Data Spotlight: Men In Nursing: Five-Year Trends Show No Growth

Increasing the number of men in nursing has long been a priority for those looking to create a more representative and inclusive nursing workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis, the nation did see an increase in the percentage of employed male nurses from 2019 to 2021, but a slight decrease was noted in 2022 (Figure 1).¹ As of 2022, male nurses comprise about 12% of the national nursing workforce. While there has been a consistent upward trend over the last 20 years in the percentage of males in nursing, this representation has stalled at around 12% to 13% for the most recent three years. 

Based on data from AACN’s Annual Survey of baccalaureate and higher degree programs, the percentage of male nurses enrolled in nursing programs varied by degree level (Figure 2).² Across program levels, enrollments of male students have remained relatively stable over the last five years. Contrary to student trends, AACN has seen growth in the population of male faculty, which increased from 6.5% in 2018 to 7.8% in 2022.³

Figure 1: Percentage of Male Nurses Employed in U.S.

Figure 2: Percentage of Males Enrolled in Nursing Programs

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022). Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.ht

²2018-2022 Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing. Washington, DC: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

³2021-2022 Salaries of Instructional and Administrative Nursing Faculty in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing. Washington, DC: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.