Before relocating for nursing school, consider how soon you want your nursing degree, if it's possible to move, and whether relocating helps you access better programs. Reasons to relocate to Virginia for Averett's ABSN program include access to a bustling health care sector plus great culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities.
Sometimes, the perfect nursing program for you requires you to move a few hours away or across the country. When you consider relocating for nursing school, you can increase your options to receive a quality education and take advantage of healthcare opportunities that might not be available in your area.
Whether you’re considering moving for nursing school or are a Norfolk, Virginia, resident, Averett University welcomes you. Through Averett’s Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program in Norfolk, you can apply a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and graduate in as few as 16 months, all while learning in a beautiful waterfront city filled with many healthcare opportunities.
Before deciding that nursing school relocation is the best option for you, consider questions such as, “Is relocating logistically possible for me?” You should also learn more about your destination city before deciding.
3 Questions to Ask Before Relocating for Nursing School
While you plan your educational path, ask yourself these three questions to help decide whether relocating for nursing school is worth it for you.
1. How Fast Do You Want to Earn Your BSN?
If you’re deciding to become a nurse as a second career, you likely want to enter the workforce as soon as possible, making an accelerated BSN the best option. If an accelerated path is not available near you, you may want to relocate for an ABSN program in Virginia.
By choosing Averett University to earn your BSN, you don’t have to wait to begin nursing school. Our ABSN program offers three start dates per year. Furthermore, compared to traditional four-year BSN programs, choosing an ABSN program like ours allows you to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months after completing the required prerequisites.
How is it possible to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months? Our ABSN program builds on your prior college education, eliminating general education requirements, and features scheduling over consecutive semesters.
Our accelerated nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. These organizations have properly vetted our ABSN curriculum for quality and effectiveness.
Wondering how you can make a career change to nursing? Learn the steps to start a nursing career.
2. Is Relocating for Nursing School Logistically Possible for You?
Before planning your move to attend a nursing school in Virginia, consider how feasible it is to relocate. Some people are flexible regarding where they live, while others are not. Think about your family responsibilities, which may include school-aged children and elderly parents, and whether your partner can move.
Some nursing graduates decide to stay in the same area or state where they attended nursing school, while others prefer to move back to their original towns after graduation. While you do not need to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in the same state where you plan to work as a registered nurse (RN), you will need to apply for an RN license in the state you plan to work.
3. Does Moving for Nursing School Give You Access to a Better ABSN Program?
Another key consideration before relocating for nursing school are the program options available to you at home vs. the destination city. Perhaps your area only offers a traditional BSN program, which takes four years to complete. Even if an ABSN program is available near you, it might only accept students with completed non-nursing degrees, rather than 60 college credits like Averett.
Moving for nursing school can increase your options. You can choose a higher-quality program that fits your timeline, ideal start date, educational background, and career goals. It can also give you greater access to quality and diverse clinical placements and healthcare options post-graduation, should you decide to stay.
Why Relocate to Norfolk, Virginia, for Nursing School?
If you’ve decided that relocating makes sense and is feasible for you, the next step is to choose a destination and a nursing program. Why should you consider relocating to Virginia for nursing school? Consider all that the local area has to offer:
Access to Healthcare Facilities and Clinical Opportunities
Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world. Given the city’s proximity to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and the Hampton VA Medical Center, Norfolk is a great place to launch your nursing career.
Healthcare is a major industry within the city of Norfolk. Some of the area’s most prominent healthcare employers include:
- Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center
- Bon Secours Health System
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
- Operation Smile
- Sentara Healthcare
Norfolk is also a great place to call home.
Wondering how to choose the right nursing program? Ask these questions to find the right fit.
A Waterfront City With Arts, Culture, and Outdoor Recreation
Another great reason to choose Norfolk is the quality of life. Norfolk has a thriving arts community and many museums to explore. Whether you like strolling through galleries, watching live music performances, or learning about local history, the city’s cultural attractions won’t disappoint.
Chrysler Hall
Located in downtown Norfolk, this performing arts center is home to the Virginia Symphony and the Norfolk Forum lecture series. It’s also a great place to experience touring Broadway shows.
Nauticus
Featuring engaging, interactive experiences, Nauticus is a contemporary museum that uses the natural setting of Norfolk’s harbor to showcase global maritime commerce. It features the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last ships built by the U.S. Navy, and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.
Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Inside this early 20th-century historic house museum is an expansive art collection as well as contemporary exhibition galleries. It sits on 12 acres of formal gardens and natural woodlands, making it a great place to take a break from your studies and connect with nature.
Dining, Community, and Local Lifestyle
Whether you like to hike, relax on the beach, or tackle intense mountain bike trails, Norfolk has no shortage of outdoor destinations.
- Elizabeth River Trail: Running adjacent to downtown Norfolk, this 10.5-mile urban trail is a great place to walk or run along the city’s iconic waterfront.
- Northside Park: A hub for outdoor activities, this 62-acre park has tennis courts, ball fields, and a skate park. It also provides access to three single-track mountain bike trails. The Norfolk Tides: The Tides are a minor league baseball team in the Triple-A International League. They play in Harbor Park, which is located just minutes from our Norfolk nursing school.
- Virginia Beach: Fewer than 20 miles from Norfolk, Virginia Beach is home to more than 300 publicly funded parks, long-protected beach areas, and military bases, including the Ocean Naval Air Station. It’s also the location of the Virginia Aquarium, where you can see more than 10,000 animals and enjoy a boat tour.
Excellent Local Cuisine
Norfolk incorporates its rich history into its cuisine. Whether it’s a new take on a traditional dish, a hearty Southern meal, or decadent seafood, the city’s culinary scene doesn’t disappoint. After you’ve settled into your new home, you may want to sample cuisine from the following:
- Benny Damato’s: Home of the Virginia slice, Benny Damato’s is a local icon known for its giant pizzas that hit the spot.
- Captain Groovy’s Grill and Raw Bar: Featuring regional seafood dishes and casual cuisine, this laid-back wharf-themed eatery has long been part of the local culture of Hampton Roads.
- Coaster Coffee: Located in the Ocean View neighborhood, this non-profit, community-driven coffee house provides a place for people to connect. It serves good coffee, specialty drinks, and pastries.
Ready to Relocate for Averett University’s ABSN Program?
Relocating to Virginia for nursing school can be a smart move for your career, considering Averett University’s personalized support for our nursing students. Here, you can work with Academic Success Coaches one-on-one and enjoy a close-knit nursing cohort.
Our ABSN program maintains small class sizes and offers a hybrid learning experience that combines online coursework with in-person, immersive nursing labs. There is no waitlist, and you can choose from three start dates per year.
Contact our admissions advisors to discuss your eligibility for our Norfolk nursing school. Ask your advisor for our free Norfolk relocation guide.