UC named among nation's best schools for male nursing students
The University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Nursing has received the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) 2024 Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award. A fourth-time award recipient, the college was unanimously approved for this honor and is one of only 17 schools of nursing nationwide honored for efforts to recruit and retain men in nursing.
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 20203 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the percentage of nurses who are men has grown by 59% over the past 10 years, but men still represent nearly 12% of all licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and nurse practitioners.
“Overall, the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing represents one of the best schools for men in nursing. The school meets or exceeds all standards by which this award is judged,” stated the award letter, signed by AAMN Recognition Review Committee Chair Curry Bordelon, DNP, MBA, CNE.
According to the AAMN, the purpose of the award is to recognize a nursing school or college that has provided significant efforts in recruiting and retaining men in nursing, in providing men a supportive educational environment and in educating faculty, students and the community about the contributions men have made and do make to the nursing profession.
Reviewers of the award application by the UC College of Nursing concluded that UC met or exceeded all 16 areas of the evaluation, including recruitment activities, climate assessment, chapter activities, strategic planning and percent of male students admitted over the past three years.
"Our recent diversity and inclusion recognitions hold deeper meaning because they reflect the collective effort we've made to create a space where every difference is valued and everyone has the opportunity to flourish," says Alicia Ribar, PhD, RN, dean of UC College of Nursing.
UC College of Nursing was formally recognized in the 49th Annual AAMN Conference awards presentation on Oct. 17. The college was represented by Rich Prior, DNP, FAANP, the college’s senior associate dean for academic affairs.
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