Averett University's Accelerated Nursing Program in Norfolk, VA

Bordered by the Elizabeth River to the west and the Chesapeake Bay to the north, Norfolk, Virginia, has a storied past as a strategic naval port town dating back to pre-Revolutionary War times.

Because of its unique waterfront geography, it’s still a major hub for the U.S. Navy, serving as home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval installation.

For that reason, it’s no surprise that Sperling’s Best Places considers Norfolk — and the rest of Hampton Roads — one of the best places for military retirees. Combined with the fact that the city also has a burgeoning healthcare sector, that’s especially great news if you’re a veteran considering a second career as a nurse in Norfolk.

Healthcare in Norfolk, Virginia

With its proximity to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and Hampton VA Medical Center, Norfolk plays a significant role in medicine in the region, cementing it as a great place to launch a career in healthcare.

Hospitals generate approximately $40 billion in annual economic impact for the state of Virginia. The state also boasts more than 1,451 biomedical and life science companies, many of which are located in the Hampton Roads area.

Regionally, approximately 65,000 people are employed in the medical and life sciences industry as well, according to the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. Some of the area’s most prominent healthcare organizations include the following organizations:

• Sentara Healthcare, a Norfolk-based company — one of the largest employers in the region — that operates seven hospitals and supports more than 64,400 jobs
• Operation Smile, an organization that performs free medical procedures to repair cleft palates and other facial deformities for children in more than 60 countries and employs about 100 people
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, the oldest continuously running hospital in the Navy medical system, which employs 4,300 military medical personnel in the region
• Bon Secours sets a standard for world-class nursing, with 1,200 Hampton Roads-area nurses garnering kudos from national organizations and patients alike

Area Attractions

Bordered by multiple bodies of water and miles of riverfront and bayfront property, including beaches on the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk offers a scenic backdrop for you to complete your accelerated nursing studies. There’s also plenty to do and see here, including the following attractions:

• Nauticus, a maritime museum featuring Battleship Wisconsin, a huge WWII warship
• Chrysler Museum of Art
• Virginia Zoo
• Norfolk Botanical Garden
• Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides Triple-A minor league baseball team
• Norfolk Admirals, ECHL ice hockey team