Relocating to Seattle for Nursing School: What Future Nurses Should Know

Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region of Washington State boast stunning mountain views, waterways, lush forests, and a coastal climate. If you want to attend nursing school in a city with a thriving health care industry and access to nature, relocating to Seattle could be a great fit.

You could find an exceptional nursing school experience in Pacific Lutheran University’s (PLU) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Lynnwood, Washington, just 16 miles north of Seattle.

As you consider joining the Seattle nursing community, explore the area's health care systems and what you can expect from living and attending nursing school there.

Why Consider Relocating to Seattle for Nursing School?

Seattle offers something for everyone, including 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.

There is much to love about relocating to Seattle for nursing school, from the exceptional facilities and student support at PLU to the renowned health care systems you might pursue work in.

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 are committed to fostering student success.

 The ABSN program site in Lynnwood houses state-of-the-art skills and simulation labs where you and your nursing cohort will practice your nursing skills and develop clinical judgment.

2. Renowned Health Care Systems in the Area

Another reason to choose nursing schools in Seattle is the opportunity to complete clinical rotations at health care facilities with exceptional reputations. PLU cannot guarantee facility placement, but we ensure the health care facilities we partner with are known for nurturing collaboration, student support, and nursing excellence.

Award-winning facilities where you may complete clinical rotations include:

• Providence Regional Medical Center: Providence offers innovative care in a world-class facility. It has the resources to provide a full spectrum of care, including a Level II Trauma Center.

• Evergreen Health: Evergreen Health is a general medical and surgical facility in Kirkland known for primary, specialty, emergency, and urgent care. It offers health care services across the continuum of care, from pregnancy and birth to home health and hospice care.

Understanding How Accelerated Nursing Programs Work

If you have at least 60 college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you could be eligible for PLU’s ABSN program in Lynnwood, allowing students to graduate in as few as 16 months.

PLU’s full-time program is comprised of three main components:

• Online coursework lays the foundation for your education, covering nursing concepts from the foundations of care delivery to pathophysiology.
• In-person skills and nursing simulation labs, held at our Lynnwood ABSN learning site, allow students to practice essential nursing skills, such as starting intravenous (IV) lines and working with full-body medical manikins.
• Clinical rotations in health care facilities in the Seattle area enable students to deliver patient care under supervision in practice areas like adult health, critical care, and mental health.

This rigorous learning path requires hard work, but PLU’s faculty, your cohort, and our various resources will support you the whole way.

Living in Seattle: What to Expect

The Puget Sound area is a confluence of outdoor activities, art, technology, and coffee culture. Here is what you can expect as you adjust to the Seattle nursing scene.

Cost of Living

A report by Economist Intelligence ranked Seattle as the fourth most livable city in the U.S. While the city has a higher cost of living than the national average, you can find reasonable options in surrounding towns.

Housing in Seattle

When looking for housing in Seattle, knowing a bit about the different neighborhoods is helpful. The Greenwood neighborhood, for example, is known for diverse eateries, while the Roosevelt/Greenlake neighborhood boasts a walkable path along the water and plenty of nearby yoga studios and vegan restaurants. Meanwhile, Capitol Hill offers exciting nightlife and quirky shops, and South Lake Union offers a history museum and recreational options. Wherever you end up, you will surely find something to love about your new neighborhood.

Seattle Weather

Seattle is famous for its rainy weather. While the winters tend to be cool and wet, the summers are typically warm and relatively dry. Overall, the weather is mild with some humidity.

Public Transit

One way to reduce your expenses while living in Seattle is to use the robust public transportation network. You can travel by:

• Bus (including limited night service)
• Light rail
• Streetcar
• Ferries and water taxis
• Commuter rail
• Bike and scooter rentals

 Most transit systems in Seattle accept the ORCA card, and you can purchase tickets via the Transit Go Ticket app.

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 admissions representative at PLU today to review our admission requirements, ask any questions you may have, and receive personalized assistance navigating the admission process.

With three start dates per year and online coursework available, you could earn your nursing degree faster and more conveniently than you imagined.