Southern Regional Technical College

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Strength in Scrubs: Men in Nursing, Will Edwards

Thomasville, GA (04/26/2025) — Male nurses make up about 12% of total nurses, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In the last 10 years alone, the percentage of male nurses has increased by more than 59%. Male Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) increased by 112%, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) by 108%, and Registered Nurses (RNs) by 51%. While this growth is encouraging, healthcare organizations continue to prioritize gender diversity in nursing. Industry leaders are actively implementing recruitment strategies, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives to further increase male representation in this vital profession, aiming to strengthen the nursing workforce through greater diversity.

We are excited to spotlight our amazing male Practical Nursing (PN) students in the series "Strength in Scrubs: Men in Nursing"

Meet Will Edwards, a dedicated nursing student at SRTC-Moultrie whose compassionate nature and commitment to patient care exemplify the qualities that make exceptional nurses. His dedication to balancing full-time work while completing his nursing education demonstrates the determination and time management skills that will serve him well in his healthcare career.

When asked what inspired him to enroll in SRTC's PN program, Will emphasizes his desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. "I want to help people in a compassionate way," he explains. "A caring nurse can make all the difference when healing."

Will has clear goals for where his nursing career will take him. "I plan to work at Colquitt Regional and, of course, begin the necessary steps to initiate the RN bridge program," he shares, highlighting the educational pathway many practical nursing students follow to advance their careers.

When reflecting on what he enjoys most about the program, Will emphasizes the strong bonds formed with his peers and instructors. "This might be cheesy, but I genuinely have developed such a love for my classmates and instructors. We are a family. It feels so good to have a team of peers that are entering the workforce alongside me." He also values the hands-on training that is preparing him for his future role: "Aside from that, I am so grateful to have so much on-site experience through our clinical days. This makes me feel so much more prepared as I make this transition into patient care."

Will offers practical advice for other men considering nursing as a profession: "Do your best and get a good study group together. This has made a total difference in being successful in this program."

He also has encouraging words for those concerned about balancing work and education: "If you are still undecided due to work or money reasons, it's possible to go through the program while working. I have worked full-time since the program started a year ago. While it has been difficult at times, with the right time management, it is very possible!"

His experience serves as an important reminder that nursing education can be accessible even to those with existing work commitments, breaking down barriers that might otherwise prevent talented individuals from entering the profession.

SRTC offers a Non-Traditional Student Scholarship for students who are enrolled in a program where their gender is underrepresented. To find out if your course of study qualifies, or to learn more about nontraditional career fields, contact Darbie Avera at davera@southernregional.edu.

Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 28 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205 -- 3449.

Summer semester begins May 19. Don't wait, enroll today!

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