Joliet Junior College Earns Best Schools for Men in Nursing Honor from AAMN

Joliet Junior College has been named to the American Association for Men in Nursing’s (AAMN) 2022 Best Schools for Men in Nursing list. 

JJC joined nine other schools to receive the honor at the 47th AAMN Annual Convention. In addition, JJC is the only college in Illinois and the only community college on this year’s list. 

“JJC is known throughout the region as a nursing program that prepares nurses with a high level of aptitude for entry to practice, and that is what draws students from near and far to our nursing program,” said Michael Taylor, assistant professor of nursing at JJC. “I believe we are the first and best choice for advancing education and professional advancement, and this new recognition serves to further confirm our level of excellence!” 

The honor recognizes schools that commit to retaining and recruiting men to nursing, provide a supportive learning environment and teach the school’s community on what and how men contribute to the nursing profession. 

JJC has largely demonstrated those efforts through the JJC AAMN chapter. JJC AAMN uses various activities to help students grow in and out of the classroom. Goal setting strategies and workshops help members accomplish their goals. The mentor program allows newer students to learn from and network with more experienced students. 

“It is a student-first approach that has led to an exciting and fulfilling program that continues to grow,” Taylor said. “We welcome new members with open arms and provide a platform for networking that is valuable throughout school and beyond graduation.” 

Outside of the classroom, JJC AAMN spreads the word about men in nursing while engaging with the community at events. The chapter was at JJC's open house, Discover JJC, and plans to provide holiday meals to the community at the Hands of Hope Illinois food drive in mid-November. 

“At JJC, we have taken great strides to address known challenges and disparities in nursing and nursing education, supporting students to be successful throughout nursing school and beyond,” Taylor said. “We aim to drive positive change throughout the educational and professional landscape.”