As you pursue your nursing career, consider moving to Charlotte, NC, for nursing school at Northeastern. Relocating for nursing school means you can access better programs and graduate sooner. Charlotte is a prime place to become a nurse, not only for the career benefits, but also for the lifestyle perks.
If you’re on the path to becoming a nurse, good for you! Nursing is one of the most impactful and rewarding careers out there. But when it comes to deciding where to attend school, it can get confusing quickly. An option you may not have considered is relocating for nursing school, one of the best decisions you can make.
Moving to Charlotte, NC, for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Northeastern University means you can complete your degree in as few as 16 months. If you’re a transfer student with at least 62 non-nursing college credits or you have a previous bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for our Charlotte ABSN program.
Why Consider Relocating for Nursing School?
To increase your chances of getting into nursing school, it’s worth expanding your horizons beyond your current city and state. You may be asking, “If I go to nursing school in another state, what are the advantages?” There are several reasons relocation may be the best option.
Relocation can help you get into nursing school faster by giving you access to a program with more yearly start dates and no waitlist. Plus, relocating for nursing school means you can attend a better program that will allow you to reach your goal of becoming a nurse on an accelerated timeline.
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.
Advantages of a Nursing Career in Charlotte
As you consider moving to Charlotte, NC, for nursing school, we’ll review some of the top advantages of making the move. Knowing why Charlotte is a great place to start your career can offer reassurance about relocating for nursing school.
1. High-Quality Healthcare Facilities
One notable reason moving to Charlotte, NC, is an excellent decision for registered nurses (RNs) is the access to several high-performing or nationally ranked medical centers. 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 your clinical rotations.
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 is not generally the deciding factor, making a comfortable living is a perk of moving to Charlotte, NC, to become a nurse. Registered nurses in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area earn an average salary of about $73,260, according to May 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
3. High Demand for Nurses
The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia region employs 24,630 nurses, according to BLS data from May 2021. Because of the area’s large nursing workforce, you’ll have plenty of opportunities available after graduation from the ABSN program. As more nurses reach retirement age and the national nursing workforce grows by 6% from 2021 to 2031, even more opportunities will likely surface in Charlotte.
What to Know About Living in Charlotte
Now that you know the career advantages of moving to Charlotte, NC, to work as a nurse, here are the lifestyle benefits of making Charlotte your home.
1. Low Cost of Living
According to Payscale, the cost of living in Charlotte is 3% lower than the national average, with housing costs 11% below the national average and groceries 3% 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.
2. Access to Good Education
If you plan on raising a family, ensuring your children can access good schools is essential. Charlotte is known for having above-average public K-12 schools and is also home to several highly-ranked colleges, including:
- University of North Carolina – Charlotte
- Davidson College
- Catawba College
- Queens University of Charlotte
3. Access to Nature
When you’re a nurse, your day-to-day work will take place indoors in a healthcare facility. So having an outlet to get outside and enjoy the fresh air is crucial for your mental health. Thankfully, moving to Charlotte, NC, means you can access numerous outdoor activities, including:
- U.S. National Whitewater Center
- Freedom Park
- UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
- Reedy Creek Nature Center & Nature Preserve
4. Lots of Things to Do
One of the best perks of living in Charlotte 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:
- Pro sports teams, including the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets
- Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Carowinds theme park
- Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
- Discovery Place Science
Take the Next Step Toward Your Future
Now you see a few of the comforts of moving to Charlotte, NC. When it comes to choosing a nursing school, Northeastern can bring you a top-tier education and a 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.
What should you look for in a nursing school? Here are nine questions to ask to help you choose the right nursing program.
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 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.
