This study aimed to evaluate the perceived male friendliness in nursing programs and to identify the relationship of this with gender role stereotype and major satisfaction.

A convenience sample of 193 male nursing students was recruited for the cross-sectional survey design. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA with the SPSS/WIN 21.0.

The mean scores of male friendliness, major satisfaction, and gender role stereotype were 2.94±0.35, 3.72±0.81, and 2.58±0.53, respectively. Perceived male friendliness in nursing programs was found to be correlated with gender role stereotype (r=−.215, p<.001). Participants who completed maternal nursing courses showed lower male friendliness (t=−4.53, p<.001).

Improving the male friendliness of maternal nursing courses and flexible gender role stereotyping should be considered when developing effective strategies to improve male friendliness in nursing programs.