If you’re considering relocating for nursing school, you’ll find some reputable nursing schools in Arkansas, such as Harding University. Rogers, Arkansas, can bes an excellent choice for nursing students, as it offerings a vibrant culture, diverse student community and top-tier health care facilities.
Switching careers to nursing allows you to enjoy meaningful work helping others navigate complex challenges. Nursing is an excellent choice if you are called to serve others with compassion and integrity. Plus, registered nurses enjoy a robust job growth rate and can command high earning potential.
There are many perks to choosing a career in nursing, but before you can enjoy them, you need to make some major decisions like choosing the right nursing school.
The right nursing school for you may not be local. Relocating for nursing school may be a wise decision if it allows you to attend a program that fits your needs. For example, you might consider applying to some of the hybrid online nursing programs in Arkansas such as the one provided by Harding University and our Carr College of Nursing in Rogers, Arkansas.
As one of the top nursing schools in Arkansas, Harding University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program is an excellent choice for students with at least 64 non-nursing college credits who meet other admissions requirements. Not only that, but Rogers, Arkansas, and the surrounding area is a great place to work as a nurse after graduating and obtaining your nursing license.
Nursing Schools in Arkansas: Why Relocate Here?
There are plenty of reasons you might consider relocating to attend a nursing program in Arkansas.
Diverse Student Community in Nursing Programs in Arkansas
Diverse populations strengthen communities by introducing people to different viewpoints, experiences and backgrounds. You’ll find that Rogers, Arkansas, is a relatively diverse community.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rogers comprises about half female and half male with about 69% of the population identifying as white, 1.4% as Black or African-American alone, 32.6% as Hispanic or Latino and slightly more than 19% as biracial.
The larger school community within Harding University strives toward racial diversity. In the early 2000s, the school was predominantly composed of white students. Since then, diversity and inclusion efforts have bolstered the student community’s diversity.
Top-Tier Health Care Facilities
Another reason nursing programs in Arkansas may capture your interest is the availability of reputable health care facilities. If you become an ABSN student at Harding, you will complete your clinical rotations at one or more of these facilities:
- Mercy Hospital Northwest
- Vantage Point Behavioral Health Hospital
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
What are nursing school clinicals like at the local health care facilities? Read this blog to find out.
Vibrant Culture
Whether you’re planning to move to Arkansas for nursing school alone or to stay and work as an RN, you’ll find that the area offers a vibrant culture. There is always plenty to do and see during your off-duty hours. Some of the popular cultural attractions in the Rogers, Arkansas, area include:
- Arkansas Public Theatre
- Butterfield Stage (live music)
- Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion
- Rogers Historical Museum
- Railyard Park
- Daisy Airgun Museum
If you enjoy outdoor recreation, you can visit picturesque Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains. You’ll find excellent fishing spots, hiking trails and camping sites. You can also enjoy water sports out on the lake.
Booming Metro Area
Rogers, Arkansas, is a rapidly growing metro area. As of July 2023, Arkansas had a population of 3,046,404, while Rogers alone had a population of 72,999.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city experienced a 4.4% growth rate from April 2020 to July 2023 compared to the statewide growth rate of 1.9% during the same period. This rapidly growing area boasts a pleasant downtown experience for locals with plenty of restaurants, shops and other businesses within commuting distance.
What to Consider Before Relocating for Nursing School
Relocating for nursing school is a major decision you should consider carefully before moving. Talk to your close family members and friends about the idea. Spend plenty of time researching your chosen nursing program and its location, and consider the logistics of moving. It’s particularly important to weigh your decision carefully if this is a long-distance move.
Is Now a Good Time for Me to Relocate?
One of the questions you should consider is whether the time is right to make a move. It’s always best to make important decisions with a clear mind. For example, if you’ve recently experienced a major life event (e.g., a death in the family, divorce or other upheaval), it can be wise to wait before making any life-changing decisions.
On the other hand, if you’ve been thinking about switching careers to nursing for a while and are confident with your choice, you might be ready to relocate fairly soon.
Is Relocating Logistically Feasible?
A long-distance move involves far more planning ahead than a move across town. If you’ll be moving hundreds of miles away, consider the following in addition to housing:
- How to make your new home ready as soon as possible once you arrive (e.g., utilities, etc.)
- Whether you need to downsize your possessions or place some items into long-term storage
- Whether you need to hire a moving company (Be sure to review your insurance options carefully.)
- Whether you are moving with pets
- Whether you are moving with children (If so, you’ll need to research school districts and nearby amenities for families, such as libraries, child care and summer camp options.)
- Whether you will drive or fly (If you’re flying, you must arrange for your car to be transported to your new home.)
- How to pay for moving expenses
Is This the Best Nursing Program for Me?
Even the most complicated long-distance move can be worth it if you’ve found the right nursing program in Arkansas. Spend time researching the nursing school and ask plenty of questions when speaking with your admissions counselor.
Does Relocating Help Me Advance My Goals?
Another question you may want to reflect on is whether relocating for nursing school allows you to meet your professional goals. Is the nursing program you’ve selected:
- Supportive of student success
- Equipped with the latest nursing skills and simulation lab technology
- Staffed by expert faculty
- Aligned with your religious beliefs
If so, then relocating might be the right move for you.
Getting ready for your career change? Here’s what to study before nursing school.
Make the Move Toward a Rewarding Career in Nursing
You could earn your nursing degree sooner than you might think. Harding University’s ABSN program accepts applications from aspiring nursing students eager to graduate in as few as 16 months.
Our hybrid online nursing program in Arkansas includes convenient online classes, on-campus experiential skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations at nearby health care facilities. If you have at least 64 non-nursing credits, you may meet the admissions requirements.
Contact the Carr College of Nursing today to speak with our friendly admissions team. You’ll be assigned your dedicated admissions counselor to help you navigate the process step by step.