Nursing
Fast Facts
- Although the RN population is becoming more diverse, minority nurses remain underrepresented in the workforce. According to AACN, data from the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey show that nurses from minority backgrounds represent 19.4% of the RN population. Specifically, 6.7% identify as African American, 7.2% as Asian, 0.5% as American Indian/Alaska Native, 0.4% as Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 2.1% as two or more races, and 2.5% as other. In addition, 5.6% of nurses identify as Hispanic/Latino (ethnicity is reported separately from race) (AACN, 2024).
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Advancing health equity is a long-standing national priority. Building and sustaining a diverse, culturally competent nursing workforce is a well-documented strategy for reducing disparities and improving health outcomes for all populations.
Why Representation in Nursing Matters
Representation in nursing goes beyond numbers—it directly shapes the quality of care patients receive. A workforce that mirrors the diversity of the nation is better able to recognize cultural differences, communicate effectively across language and trust barriers, and respond to the unique needs of underserved communities. When patients feel understood and respected, care becomes more equitable and health outcomes improve for everyone.
References
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Enhancing Diversity in the Nursing Workforce (2024).
- Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Healthy People 2030.
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (2024).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2023 (2025).
- Institute of Medicine (IOM). Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care (2002).
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Office of Minority Health.
Public Service
Fast Facts
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Public Health: Fast Facts
- Population vs. Workforce: About 36% of the U.S. population identifies as a racial or ethnic minority, yet representation in the public health workforce—especially at the doctoral level—remains disproportionately low. Progress is gradual, and graduates from underrepresented groups still account for a small share of public health doctoral and master’s degrees.
- Workforce Gaps: African American and Hispanic/Latino professionals remain underrepresented compared with their share of the U.S. population, affecting access, leadership, and community trust.
- Education Trends: Across higher education, White students still earn the largest share of Public Administration and related degrees, though combined degree attainment among African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and Native American students continues to grow.
- Equity Priority: Increasing diversity in public health and health administration programs is a national priority recognized by federal and accrediting bodies as a strategy to reduce disparities.
References
- U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: United States.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Digest of Education Statistics.
- American Journal of Public Health. Racial and Ethnic Representation of the Local Public Health Workforce (2024).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public Health Workforce: Understanding the Dynamics of Diversity. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020.
STEM
Fast Facts
STEM: Fast Facts
- Women in the workforce: Women make up about half of the U.S. population but only ~35% of the STEM workforce.
- Underrepresented minorities (URM): Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, and American Indian/Alaska Native workers combined are ~24% of the STEM workforce (up from ~18% a decade ago, but still below population share).
- Degrees by field (women): Among recent U.S. bachelor’s degree earners in STEM, women receive roughly 22% of computer & information sciences degrees, 24% of engineering, 41% of physical sciences, and 45% of mathematics & statistics.
- Women of color: Latina, Black, and Indigenous women together remain under 10% of the total STEM workforce.
- Trend line: Representation has improved gradually over the past decade, but gaps persist in the fields driving the most growth (computing and engineering).
Impact: Why This Matters
A more diverse STEM workforce isn’t just about fairness—it’s about results. Teams that include different backgrounds and perspectives:
- Innovate faster by bringing diverse ideas to complex problems.
- Build better products and research that serve more people and reduce blind spots.
- Strengthen the economy and health outcomes by expanding talent, improving technology in healthcare, and accelerating scientific discovery.
Closing representation gaps—especially in computing and engineering—expands the talent stream, fuels innovation, and advances equity across industries.
References
- National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES). Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities 2023.
- National Science Board (NSB). Science and Engineering Indicators 2024: Talent, U.S. and Global STEM Education and Labor Force.
- National Girls Collaborative Project. The State of Girls and Women in STEM 2023.
- American Association of University Women (AAUW). The STEM Gap: Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (2023).
Professional Resources
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Office of Minority Health
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) – National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses
- Healthy People 2030
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) – National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) – Enhancing Diversity in the Nursing Workforce
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Maternal Mortality Statistics
- Institute of Medicine – Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care (2002)
Professional Organizations
Note: This is not an inclusive list of organizations, but a starting point for those interested in diversity and leadership in health and nursing.
Contact Information
- You can contact us by emailing & also find us on social media!
- info@institute4equity.org
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© Institute for Health & Social Equity | All Rights Reserved | AI Use & Digital Rights Enforced