Are you considering relocating for nursing school? Seattle is a top destination. Pacific Lutheran University’s ABSN program in Seattle offers excellent nursing education and access to top local healthcare facilities. Plus, nurses in Seattle can command lucrative salaries and enjoy fun local attractions.
More than 2,600 higher education institutions in the U.S. offer nursing degree programs. However, not all nursing schools are the same. Even if you live within commuting distance of a nursing school, you might have better choices elsewhere. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right nursing school.
The importance of attending the right school is one reason so many students decide relocating for nursing school is their best option. More specifically, relocating to the Seattle area can offer you an exceptional nursing school experience at Pacific Lutheran University’s (PLU) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Lynnwood, WA — just 16 miles north of Seattle — and robust opportunities beyond graduation. Here is a closer look at why ABSN programs in the Seattle area could perfectly fit your career goals.
What is nursing school like? Read all about it here.
How Do ABSN Programs Around Seattle Work?
Before deciding to move to the Seattle area for nursing school, it can help to learn how ABSN programs near Seattle work. An ABSN program confers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is typically a four-year nursing degree, but with an ABSN program like PLU’s, you can earn the degree in as few as 16 months.
An accelerated nursing program offers the same nursing education as a four-year program. It works by building upon the academic credits you already have (either a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of college credits).
Earning a nursing degree online is impossible, as experiential learning is essential for building nursing skills. However, some ABSN programs, such as the one at our nursing school in Lynnwood, north of Seattle, offer online nursing coursework for greater convenience and flexibility.
In addition to completing coursework online via our intuitive learning platform, you will visit our Lynnwood campus for in-person skills and nursing simulation labs. In these experiential learning components, you will practice essential nursing skills, such as starting intravenous (IV) lines.
You will also complete a series of clinical rotations involving placement at one of the well-regarded healthcare facilities in the Seattle area. During each rotation, you will deliver patient care under the watchful eye of your preceptor (supervising nurse).
Top 5 Benefits of Relocating for Nursing School
Now that you understand how ABSN programs near Seattle work, it is time to explore the top benefits of choosing our nursing school in the Seattle area. If you have never been to Seattle, you might be surprised by how vibrant and eclectic the city and surrounding areas are.
Here, you will find something for everyone — cultural attractions like art museums, incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and culinary hotspots. Living in a big city offers many perks, such as festivals and nature-related attractions like whale watching.
And, of course, there is much to love about relocating to the Seattle area for nursing school — from the exceptional facilities and student support you will find at PLU to the renowned healthcare systems you might pursue work in. Plus, if you decide to advance your career, you will have easy access to high-quality graduate-level education in nursing.
Wondering how to choose a nursing school? Check out these top eight things to look for.
1. Relocating Near Seattle for Exceptional Nursing Education
One of the best parts of relocating near Seattle to attend nursing school is the opportunity to study in an exceptional ABSN program. PLU has a longstanding tradition of academic excellence, having prepared highly competent nurses and nurse leaders since 1951.
Our sterling reputation for nursing education is upheld by our talented and dedicated faculty members, who have more than 700 years of experience combined. The nursing instructors at our nursing school near Seattle in Lynnwood, WA, are committed to fostering student success.
In addition, you will work through the nursing program at our fully equipped satellite location in Lynnwood, north of Seattle. The ABSN program site, located away from the main Tacoma PLU campus, brings together nursing cohorts to fine-tune their nursing skills and develop clinical judgment at state-of-the-art skills and simulation labs.
2. Renowned Health Care Systems in the Area
Another reason relocating for nursing school could be wise is the opportunity to do clinical rotations at healthcare facilities with exceptional reputations. PLU cannot guarantee facility placement, but we ensure the healthcare facilities we partner with are known for nurturing collaboration, student support and nursing excellence.
Facilities where you may complete clinical rotations include:
- Providence Regional Medical Center: Located near Everett, Providence offers innovative care in a world-class facility. Providence provides a full spectrum of care — from its maternity department to its Level II Trauma Center. It is an award-winning hospital recognized for, among other things, excellence in the care of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and lung cancer.
- Evergreen Health: Evergreen Health is a general medical and surgical facility in Kirkland known for primary, specialty, emergency and urgent care. They boast the region’s most advanced neuroscience specialist and prioritize personalized care for each patient. It is no surprise this facility is also award-winning.
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3. Robust Nursing Employment Opportunities
After you have completed your nursing degree and obtained your RN license, you will be ready to take advantage of Seattle’s robust employment opportunities for nurses. Nurses are in high demand everywhere throughout the U.S., and the Seattle area is no exception.
Seattle-area nurses can also expect to command high earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nurses in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, area was $105,540 as of May 2022. Compare that to the median yearly salary for nurses nationwide, which was $81,220 as of May 2022.
4. Opportunities for Graduate-Level Nursing Education
If you want to pursue career advancement, many options are available in and near Seattle. You can obtain graduate-level nursing education right here at PLU. PLU’s main campus in Tacoma offers both a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and a Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate.
After earning a graduate degree, you may decide to pursue board certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or nurse practitioner (NP).
5. Plenty to Do and See in the Seattle Area
You will find that nursing school keeps you busy! However, striving for school/life balance and work/life balance is vital. When you are off the clock, you will never have to look far to find something to do in the Seattle area.
Relocating to the Seattle area offers easy access to cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, fine dining, nightlife and more. Consider the following popular attractions in our beautiful region:
- Seattle Art Museum
- Space Needle
- Pike Place Market
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Woodland Park Zoo
- World-class wineries
- Puget Sound
- …and so many more
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PLU Welcomes Future Nurses to the Seattle Area!
Now that you know all that the Seattle area offers aspiring and practicing nurses, it is time to take the next step in your career pathway. Contact an admission representative at PLU today to review our admission requirements, ask any questions you may have and receive personalized assistance navigating the admission process.
Remember: With three start dates per year and online coursework available, you could earn your nursing degree faster and more conveniently than you imagined. Our ABSN program faculty members cannot wait to help you achieve your dreams of becoming a nurse.