38th Annual Student Research Conference
Breaking Barriers: Understanding Male Enrollment Trends in Liberal Arts-Based BSN Programs
Quentin A. Perry
Prof. Albien Rafael Tubongbanua, Faculty Mentor
Nursing remains one of the least gender-diverse professions; only 12.6% of the workforce being male, according to the 2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics. As life expectancy increases, the demand for healthcare services provided by registered nurses, particularly those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, rises. The 2022 Health Resources and Services Administration survey projects a shortage of 63,720 RNs by 2030. This shortage, along with gender diversity issues and the insufficient number of BSN-prepared nurses, contributes to health disparities for male patients. One potential solution is to support male student nursing recruitment into BSN programs at liberal arts institutions. This study explores male nursing students enrollment in BSN programs at liberal arts institutions, identifying factors that could increase enrollment. Using a descriptive qualitative design, free-response questions will gather insights and qualitative content analysis revealing key themes related to enrollment decisions, perceptions, and motivations.
Keywords:
Topic(s):Nursing
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 209-1
Location: MG 1098
Time: 10:15