The AACN emphasizes the value of a diverse workforce in delivering quality patient care, and this includes recruiting more males into the field.

Historical Perspective

Despite these stereotypes and barriers to men in nursing, men have a long and rich history in nursing, particularly in wartime settings. Although male nurses in WW2 were not officially recognized under that title, men performed similar duties as medics and corpsmen, providing critical care in battle zones. It wasn’t until 1955 that men were officially allowed to serve as nurses in the U.S. Army Reserve, marking a major milestone in gender inclusivity in nursing. Until this policy change, men may have worked under titles such as orderlies or medics in the U.S. military.

Several decades later, in the 1982 case Mississippi University for Women vs. Hogan, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the university’s single sex admissions policy for its nursing program violated the Equal Protection Clause under the Fourteenth Amendment. This watershed ruling for male nurses facing discrimination was a huge win for male nursing as it finally allowed men to enter civilian nursing education programs.

High-Stakes Career Paths for Male Nurses

These historical milestones for men in nursing have laid the groundwork for the profession today and have created opportunities for men to pursue various nursing specialties that particularly algin with their interests. Emergency and trauma nursing, flight nursing, and nursing leadership are areas where male nurses may thrive and find fulfillment in their nursing careers.

ER & Trauma Nursing

Emergency and trauma nursing is a perfect fit for men who excel in high pressure situations. ER nurses must think quickly, make critical decisions, and manage chaotic and often stressful environments. The ability to stay calm and focused is key, and this type of work can be especially appealing to those who thrive on challenges and rewards. Emergency room nurses must be able to handle a diverse range of patient cases, from minor illnesses to life-threatening conditions. This variety can be particularly engaging, adding to the sense of purpose and dynamism in the work. The urgency of ER and trauma nursing may be appealing for men who enjoy problem solving and action in the workplace.

Flight Nursing

Flight nursing extends critical care beyond hospital walls, requiring nurses to deliver advanced medical support during air transport by helicopter or plane. Flight nursing can be an ideal career for male nurses who enjoy a high stakes work environment. It can be a good fit for men who are able to maintain composure while delivering complex nursing care. Like ER nursing, flight nursing may be a great fit for male nurses who seek excitement while delivering life-saving care.

Leadership & Career Growth

Men can also take advantage of leadership opportunities and will find vast opportunities for career growth and development in this respect. Like their female counterparts, male RNs can transition into leadership roles as their careers progress. This may include leadership roles such as charge nurse, nurse manager, or even nurse executive or administrator. While these positions require experience as a staff nurse first, leadership opportunities may present themselves as a male RN’s career progresses, especially as the demand for nurses grows and healthcare facilities continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion.

Overcoming Challenges in a Female-Dominated Field

Building Respect & Professional Identify

Being in the minority can present unique challenges, but male nurses often earn respect by demonstrating expertise, professionalism, and compassion for their patients.

Male nurses can increase their confidence by pursuing continuing education to stay current on best practices for nursing care. Earning advanced certifications can further strengthen their professional identity and credentials.

Actively listening to patients and colleagues, showing empathy, and adapting to others’ communication styles helps build professional rapport. Additionally, adhering to the Nursing Code of Ethics is crucial as it ensures male nurses uphold the highest standard of integrity, patient advocacy, and professional conduct.

Men can enhance their professional value by volunteering for workplace committees which may include ethics committees, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and safety or quality improvement committees (such as reducing unit falls or hospital acquired infections). Additionally, mentoring new nurses or nursing students can help male nurses show their commitment to collaboration.

In the face of persistent stigmas, male nurses possess the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to excel in the field. Their dedication and compassionate care play a vital role in overcoming the challenges of working in a traditionally female-dominated profession.

Support Networks & Professional Groups

Men in nursing have access to a variety of support networks that provide mentorship, professional development, and the opportunity for peer connections. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is one of several groups that supports diversity and inclusion in nursing. It provides access to nursing webinars, resources, and professional journals and lays out the Code of Ethics for Nurses, all of which are helpful for men entering the profession.

There are state-based nursing organizations that support men in the nursing field. These local groups provide mentorship and support within their local communities. The San Diego Association for Men in Nursing is one great example of a local group championing an inclusive professional nursing environment for future and current male nurses.

Male nursing students can take advantage of professional networks while in school. The National Students Nurses’ Association (NSNA) aims to mentor students preparing to enter the nursing profession by promoting the standards, skills, and ethics that are critical to becoming a successful entry level nurse. The NSNA has a Breakthrough to Nursing Committee that is focused on increasing the number and diversity of students choosing nursing as a career, especially to groups that have historically been underrepresented in nursing such as men.

Male nurses can connect with organizations like the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN). This is a professional organization created for and by male RNs and provides support, advocacy, and resources for the male nursing community. Advocacy and professional groups like the AAMN help male nurses share their experiences, promote gender diversity in healthcare, and break down traditional stereotypes regarding men and women as they relate to the nursing profession. This organization provides leadership opportunities for men who would like to get involved with the association and provides continuing education, conferences, and meetings for the network.

Shaping the Future of Nursing

As male nursing grows, the profession benefits from a broader range of perspectives and skill sets. Increased gender diversity in nursing contributes to a more well-rounded and effective healthcare system that better serves diverse populations of patients. The AACN recognizes that the lack of diversity in the healthcare workforce has contributed to health inequity among underrepresented groups and that improving nursing diversity will therefore strengthen trust between nurses and patients.

Men play a key role in achieving this diversity initiative and reducing health inequities. It is critical for the profession to recruit and retain more male RNs, and with the percentage of male nurses growing quickly, there has never been a better time to consider a career in nursing.

Why a BSN is a Great Path to Male Nursing

Comprehensive Training & Specialization

If you are a prospective male nursing student, a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) provides a strong foundation for entrance into the profession. Research by the AACN shows that BSN prepared nurses are better equipped to handle complex patient situations. A BSN education prepares nurses to confidently enter specialized areas of nursing such as critical care, emergency medicine, and flight nursing, which can be appealing to male RNs and prospective students.

Career Longevity & Growth

A BSN opens doors to leadership roles, advanced practice, and long-term career growth and stability. Many employers and healthcare institutions either prefer or require their nurses to hold BSNs. The BSN degree is a valuable investment for aspiring male who want to create lasting change in their future careers.

If male RNs want to pursue graduate education and advanced practice, the BSN will be a prerequisite degree. This includes advanced practice professions such as nursing anesthesia, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwifery. Doctoral or terminal degree nursing programs such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing will also require a BSN as a prerequisite degree.

Why More Men Should Consider Nursing

As more men enter the nursing field, they are breaking stereotypes in healthcare, creating a more diverse workforce while redefining what it means to be a modern nurse. Patients and the healthcare industry as a whole benefit when more male nurses decide to join the profession and contribute their unique perspective.

If this sounds like something that interests you, take the first step today—explore the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) and start your journey toward a rewarding career in healthcare!

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Author Bio:

Tana Bao MSN, FNP-BC, NP-C, APRN

Tana Bao is an experienced advanced practice registered nurse. She earned her BSN from The University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2016 and her MSN from Thomas Jefferson University in 2019. She is board certified to practice as a family nurse practitioner with both The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (NP-C) and The American Nurses Credentialing Center (FNP-BC). Clinically, she has worked in various medical settings including family planning, women’s health, sleep medicine, and primary care. She now also writes professionally as a health content writer and journalist and is also pursuing a post master’s certificate in nursing education.

Citations

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9. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Employment Wage Statistics. May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.
10. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses. (visited February 17, 2025)
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Information in this post is accurate as of March 12, 2025.

*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.