Relocating for nursing school can open up your educational opportunities to more easily enroll in the best school for you, located in the best city for you. With the right location, you can earn your nursing degree while setting yourself up for an exciting, rewarding career.
Nursing is a dream career and a calling for many individuals compelled to care for others. Bachelor of Science in Nursing-educated nurses are more in demand than ever, as nurses continue to take on more responsibilities at the forefront of healthcare and care populations continue to grow due to factors including aging, chronic conditions, and more. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of nursing jobs nationwide is expected to grow by 9 percent between 2020 and 2030. With so many career opportunities available on the horizon, pursuing your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) has never been a wiser choice.
Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program offers a path for students with a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn their BSN in as few as 16 months. We offer students a hybrid curriculum, with online-based coursework paired with in-person skills and simulation labs as well as clinical rotations.
Our three ABSN program site locations are located in Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Each program site is dedicated to educating nursing excellence, equipped with high-tech nursing equipment at a hospital standard, and partnered with several leading healthcare providers for student clinical placements.
If you need to relocate in order to attend one of our Accelerated BSN programs, you’ll have several options to choose from, but you’ll want to think through some logistical issues before choosing to relocate.
What to Consider Before Relocating for Nursing School
Relocating for nursing school is a major decision, and you should be sure that it’s the right choice for you financially, logistically, and socially. Here are some significant factors you should consider before committing yourself to relocate and pursue your nursing degree.
Is Relocating Financially Viable?
Because of the program’s accelerated nature, compressing the work of a four-year degree into a 16-month timeframe, ABSN students are generally encouraged not to work while enrolled. With this in mind, look at your budget along with any loans or scholarships you’ll be receiving and work out if you will be able to support yourself in your new city.
Does Relocating Logistically Make Sense?
Relocating to a new city can be a challenge, especially because you may be moving away from your support network while pursuing a challenging academic degree. Many students are eager to take this challenge on, but you should be sure you’re ready to take it on. Look at the city you’re considering moving to before committing, specifically, things like housing and transportation. Luckily our admissions advisors are here to help you determine the best path forward for you, and can even connect you with resources like our Indianapolis Relocation Guide.
Can Relocating Accelerate My Nursing Education Timeline?
If you’ve found yourself on a waitlist for nursing school, relocating could be the best option to allow you to access your nursing education sooner. To be waitlisted means that you’re stuck in limbo, unable to start your new educational journey. Marian’s ABSN accepts many students at each program site location, and relocating for an accelerated nursing program means being able to start school on your own timeline and begin your dream career on your terms. If you’ve already looked at local options and are on the waitlist for nursing schools near where you live, our accelerated program could mean that relocating is the smartest option for you.
Relocating to Indianapolis for Nursing School
Indianapolis is home to attractions that set it apart as a city. The economy benefits from a thriving healthcare market, vibrant arts and cultural centers, and nationally known sports teams like the Colts, the Pacers, and Indy Car. With plenty of parks, greenways, and trails around, it’s easy to explore the city and get your daily exercise in, all while enjoying the environment. As a Marian ABSN student, you can also access our relocation guide specifically written to help students settle into life in this new city.
Being a nurse in Indiana also comes with access to a competitive job market and relatively low cost of living, with the state’s annual mean wage for nurses of $67,490. Before you graduate, however, clinical rotations at Ascension St. Vincent facilities will help you learn to deliver the highest standards of care. Learn more about what Indianapolis has to offer, and decide whether you’d like to make the capital of Indiana your home while pursuing your nursing degree.
Relocating to Nashville for Nursing School
Nashville may be known as Music City, but it certainly isn’t a one-trick pony. Boasting several professional sports teams, incredible parks, outdoor attractions, and a booming restaurant scene, Nashville goes far beyond just being a world-class music destination and is one of the most exciting growing cities in the country.
The opportunity to live in Nashville also extends to the nursing field, with Marian’s ABSN clinicals offering the chance to gain experience with top regional healthcare partners, including Ascension Saint Thomas. After graduating, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a good living, with the state’s annual mean wage for nurses recorded as $64,120. With an affordable cost of living and an exciting culture, Nashville could be the perfect destination to work, eat, play, and live.
Relocating to Oklahoma City for Nursing School
Oklahoma City is an up-and-coming city, with plenty of food and hospitality coupled with a unique blend of cultures. Its natural landscapes can be breathtakingly beautiful, and there’s an ever-rotating lineup of performers and exhibits that continues pushing the city’s arts and culture forward. As a Marian ABSN student in Oklahoma City, you can also succeed in your nursing education with clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities in the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area, including Mercy Hospital.
Not only is nursing in Oklahoma a fulfilling career choice with significant room for growth, BSN-educated nurses often go on to hold leadership positions or seek advanced practice nurse (APRN) certification later—nurses can make a healthy living. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that as of 2020, registered nurses in Oklahoma earned $66,600 a year.
Pursue Your Dream Career in Nursing
Now that you’ve heard more about each Marian ABSN program site location and understand what to keep in mind before relocating, it’s time to contact an admission advisor and see which location might be right for you. Be sure to ask them about a relocation guide for your chosen ABSN program site location, as this can be filled with even more useful advice. Your dream career is only a decision away!