Scholarship Programs for Male Nurses
Can a Guy Get Some Money Around Here?
Typically you hear about professional fields where women are underrepresented, but in the realm of nursing, it’s historically been the other way around. Women have pretty much dominated the field. But do men get any points for their pursuit of the career, any monetary incentive? Scholarships for male nurses are few and far between; so what’s up?
Scholarship Opportunities Exclusively for Male Nurses
The American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) is committed to providing professional support for male nurses. The AAMN offers an online forum that fosters open communication between members including "factors which affect men as nurses." AAMN Scholarships offer men engaged in a "pre-RN" program or a graduate nursing program generous scholarships with the additional funding assistance from Johnson and Johnson, which is extremely instrumental in the support of all nurses. Eligible applicants must have a 2.75 GPA at least, including the program requisites. Twenty-$1,000 awards are meted out annually, and include an AAMN membership.
Lack of Funding for Males?
There is certainly no lack of funding in the world of nursing scholarships. However, there are few exclusive to men, who seem to be a solid minority. In fact, this is not a new topic. According to Science Magazine, the male shortage in nursing is largely a choice made by males. Arguably the issue is skewed: of the job positions in nursing most are populated by women. However, on the whole the profession itself cannot be termed "overrun" at all; nursing remains so understaffed and short it’s shameful. The article goes on to suggest the deepening pit of shortages has already inspired salary spikes that "will, no doubt, draw new blood into nursing, including men..."
Each year the Emergency Nurses Association awards a couple dozen scholarships, of which 1/3 or less have gone to males in the last couple of years. Does that mean men are overlooked in favor of females or that there are far fewer males that apply? The organization maintains a record of the current issues at hand, future of the profession, training issues, lack of educators and the future of the Emergency specialty. While gender is not addressed directly, clearly the shortage problem transcends the male/female paradox. That said, ENA scholarships provide new nurses, across the board with valuable monetary incentives and tuition assistance.
Minority Male Nursing Scholarships—Possible Resources
There are quite a few scholarships that take in minorities, including minority males:
- The National Association of Hispanic Nurses offers scholarships, as do local chapters, such as the San Diego Chapter of the NAHN. In fact San Diego members may earn as much as $8,000 for a scholarship.
- Eligible applicants for the National Black Nurses Association scholarships must already be working toward a nursing degree. Up to $2,000 per scholarship is possible. Letters of reference from faculty and extracurricular activities also figure prominently in the choice of recipients.
- The National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations administers a scholarship program in concert with AETNA. The AETNA/MCEMNA Scholars Program is administered in partnership with local chapters.
- Philippine Nurses Association of America Scholarship recognizes an outstanding student member who is engaged in a graduate or post-graduate nursing program. Award is $1,000.
- The National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association makes scholarships available to active nursing students who are also tribal members.
