Men in Nursing: Why Rutgers University–Camden Stands Out for Nursing Education in the USA
Nursing is one of the most stable, respected, and in-demand professions in the USA, offering long-term career security alongside the chance to make a measurable difference in patients’ lives. Yet one gap persists: according to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey, men account for roughly 10% of registered nurses nationwide — a figure that has actually declined slightly since 2022. Changing that picture requires nursing schools that actively recruit, retain, and champion male students.
Rutgers School of Nursing has done exactly that for nearly a decade. The American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) has named the school a recipient of the 2026 Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award, marking the ninth consecutive year of national recognition. For anyone evaluating nursing education options in the USA — particularly men seeking a program where they will find mentorship, community, and leadership opportunities — this track record offers useful insight into what genuine support looks like.
Considering a nursing career in the USA? Request more information about Rutgers University–Camden and its nursing pathways to see how the program supports men in nursing from day one.
Nine Consecutive Years of Recognition for Men in Nursing
The Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award is not granted for a single initiative or one strong admissions cycle. AAMN presents it to schools and colleges that demonstrate sustained commitment in several areas: recruiting men into nursing programs, retaining them through graduation, fostering a supportive educational environment, and educating students, faculty, and the surrounding community about the contributions men make to the profession.
Rutgers School of Nursing first earned the honor in 2018 and has received it every year since. The 2026 award will be formally presented during AAMN’s 51st annual conference, held October 15–17 in Las Vegas, where nursing educators from across the country gather to share strategies for building a more representative workforce.
“Men remain underrepresented in nursing, and Rutgers School of Nursing is committed to addressing this,” said Angela Starkweather, dean and professor. “Students need mentors, peers, leadership opportunities, and an environment that encourages them to stay, grow, and see the many ways they can contribute to the profession.”
Why Men in Nursing Strengthen USA Healthcare
The effort to recruit and retain men in nursing goes beyond statistics. The American Nurses Association notes that a nursing workforce reflecting the patients and communities it serves can improve communication and the quality of care. Patients come from every background, and care teams benefit when their members do as well.
There are also practical career reasons for men weighing nursing education in the USA:
- Sustained demand: Healthcare systems across the country continue to face nursing shortages, and employers actively compete for well-prepared graduates.
- Broad career range: A nursing degree opens paths into critical care, emergency medicine, anesthesia, informatics, education, research, and executive leadership.
- Advancement potential: Men are already well represented in senior nursing roles; a stronger pipeline of male nursing students benefits both individual careers and the profession as a whole.
Representative workforces are built at the school level, which is why the AAMN award focuses on educational environments rather than employment statistics alone.
How Rutgers Creates a Supportive Environment for Men in Nursing
About 16% of Rutgers School of Nursing’s roughly 2,200 students are men — a share that exceeds men’s representation in the national nursing workforce. That figure does not happen by accident. It reflects deliberate recruitment, visible role models, and structured support once students arrive on campus.
A Student Chapter That Builds Leaders
Central to this environment is the Rutgers chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing. The student-led chapter welcomes both men and women and provides opportunities in leadership, professional development, advocacy, and community service, along with engagement on issues affecting men’s health and the nursing profession.
The chapter’s 2026–2027 executive board — President Leo Ramos, Vice President Tyrell Weir, Director of Programs Ronord Veard, Director of Correspondence Alejandra Maldonado, and Director of Public Relations Parker Thatcher — gives students hands-on experience organizing events, managing teams, and representing their peers. These are the same competencies employers look for in new graduates.
Among its recent initiatives, the chapter hosted an alumni panel presentation on men’s mental health, open to all students. Events like this serve a dual purpose: they address real wellbeing challenges in a demanding academic program, and they model the openness around health topics that nurses bring to patient care every day.
Faculty and Administrative Commitment
Institutional backing matters as much as student organizations. The chapter receives active guidance from Kofi G. Polley, executive director of administration, and Kyle D. Warren, senior vice dean for administration and student affairs and associate vice chancellor for student affairs–Rutgers Health. When retention and student success are administrative priorities rather than student-only efforts, male students are far more likely to find mentors, resolve challenges early, and graduate on time.
What Nursing Education at Rutgers University–Camden Offers Prospective Students
For students researching programs, the award highlights questions worth asking of any school — and areas where Rutgers University–Camden performs well. As part of one of the leading public research universities in the USA, Rutgers University–Camden connects students to the academic strength of the Rutgers School of Nursing and the resources of the wider university system, including experienced faculty, clinical training opportunities in a major metropolitan region, and comprehensive student support services.
When comparing nursing programs anywhere, use the award criteria as a practical checklist: Does the school track retention and graduation outcomes? Are there active student nursing organizations? Do faculty mentor students individually? Is there visible leadership commitment to student success? Programs that answer yes to these questions tend to produce graduates who pass licensure exams and perform well in their first roles.
Want to evaluate the fit for yourself? Schedule a campus visit or a virtual information session at Rutgers University–Camden to meet faculty and current nursing students.
Shorelight Pathways: A Structured Route for International Students
Men around the world are also choosing nursing, and the USA remains one of the strongest destinations for nursing education. For international students, the obstacle is often not motivation but navigation: different academic systems, English proficiency requirements, and unfamiliar admissions processes can make applying to US universities feel overwhelming.
Shorelight Pathways addresses that gap directly. Shorelight partners with US universities, including Rutgers University–Camden, to offer pathway programs designed specifically for international students. These programs combine academic coursework with English language support, study skills development, and dedicated advising, helping students adjust to the US classroom environment before and during their degree programs.
For a student pursuing nursing education in the USA, a pathway program delivers concrete benefits: smaller, supported class settings; clear guidance on academic progression; and a smoother transition into full university coursework. Students who complete their pathway enter their degree program with the study habits and cultural fluency that rigorous US nursing programs demand.
Exploring study options from outside the USA? Connect with an advisor about Shorelight Pathways at Rutgers University–Camden to review admission requirements, program timelines, and application steps.
Practical Steps for Men Considering a Nursing Career
Whether you are a high school senior, a career changer, or an international applicant, the following steps can help you move from interest to enrollment:
- Research accredited programs. Confirm that any program you consider holds proper accreditation and prepares graduates for nursing licensure in the USA.
- Look for demonstrated support. Recognition such as the AAMN award signals a culture that actively supports men in nursing rather than simply enrolling them.
- Talk to current students. Student chapters and admissions ambassadors offer honest perspectives on workload, clinical placements, and campus life.
- Gain early exposure. Volunteering at a hospital or working as a certified nursing assistant or EMT builds relevant experience and confirms your interest before you commit to a program.
- Prepare a strong application. Focus on prerequisite coursework, recommendation letters, and a clear personal statement explaining why you chose nursing.
- Plan your finances and timeline. Review tuition, scholarships, and application deadlines well in advance, especially if you are applying from abroad.
Taking the Next Step
Rutgers School of Nursing’s ninth consecutive Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award reflects a simple principle applied consistently over time: when nursing programs intentionally support the students they recruit, everyone benefits — students, patients, and the profession itself. For men considering nursing education in the USA, the message is clear: supportive environments exist, they can be identified by concrete evidence, and they are worth seeking out.
Have questions about starting your nursing education? Write to us or share your experiences in the comments below. And if you found this overview helpful, explore our related articles on nursing programs, admission strategies, and healthcare career pathways in the USA.
