Does nursing school LocatioN matter?

[cdubs123]

Greetings all!

I am a 24 yr. old college graduate with the intention of pursuing a nursing career. I am currently enrolling in the necessary prereqs. in my local city this upcoming semester, and I was wondering how, if at all, the location of nursing school programs (and school itself), affects job prospects, post-graduation.

Does it matter where one attend/graduates from in terms of job opportunity within the residing city or state in which they graduate? In other words, is there a nursing-grad "pipeline" between schools and health-care sectors within the state (presuming they pass the NCLEX and have no-connections within the HC field?)

I ask because in terms of law schools, for instance, it doesnt matter where you go to law school per say, just make sure you graduate from an institution in the state you wish to practice. I am curious if there is any semblance in the nursing field, and how difficult it may be to find jobs in different regions of the country.

I also understand that everything varies in context!

Thanks for your help! And thanks for everyone's participation on this wonderful website. An invaluable resource to say the least!

Chris

[mom_coach_nurse, LPN]

If I am correct, and I'd have to check my facts, I'm a brand new student, I believe if you graduate from an accredited school, and get your license, you can work anywhere. Of course if you plan to work out of state, you will need to apply for an endorsement in the state you will be working in.

I hope this helps and that I wasn't too far off on my information :)

[FDW630]

It can. One of the schools in my area is a big bonus on a resume to have attended. Shands in gainesville, teaching hospital for UF, has been known to pass up a university of florida graduate for one from our community college, two hours away. It might not be that way everywhere of course.

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

I don't think so. As long as it's accredited, and you get your license - i don't think it matters.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Well, as in everything else in life, reputation matters.

If you graduate from a school with a poor reputation (but you're one of the lucky ones to pass the NCLEX), don't be surprised if your application gets passed over. Likewise, a graduate of a program that is known for strict requirements for graduation/good clinicals can expect to see an interview before someone from Jim-Bob's Skool of Nursing.

And, of course, if you're going to be applying for jobs in an area entirely outside of the school zone itself....no one will care because more than likely no one will have heard of your school! At that point, a valid license and the ability to shine in an interview are the needed tools.