How HBCU Nursing Programs Help Source Diverse Talent in Healthcare

 

Dr. Marcia F. Robinson is a senior certified HR professional, diversity strategist, and curator of TheHBCUCareerCenter.com job board. She advises organizations on building inclusive talent pipelines and improving diversity recruiting outcomes.

In May 2025, the U.S. economy added 139,000 jobs, with the national unemployment rate holding steady at 4.2%. Despite economic shifts, the healthcare sector continues to experience strong demand for qualified professionals—especially nurses. This demand highlights the continued importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in helping employers source diverse talent in healthcare.

HBCUs have long been incubators of excellence, preparing culturally competent professionals to meet the needs of underserved and diverse communities. With over 40 HBCUs offering accredited nursing programs—from associate to doctoral levels—these institutions play a vital role in addressing both the nursing shortage and the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the profession.

Standout institutions such as Southern University, Alcorn State University, Florida A&M University, and Winston-Salem State University have consistently produced highly skilled nursing graduates. In fact, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 74% of baccalaureate nursing students at HBCUs in the 2020–2021 academic year identified as African American—far surpassing national diversity benchmarks.

This talent pipeline is especially critical given the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projection of over 194,000 annual openings for registered nurses through 2033. Employers looking to source diverse talent in healthcare must tap into this proven, mission-driven ecosystem.

What sets HBCU nursing programs apart is more than just academics. Studies show that HBCU students are more likely to report feeling supported, mentored, and encouraged to persist—qualities that directly influence graduation rates and long-term professional success. Additionally, new initiatives—like Southern University’s grant-supported program to recruit and retain male nurses of color—are helping address both racial and gender gaps in healthcare.

Notable HBCUs Producing Nursing Graduates:

  • Albany State University

  • Bethune-Cookman University

  • Bowie State University

  • Delaware State University

  • Grambling State University

  • Hampton University

  • Howard University

  • North Carolina A&T State University

  • Prairie View A&M University

  • Tuskegee University

If your organization is serious about building a more inclusive healthcare workforce, post opportunities on The HBCU Career Center job board to reach across the HBCU community, or partner with HBCU nursing programs near you. These options offer strategic ways to source diverse talent in healthcare today.

 
Dr. Marcia F. Robinsonsourcing diverse talent, HBCU, DEI, Healthcare, diversity