As you pursue your nursing career, consider moving to North Carolina for nursing school. Relocating for nursing school means you can access a high-quality nursing program and graduate sooner. Living in Charlotte, NC, is advantageous, given the top-tier healthcare facilities, low cost of living, high median salary, and cultural attractions.
Starting a new chapter in life requires careful planning, especially if you’re looking into moving to go back to school. Future nurses weigh the potential benefits of moving away for college if there isn’t a nursing school near their current home. Moving can also be a good choice if the nursing schools nearby don’t meet your needs.
Consider living in Charlotte, NC, known as the Queen City and one of the top growing cities in the U.S.
Moving to North Carolina for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Northeastern University means you can finish your degree in as few as 16 months upon successful completion of any needed prerequisites. If you’re a transfer student with at least 62 non-nursing college credits or have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you might be eligible for our Charlotte ABSN program.
Before making the decision and planning your move, explore some of the reasons why moving for college can make sense and why Charlotte, NC, offers a lot to entice future nursing students.
Is Charlotte, NC, a Good Place to Live?
Charlotte is a thriving, growing city that maintains a strong focus on economic development, community safety, and environmental sustainability. It also offers numerous cultural attractions and some top healthcare facilities.
As you consider living in Charlotte, NC, for nursing school, review some of the top advantages of making the move.
1. High-Quality Healthcare Facilities
One notable reason why moving to Charlotte is an excellent decision for future registered nurses (RNs) is the proximity to several high-performing or nationally ranked medical centers.
For example, Charlotte is home to two Magnet hospitals with a special designation for excellence in patient care and nursing education. While attending nursing school at Northeastern, you’ll gain experience at some of the city’s most respected healthcare facilities during clinical rotations.
As a nursing student in Northeastern’s ABSN program, you will have the chance to work with and learn from some of Charlotte’s skilled healthcare professionals in:
- Acute and critical care
- Adult health
- Health management and leadership
- Mental and behavioral health
- Obstetrics and women’s health
- Pediatrics
- Public health
What is a Magnet hospital? Learn what sets these facilities apart.
2. Competitive Salary
There are many important factors to consider when deciding on a career path. While salary isn’t always the deciding factor, making a comfortable living is a perk of relocating to Charlotte to become a nurse. Registered nurses in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area earn a median salary of about $84,780, according to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
3. High Demand for Nurses
The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia region employs 25,440 RNs, plus nearly 3,000 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), according to BLS data from May 2024. Because of the area’s large nursing workforce, you’ll have many opportunities available after graduation from the ABSN program.
As more nurses reach retirement age and the national nursing workforce grows by 6% from 2023 to 2033, even more opportunities will likely surface in Charlotte.
Benefits of Moving Away for College
You might be asking, “If I go to nursing school in another state, what are the advantages?” There are several reasons why relocation might be the best option. First, to increase your chances of getting into nursing school, it’s worth expanding your horizons beyond your current location.
Relocation can help you get into nursing school faster by providing access to a program with more yearly start dates and no waitlist. At Northeastern, for example, we offer three start dates per year, in January, May, and September. Seats are available right now, with no waitlist required. Plus, relocating for nursing school means you can attend a quality program that allows you to reach your goal of becoming a practice-ready nurse.
If you live in a smaller city or community without an accelerated nursing program, moving is worthwhile to attend a program like Northeastern’s ABSN program. Rather than spending four years in the local traditional nursing program, you can complete your degree in as few as 16 months at Northeastern.
Discover how to increase your chances of getting into accelerated nursing school.
What to Expect When Relocating to Charlotte for an ABSN Program
Adjusting to a new city can take some time, even when it’s as welcoming as Charlotte. It’s a good idea to move into your new home at least a few weeks before nursing school starts. This gives you some time to learn the lay of the land and get comfortable.
Start by exploring your new neighborhood. Visit community gathering places, like libraries, coffee shops, parks, and cultural attractions. Make sure you know where essential community amenities are, like pharmacies, supermarkets, and healthy takeout restaurants. Check out local events and meet your new neighbors.
1. Housing
It’s ideal to find housing close to the Charlotte ABSN nursing center, which is part of Northeastern’s Charlotte campus on Hawkins Street. While the ABSN program includes online learning, students must be able to attend the ABSN nursing center for proctored exams and nursing labs and commute to local healthcare facilities for clinical rotations.
2. Transportation
If you’re not planning on driving a car in the city, there are many transportation options. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates over 70 bus routes, along with a light-rail line. Many residents also use CATS Micro, which is a shared-ride transit option.
Even if you are planning on bringing a car to the city, public transportation can be a more affordable option for commuting to campus, as you won’t have to worry about parking.
3. Low Cost of Living
According to Payscale, the cost of living in Charlotte is 1% lower than the national average, with housing costs 15% below the national average. Couple this low cost of living with the competitive RN salary in Charlotte, and you’ll be in a prime position to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
4. Access to Good Education
If you plan on raising a family, ensuring your children have access to good schools is essential. Charlotte is known for having above-average public K-12 schools.
5. Access to Nature
Nurses are busy and often spend much of their day indoors. It’s essential for mental health to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Moving to North Carolina provides access to numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including:
- Freedom Park
- Reedy Creek Nature Center & Nature Preserve
- U.S. National Whitewater Center
- UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
6. Lots of Things to Do
One of the best perks of living in Charlotte, NC, is experiencing life in a bustling city with plenty of social and cultural activities. You’ll have access to activities ranging from sports events and concerts to shows and theme parks. Here are a few of the many attractions in Charlotte:
- Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
- Carowinds theme park
- Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Discovery Place Science
- Pro sports teams, including the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets
What should you look for in a nursing school? Consider nine questions to ask to help you choose the right nursing program.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Future
Relocating to Charlotte can be a great option for building your future in nursing. At Northeastern University’s ABSN, you can earn a quality BSN in as few as 16 months. If you’re a transfer student with at least 62 non-nursing college credits or you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, our program is designed for you.
Our program provides a comprehensive education by combining online courses, onsite skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations in and around Charlotte. After graduation, you’ll be ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN and start your clinical nursing career.
Contact our admissions counselors to learn more about the ABSN program and moving to Charlotte, NC, for nursing school.
