[Articles](/articles.html)>[Nursing](/articles.html#nursing-articles) > Why become a male nurse?
# Why become a male nurse?
_This article was updated on April 16, 2024._
Written by[Elizabeth Exline](/blog/authors/elizabeth-exline.html)
This article was reviewed by[Raelene Brooks](/about/academic-leadership/dean-raelene-brooks.html), Dean, College of Nursing.
Just [12.7% of registered nurses were men](https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm#:~:text=6.8-,Registered%20nurses,-3%2C528)in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That number, however, has climbed over the decades. The [U.S. Census Bureau](https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/working-papers/2013/acs/2013_Landivar_02.pdf) reports that approximately just 2.7% of RNs were men in 1970. So, what are the benefits of being a male nurse, what are nurse salaries and why do we need more males in nursing in general? Here, we explore the history and future of men in this profession.
## History of men in nursing
As noted by the [U.S. Census Bureau](https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2013/02/men-in-nursing-occupations.html), “Men had significant representation in nursing until the 1800s because of the early association between nursing, the military and religious orders.”
With the outbreak of the Civil War, however, women stepped in to “fill the gap.” This shifted labor demographics away from nursing professions as a mostly male-dominated industry; by the early 1900s, women essentially dominated the nursing profession. In fact, men were not allowed to serve as nurses in certain groups like the Army Nurse Corps until after the Korean War.
### Male nurse statistics
Men in the nursing field followed this pattern, with numbers declining until the 1970s when recruiting and occupational retraining efforts were redoubled to avoid a predicted labor shortage in nursing jobs.
According to the[American Association of Colleges of Nursing](https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet), the United States did see an increase of men working in nursing jobs from 2019 to 2021, but there was a slight decrease in that number from 11.2% in 2022 to 10.4% in 2024
Men who want a career in nursing have plenty of opportunities to join the field, both through various[levels of nursing degrees](https://www.phoenix.edu/articles/nursing/levels-of-nursing-and-degrees.html)and among different[types of nurses](https://www.phoenix.edu/articles/nursing/what-are-some-different-types-of-nurses.html). For men who have an interest in healthcare, nursing offers plenty of educational and career pathways.
## 6 reasons nursing is a great career for men
**1. Steady job market.** Job growth for registered nurses is projected to continue at a[rate of 6%](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6)between 2025 and 2035, according to BLS.
_BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2025-2035 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates._
**2. A variety of career paths.** Whether an aspiring nurse is easily bored or a lifelong learner or looking for a career, nursing fits the bill for men as well.
**3. Flexibility.** For men looking to balance other interests or even child care with work, nursing offers a tantalizing level of flexibility with the ability to schedule shifts home and family schedules.
**4. Standing out for all the right reasons.** Men in nursing also bring diversity and fresh perspectives to the table. Their unique presence can foster a more inclusive and collaborative work environment, which could enhance patient care and satisfaction.
**5. Men make nursing more accessible.** Patients sometimes prefer nurses of one gender or another, which means male nurses answer an important desire from the patient population. By increasing the representation of men in nursing, healthcare facilities can better accommodate patients' diverse preferences, promoting greater comfort and trust in the care they receive.
**6. Nursing is a rewarding field.** Male or female, nurses get perhaps one of the biggest payoffs out there: being able to heal other human beings. Whether it’s comforting a distressed patient, assisting in lifesaving procedures or advocating for better healthcare policies, nurses play a vital role in improving the lives of individuals and communities.
## Misconceptions about male nurses
While nursing offers some compelling advantages for men, it doesn’t come without a few challenges. Chief among these are the misconceptions that need to be dispelled.
Men are often characterized as less empathetic, compassionate and caring individuals. A common myth that men in nursing also encounter is the idea that they couldn’t “hack medical school.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. RNs have access to more research opportunities and education.
That said, men in nursing must learn how to navigate the complexities of being a man in a healthcare field dominated by women.
Male nurses also have protocols to follow with female patients. Routine procedures like checking incisions or bathing female patients often require a chaperone. Additionally, female patients may prefer female nurses in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN).
## Nurse salary
Like any salary range, that of nursing is subject to experience, geography, area and type of practice. But there are other caveats to consider as well, such as career paths and opportunities for advancement. The level of education can also impact salary.
### Registered nurse salary
- **Annual salary**: As of May 2025, registered nurses made[between $68,940 and $137,470](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-5), with a median wage of $97,550, according to BLS.
- **Education requirements**: A bachelor’s degree is typically required.
- **Job outlook**:[6% growth](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6)between 2025 and 2035, according to BLS.
_The salary ranges are reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are not specific to University of Phoenix graduates. Further, these national averages may include earners at all stages of their career and may not accurately reflect entry-level wages or variations by region. Your earning outcome may vary. University of Phoenix does not guarantee salary level._
_BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2025-2035 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates._
## Why now is the time to be a male nurse
If the previous 50 years are anything to go by, nursing could continue to attract more and more men in the coming years. And this, pretty much everyone agrees, is a good thing. Having strong male figures in education and males in the field creates a mutually beneficial situation. Nursing itself would gain a more equitable balance between genders, while men could tap into the flexibility and earning potential that nursing affords.
The most[in-demand skills for a career in healthcare](https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/in-search-of-healthcare-skills.html)aren’t necessarily what one might think. Technological aptitude, big-picture thinking and empathy are just a few examples of what healthcare careers require these days. And those are all qualities men and women alike bring to the table.
## Explore educational options for male nurses
Ready to make your next move in nursing? University of Phoenix offers nursing programs that include:
- [RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing](https://author.phoenix.edu/content/edu/us/en/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-nursing-bachelors-degree.html)
- [Master of Science in Nursing](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/masters.html)
- [Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/family-nurse-practitioner-masters-degree.html)
- [Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner-masters-degree.html)
- [Nurse bridge program](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/nurse-bridge-program.html)
- [Doctor of Nursing Practice](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/nursing-practice-doctoral-degree.html)
Need more information? Contact[University of Phoenix](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information).
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What is it like to be a male nurse?
For Randall Hamilton, DNP, FNP-BC, the interest in nursing among men is not surprising. Hamilton is the former academic director of UOPX’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Today, he serves as an associate faculty member in UOPX’s College of Nursing., and he’s been in the field since he started out as a nursing assistant in 1977. The impact nurses had on people’s lives resonated with Hamilton, and so did another interesting aspect of nursing.
“I recall [seeing], even at that early age of 19 or 20, the respect [nurses] had from patients and physicians, and I remember that being a goal early on when thinking about my career path. Back then, it was unusual for a male to become a nurse,” Hamilton recalls. “People would ask, ‘Why didn’t you become a doctor? Did you fail at becoming a doctor and then go into nursing?’”
This line of questioning has diminished over the years, Hamilton acknowledges, and overall, his clinical experiences have been positive. Yes, he says men in this job tend to get assignments that require heavy lifting and sometimes even combative patients, but he’s never seen that as a problem. “It was just the strategy, more or less, to care for patients,” he adds.
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### ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Exline has been telling stories ever since she won a writing contest in third grade. She's covered design and architecture, travel, lifestyle content and a host of other topics for national, regional, local and brand publications. Additionally, she's worked in content development for Marriott International and manuscript development for a variety of authors.
### ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Dr. Raelene Brooks, dean of the College of Nursing, has been a registered nurse for more than 25 years and practiced extensively in the areas of ICU, trauma and critical care. Her publications include a focus on nursing education, critical care, and organizational wellness and engagement. She is a leader in creating, guiding and launching innovative curriculum.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
[Read more about our editorial process.](/blog/editorial-process.html)
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