Utica, New York, is an ideal spot for nursing students, offering historic charm, affordable living, diverse clinical experiences, and strong job prospects. Benefit from Utica University’s accelerated programs, which provide flexible learning in a welcoming community with plenty of ways to relax and recharge.
Deciding to return to school for nursing is a significant life change. When committing to your nursing degree, it’s essential that you put yourself in the best position or location to find success in your education. This is why moving to New York state could be beneficial to your career.
At Utica University, our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing programs are designed to help dedicated students earn their nursing degree in as few as 16 months. Utica’s ABSN curriculum can teach you the vital skills needed to deliver holistic, compassionate nursing care, but you must make the first step.
Why consider moving to New York for nursing school?
Professional and bedside nursing skills can't be learned completely online. Several Utica program components must be completed in person.
Utica’s Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing program accommodates students who prefer completing their accelerated nursing education entirely in person. Alternatively, our ABSN program combines online theory classes with simulation lab practice and clinical experiences to equip you with the skills necessary to launch your career with confidence.
On-site program elements include:
- Clinical Skills and Simulation Labs: In nursing skills and simulation labs, you will log 225 hours of lab time, practicing clinical skills in a controlled environment on Utica’s main campus in Utica, New York.
- Clinical Placements: Starting in the first semester, you will apply your learned theory and skills in real-world patient care situations at local healthcare facilities. As your knowledge increases, the level of patient care will also increase.
Note that your clinicals schedule could change each semester, depending on the facility to which you are assigned.
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Benefits of Relocating to Utica for Nursing School
Making the decision to uproot from where you’re currently settled isn’t easy, but it could be a necessary part of investing in your nursing education. Plus, there are several benefits to choosing Utica as a home base when pursuing nursing in New York.
1. Utica Offers a Reasonable Cost of Living
Like the rest of the region, Utica is an affordable and convenient destination, especially when compared to New York City. That’s why it’s an ideal location for nursing students moving to New York on a budget.
Based on data gathered by the Economic Research Institute, Utica’s cost of living is 9% below the national average and 29% below the state’s average.
2. You Can Fast-track Your Nursing Degree Here
Why wait to start your nursing journey when you’re ready to become a nurse now? Utica University offers both our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Advanced B.S. in Nursing programs on our main campus in Utica, New York.
With the help of both programs, Utica meets the needs of all our students. The ABSN caters to those who prefer an education, and the Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing helps students who prefer face-to-face instruction, with both groups converging on campus to meet certain in-person components.
Utica’s accelerated nursing programs can be completed in as few as 16 months, offer three start dates per year, and have a rolling admissions process. We currently have no waitlist for admission for qualified applicants.
3. Utica is a Great Place to Focus on Your Education
Selecting an ABSN program in a locale a bit removed from big city life has its benefits. You have the space to turn your focus towards academics. Utica, however, still offers just the right mix of entertainment and dining venues, outdoor areas for hiking, and places to take in local sporting events when you need a break from your studies.
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4. There Are Plenty of Ways to Unwind
Of course, your time as a nursing student won’t be all work and no play. Utica boasts pockets of historic charm, modern shopping hotspots, dining options, and cultural attractions, so you’ll have plenty of places to relax.
While the ABSN program will consume a lot of your time, here are some recommendations of local attractions to visit for a study break:
- Munson Arts Center: Enjoy a quiet afternoon exploring the collections and exhibitions at Munson Arts Center, or unleash your creativity in a community arts class.
- Oneida County Public Market: This year-round public market offers something to enjoy for each season, from the vibrant farmers’ market, stocking fresh and seasonal produce, to the holiday market, bringing cheer to the cold New York winter.
- The Stanley Theatre: Give your mind a break from your education and catch a Broadway show at the historic Stanley Theatre.
- Oneida Lake: Make the short drive to Oneida Lake and indulge in a quiet day relaxing on the beach, or take advantage of everything the waterfront has to offer.
5. You’ll Experience Diverse Clinical Settings
As an ABSN student at our main campus in Utica, New York, you’ll hone your nursing skills in a variety of patient care settings thanks to our clinical ties to top healthcare facilities in and around Utica. We can’t guarantee when or where your clinical rotations will take place, but we work hard to ensure students are exposed to a variety of clinical settings.
Nursing in New York Career Outlook
As with the rest of the nation, advancements in technology, an aging population, and increasing life expectancy are slated to drive the demand for skilled nursing jobs in New York over the next several years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this demand is expected to drive a 5% growth in the nursing profession from 2024 to 2034, resulting in approximately 166,100 additional jobs over the decade.
The connections Utica University has built with the surrounding healthcare facilities make the area friendly to hiring recent nursing graduates, so you’ll have a good chance of landing a job in the region once you become a licensed nurse.
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Get Moving on Your Nursing Future
Before you can start your nursing education, you must meet the eligibility requirements and complete the degree requirement courses for your chosen program. Our dedicated team of admission representatives can help you determine whether Utica’s accelerated nursing programs are right for you.
Contact an admission representative today to launch your nursing career.
