Is it hard for a male to get into nursing school?

[coldburn]

I've been hearing two different things over the past several years. While I was in high school I attended the CNA program and the nurses there always mentioned how they loved seeing men being involved with nursing and how it's easier for men to get accepted into nursing schools because of not many males wanting to do that type of work. Here recently, I've been hearing it's almost impossible for a male to get accepted into nursing school and it actually hurts more than helps and I'll most likely be placed on a huge waiting list before I could even be considered a couple of years from now. Which of these statements are more likely true? I mean I don't want to waste my time and money in college while I have a wife (she's trying to get into LPN school) and a baby at home that depend on me? Would it be in the best interest to just stay in the workforce looking for a career or give nursing a chance? I'm getting kind of discouraged by the remarks here lately stating it's not easy for a male to be accepted into a nursing program. Isn't that discrimination?

[NURSEDETROIT]

Back in the day, I would have said "yes" to your inquiry. Today, not. Nursing is a difficult field of study to get into, however, once a nurse; so many avenues to take. . .If someone disallowed your entry into any program, it would be grounds for a discrimination suit. . . "Document" your attempts/responses received. Being that there are limitations on programs, make sure your grades and references are up to snuff. . .they are seeking the best and brightest as well as those who are passionate about pursuing nursing. I love working with male nurses and have had the pleasure in doing so for many years; just keep at it, you will get there. . .Seek out a forward thinking program and ask them, "How many males are typically admitted to your program." Note the responses you receive. . .

[jayne1975]

I don't think it matters what gender you are, as far as I know, nursing programs are based on the application processes in place at the campuses. Usually the biggest deciding factors being your GPA or placement testing scores, previous education, and if you've completed all the required prerequisites for the program.

You are correct stating that it would be discrimination if it were based on gender, race, religious affiliation, etc. If its something you really want to do, I would say it is in your best interest to apply and see what happens. Talk to the advisers at the college/university you'd like to attend and they are typically very helpful about making sure you have everything in order to apply for that nursing program with all your 'ducks in a row'. Best of luck to you!

edited to add: It has been a while since I was in school, but out of approximately 75 nursing students, at least 10 were men, and I think all but one of the guys graduated (one had to drop for medical reasons).

[NURSEDETROIT]

Everyone, irrespective of gender will encounter frustrations and setbacks; it's ones reaction to them and how you deal with it that matters and speaks to the type of person you are and what you are made of. . . one's "metal" so to say. . .It is not for everyone; nor is it perfect. There are many things about nursing that "suck" as some have said. . .Isn't it Ghandi that said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world. . ." Jake's book is a hoot, I can understand the controversy it is causing . . . LOVE IT! Controversy isn't necessarily bad; it shows the direction that should be taken, points out what is wrong. . . Bravo J.D.! More need to have the intestinal fortitude he showed in writing the truth of it all. . .

[starr-rn1]

What you really need is testicular fortitude, not intestinal fortitude !!! Sorry nursedetroit. Tuff up now or be ready to eatten alive later by burnt out middle aged Phillipino nurses.

[amygarside]

I firmly believe that there gender is not important in being a nurse.As long as you can do your work efficiently and you are passionate about your job then it does not matter if you are a male or female. Sometimes what you hear can just be rumors. What is best is that you just apply for the work that you think suits you and go on from there.

[ronniew]

I don't think that is true at all. It is my experience that men in nursing school education tend to have higher GPA's to begin with and have hopes of either being a NP or CRNA. I don't think it is a quota that needs to be meet as much is it is that male nursing students tend to be more career orientated. I sat on the interview boards to help decide who was accepted into graduate school, not once did they tell me to make my decision on gender or race. You will also see that the overall percentage of male to female students increases in graduate school. Men are more likely to move onto graduate education. Though I am an anesthetist and in a more male dominated field, my graduating class was 50/50 male/female mix. The NP class where I went to school was about 30% male. My undergraduate class had 6 guys and 92 women, over 6%. I would be willing to believe that in other fields men get preference, but nursing is female dominated. I just won’t believe that women are discriminating against women in favor of male applicants. And there definitely would be lawsuits if this could be proven to be occurring.

[scotttyna]

I also don't think that gender matter to become a nurse at all. It doesn't matter weather you are a male or female. What matters is that how much serious are you towards your study of profession. Any male can also be a good nurse!!!

[danielle5454]

In our setting, more and more males are actually being admitted to the nursing classes and I don't think the school has a problem with that...as long as the student can meet the academic requirements to be in the nursing class, then they're in

[Frankreich]

Don't believe everything you hear. Entry to reputable nursing schools is based on your test scores.

[NurseEducator]

I concur gender does not matter on entry into programs. You may of course encounter individuals in the hiring phase that hire based on their own predjudices. This happens for foreign nurses, american nurses, males, certain races, disabled nurses, short nurses, fat nurses, skinny nurses, old nurses, young nurses, etc. In other words we can never be sure everyone will accept us and it really doesnt matter. Enough options exist that you will be employable. Also, work to the wise: sometimes what you hear is venting or sour grapes and the forum cannot weed out those that have difficulties based on their personality issues. Not being able to get along with others is a problem in all playgrounds. Nursing has been a good professional choice to me giving me opportunites to work and grow in many settings. If I had anything negative to say at all it is the 12 hr shifts that have become not 1 option to staffing issues but, a trend I hope to see fade away whenever we can come up with better options. After all this, if you still have reservations think of other medical careers that have more males like: Physical Therapy, OT, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy,etc.
I for one have had great experiences with most of the nurses I have worked with over the years male and female and enough good to outweigh the few bad apples on the tree.
Best wishes,

[ianursestudent15]

I completely agree to your point NurseEducator!

[CriticalWear]

I think you should go for it. There are some amazing male nurses in the field. Gender should not be an issue. Just keep your grades up and try to get a job as a tech once you are in nursing school so that you can be gaining experience in the field.

Best of luck,

Kimberly
CriticalWear.com

[amygarside]

No! Gender was never a criteria for anyone to take up school. If you excel in nursing, then do so...bisexual, homosexual, male and female have all the right to get into nursing school.

[ExamExpert]

Was not a factor into getting into the program for me. However, once you're in the program, I did feel like there was some subtle discrimination coming from a few of the clinical instructors.

Since clinicals are graded by the teachers basically on their opinions of you, it was really concerning for me. It seemed like none of the males in my class were able to get "A"s. I only got one, near the end of the program, even though I'm sure we all worked very hard.

Don't let it discourage you though! These are just a few crotchety instructors. Most were very fair, and when you graduate, it's true that in the workplace male nurses are valued. Just think about how much heavy lifting we can help with haha. Plus, like it or not, it helps you stand out as an interviewee solely because there are less of us applying.