<p>One of my sons is thinking about applying to BSN programs. We know quite a bit about them. It is tough these days, some programs accepting only one out of 8-10 applicants. My question is this. Given that the programs are very heavily female-dominated, do male applicants get any preferential treatment. I am aware of a new publication, 'Men in Nursing' which lists male-friendly nursing programs. What I was wondering was whether men have a bit of an edge in admissions so as to obtain parity between the sexes in Nursing.</p>
<p>Probably any program that doesn't explicitly state that it does not discriminate based on sex will give at least a slight advantage to men. A man going into nursing is like a woman going into engineering: colleges are desperate to get more of them in the name of diversity.</p>
<p>Most all of the nursing programs in our state admit students after sophomore year to the school of nursing and it is based on gpa earned during first two years while taking Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, etc. If that is the case, gender would have no bearing. Also know one state u that requires a test during spring of soph. year to see who gets admitted to the Sch. of Nursing. I went to nursing school over 20 years ago. It's much harder to get into now.</p>
<p>I don't know about admissions to programs, but there is significant data out there that men who do enter nursing find themselves pushed into higher paying specialties and more likely to earn advanced nursing degrees. Men get into psych, ICU and surgery more often. ICU experience also is a requirement for going to Nurse Anesthetist school, so they are at an advantage for that. While that's not exactly what you are asking, it is good info to know for your son. Of course he'll be able to go into whatever field he wants, but if he wishes to enter those that I've described above, he'll have a better chance.</p>
<p>I am a RN myself. I was the only male my class back in 1980. There is a shortage of faculty now, that is what is driving the shortage of seats in college programs. A experienced staff nurse can makes at least here in New York, more money with than a MSN, PHd. faculty member. I initially got my associate degree and finished my BSN later on. My wife went to Cloumbia for her BSN. We both been nurses for over 25 years. Maybe you son could get in a associate degree program first, and then work make some good bucks, then get his BSN part time later on, that's what I did. at least in my experience, I was able to get out on my own faster, get experience ( which is important to get anyway) I was then able to get into a BSN program with ease. My wife spent her first two years getting her liberal arts requirements, then in the third year you get to to clinical . I do not know what is your son's short term or long term goals are. If he wants to be an academic nurse ie: a MSN say to teach, Nurse Practioner, Nurse Anestisist, Nurse Manager etc. Then a BSN would be smart move, if he wants to work at the bedside in any area, ICU, Med Surg. ER , a AAS. is a great way to start. In our experience, education level of the nurse does not correlate on how a nurse performs in the clinical area. I have worked with the best nurses who are AAS educated and the biggest bimbos who are BSN "s who are reffered as bull****nurse.<br>
To get into a BSN program, you have to really good science and social science grades and maintain them. I do think being a guy helps to get in. Just make sure you do not come across as arrogant or cocky , that may turn off some older faculty. . I still butt heads with my superiors being that way. I hope i did not go off topic. </p>
<p>joe</p>