UC Named a “Best School for Men in Nursing” For the Second Year

Charleston, WV - October 24, 2025- The American Association for Men in Nursing has named the University of Charleston as one of its "Best Schools for Men in Nursing" for the second year in a row.

The award recognizes a nursing school or college that actively recruits and retains men in nursing, provides a supportive educational environment for male students, and educates faculty, students, and the community about the contributions men have made and continue to make to the nursing profession.

"This recognition highlights UC's ongoing dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where men pursuing undergraduate nursing degrees excel as compassionate caregivers, leaders, and advocates for patient-centered care," stated Pam Smith, Assistant Professor and BSN Program Coordinator at UC. "Our male students exemplify resilience, teamwork, and service - qualities that enhance nursing as both a science and an art.

Across UC's traditional associate and bachelor's nursing degrees in Charleston and Beckley, 34 of 205 students are male. Data presented at the AAMN Men in Nursing conference showed that nationally, 12-13% of nursing students are male. In the workforce, that figure is 11.2%.

UC's undergraduate male nursing students offer diverse backgrounds and experiences. The student group includes traditional students, active ROTC members, student athletes, fathers, and those changing careers, bringing unique perspectives and leadership qualities to the profession.

UC is the only West Virginia school to be named on the list. The other award recipients include Duke University School of Nursing, George Washington University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, and University of Virginia School of Nursing.

"We offer a supportive environment for traditional students but also for military members, parents, nontraditional students, and student-athletes pursuing their nursing education," said Smith. "Our nursing programs support parents and those pursuing their degree while continuing to fulfill roles outside the educational environment, as well as those with military obligations and UC student-athletes. We offer male faculty mentors and clinical opportunities to fully support a gender-diverse experience for students at the University of Charleston across all our undergraduate programs."

UC offers a broad portfolio of nursing programs at the Charleston campus, Beckley location, and online, including an Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice programs.