More Men May Be Entering Nursing Profession; One Good Effect of Bad Economy?

In this poor economy, health care, education and other sectors traditionally dominated by women are shedding jobs at a far slower rate than "male" occupations such as manufacturing and construction. As a result, men appear to show new interest in nursing and other traditional female jobs. Many want to switch from hard-hit "male" sectors.

"Recently I spoke with an engineer," says Brook Necker, admissions coordinator for the nursing department at Towson University. "I've also talked to a lawyer" and "someone from finance" - a bank vice president, she said.

Towson's newest nursing class of 72 includes 10 men - "the most male students we've had in a while," she says.