Community Colleges See Increase in Male Nursing Students

Nursing was once thought of thought of as a career for women, but that's all changing. With more factories closing, men are entering the profession.

It's finals week for students in the nursing program at John A. Logan College. That includes Jerry Martin. He's one of the growing number of men who are becoming nurses.

"I've done everything from restaurant management, loan officer for a bank. This is my third career, nursing."

Jerry says he turned to nursing because he wanted to find something more purposeful to do.

Two percent of this class of 40 is male. Compare that to 1995, when less than one percent of Logan Nursing students were male.

"I think things have changed. I've been well accepted in the department I work in. Well accepted by the program, the instructors. I don't feel stereotyped at all."

Neither do any of the other men in this program. Some are turing to the profession out of necessity, because of job losses.

Shawnee Community College, Southeastern Illinois College, and Rend Lake College are also reporting higher numbers of men entering their nursing programs.

Most of the guys we talked to today already have a job lined up after the graduate next week. Jerry just likes helping people.

"I really enjoy it and it's the only job I'd do for free."

While students say working toward their degree has been very rewarding, they also admit the last two years have had plenty of challenges.

"You're away from your family a lot, you're studying all the time. You have clinicals to go to a lot early in the morning, a lot late at night."

Challenges that these men hope will pay off in the long run.

Shawnee Community College, Southeastern Illinois College, and Rend Lake College are also reporting higher numbers of men entering their nursing programs.

Most of the guys we talked to today already have a job lined up after the graduate next week.

by Kevin Hunsperger
khunsperger@wsiltv.com