Are you considering relocating to Detroit, Michigan, for nursing school? Healthcare is one of the largest industries in Detroit, and there are plenty of highly ranked hospitals in the area to choose from. There is also a robust demand for nurses in the area.
Relocating to Metro Detroit to attend nursing school is a significant life decision, but it could be the right one. Maybe there aren’t any suitable nursing schools in your current area, or you’re looking for a new career and a new place to call home. No matter your reasons, moving to Detroit offers exciting nursing opportunities.
If Metro Detroit could be in your future, you’ll want to consider Madonna University. Madonna’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can allow you to graduate in as few as 16 months, ready to tackle the NCLEX and your career. Plus, the area’s robust healthcare industry offers exciting opportunities for nurses.
Learn what to expect in nursing school as an ABSN student.
Before making your decision, you’ll likely have some questions to research, such as Is Detroit a good place to live if you’re a nurse? And what should I expect when relocating to the area?
Is Detroit a Good Place to Live for Nurses?
According to the Detroit Regional Chamber, healthcare is one of Metro Detroit’s largest industries, with more than half of the healthcare-related businesses in Michigan calling the city home. There is a strong demand for healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, in Detroit and the state. This is partly due to factors like the increasing need for medical services to treat the aging baby boomer generation.
This aging population trend also affects current nurses looking to retire. According to the 2024 Michigan Annual Nurse Survey Project, over 14% of RNs in the state expect to stop working as nurses within the next two to five years. Of that percentage, most are planning to stop working due to retirement.
As a registered nurse, high demand grants you opportunities within hospitals and creates options in healthcare settings beyond the bedside, such as long-term care facilities, private home care, outpatient clinics, and more. This makes Michigan a great place to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and work.
Advantages of Attending Nursing School in Detroit, Michigan
There are plenty of reasons why moving to Detroit could be a great choice for you.
Detroit Has Nationally Ranked Hospitals
A handful of hospitals in the Detroit area are known for their cutting-edge research, exceptional patient care, and established technology. In fact, many Michigan hospitals have been recognized as high-performers, including Henry Ford Health, which is one of Madonna University’s clinical partners.
Here, Madonna University ABSN students gain hands-on clinical experience in a variety of areas, including pediatrics, mental health, maternity, and medical-surgical nursing. This experience is an integral part of the ABSN curriculum because it gives students a chance to network with fellow staff members, physicians, registered nurses, and nurse recruiters.
As a student in Madonna University’s accelerated BSN program, you should look upon every nursing clinical like a job interview. While you might be tense at first, it will serve you well to put yourself out there and learn from everyone you can. There’s a good chance employers will be looking to hire new nurses from among the pool of nursing students.
The Cost of Living in Metro Detroit Is Below Other Cities
The best places to live are cities where job opportunities are abundant, the pay is fruitful, and housing is affordable, much like Metro Detroit. While the cost of living is above the national average, it is lower than Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Boston, Massachusetts; and other large cities.
Detroit Has Something for Everyone
Beyond the healthcare scene, Detroit has many other things to offer new residents, from world-famous art exhibits to shopping, sports, and a nationally recognized food scene.
Art
If you’re looking for art, the Detroit Institute of Arts has more than 100 galleries spanning half a million square feet. Nearby, you can also visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Another popular destination is the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), which famously displays the words, “Everything is going to be alright” in neon across its building.
Shopping
If you love to shop, the Detroit Metro area is the place for you. It offers a selection of boutiques, megamalls, and outlet malls. Whether you prefer high-end brands, like those at the Somerset Collection in Troy, or the best sales at an outlet, such as Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, Metro Detroit can meet your shopping needs.
Food
Detroit’s foodscape has grown immensely over the years. From iconic favorites like fourth-meal coney dogs to sidewalk cafés, Detroit-style pizza, and a variety of authentic ethnic cuisine, you’re sure to find something delightful to enjoy in the Motor City and surrounding areas.
You Can Transition into a Nursing Career Sooner
Many qualified students are relocating to Detroit, Michigan, for nursing school because programs across the country have a limited number of available seats due to capacity issues and a lack of sufficient faculty. This is what makes accelerated nursing programs, like Madonna University’s ABSN program, so attractive.
With three start dates each year, you can begin working toward your nursing degree sooner. You just need a minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits with a 3.0 GPA or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA.
Blending online coursework, hands-on simulation labs, and clinical rotations at some of Detroit’s top healthcare institutions, Madonna University’s ABSN program makes it possible for you to earn your BSN degree in as few as 16 months. This means that if you’re stuck on a nursing school waitlist, relocating to enroll in the accredited ABSN program in Metro Detroit could be your fastest way to earn your BSN.
Tips for Moving to Detroit
Planning a move out of state can be a big job. You’ll want to start by learning more about your new home. Some quick facts to know include:
- Detroit offers a robust system of buses and streetcars for moving around the city, and many residents commute via bike.
- Madonna University’s ABSN learning site is in Southfield, which is just northwest of Metro Detroit. Nearby neighborhoods to explore housing in include Beverly Hills, Northland, Washington Heights, and North Park Towers.
- The weather is fairly mild, but Detroit does have four distinct seasons, and you can expect snow in the winter.
As you’re planning your move, it can be helpful to have a checklist handy. Some of the items on your checklist might include:
- Find housing, keeping in mind what your commute will look like.
- Research the nearby area, looking for important places like urgent care centers, pharmacies, and supermarkets.
- Find a new primary care physician and set up a patient portal with your new pharmacy.
- Create a moving expenses budget.
- Look for moving companies and choose one.
- Downsize unwanted items to reduce moving expenses.
- Order moving supplies and start packing.
- Make travel arrangements.
- Forward your mail.
When you’re here, you’ll also need to handle routine tasks like getting a new driver’s license and updating your voter registration.
Wondering if it’s too late to become a nurse? Discover why it’s a great career at any age.
Ready to Begin Your Nursing School Journey?
Metro Detroit has much to offer, from a growing healthcare industry to an iconic food scene. If you’re thinking about relocating for nursing school, you owe it to yourself to learn more about Madonna University’s ABSN program.
Our school infuses our nursing curriculum with our Franciscan values, striving to graduate caring, empathetic nurses who apply evidence-based practice. We offer comprehensive student support, including Academic Success Coaches, small class sizes, and cutting-edge technology.
Contact an admissions representative today to get started.