Nursing school out of state can be a good opportunity to find the right fit, access new opportunities, start building your nursing network, and begin nursing in a new job market. Marquette University’s direct entry MSN program could be the perfect option for the next step in your career path.
If you’re thinking about a career change into nursing, relocating out of state can feel like a big step. Beyond choosing a program, you are also choosing a new home, a new job market for health care opportunities, and a new community for this intensive period of study.
For many second-degree nursing students, Marquette University’s Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is the right choice. Offered at both our main Milwaukee campus and our Pleasant Prairie program sites in Wisconsin, our Direct Entry MSN program provides a strong balance of high-quality academics, clinical learning opportunities, and a supportive environment.
As you consider your options, explore why out-of-state nursing school might be right for you. See what to look for when choosing a program and learn how Pleasant Prairie and Milwaukee are excellent locations to begin your nursing career.
Why Choose a Nursing School Out of State?
Selecting a nursing program in another state is a strategic choice. Many second-degree and career-changing students do not have a direct-entry MSN option close to home.
Relocating out of state enables you to pick the program that best fits your goals and desired timeline, while offering a high-quality nursing education. Prospective Marquette DE-MSN students can apply for multiple yearly start dates. We offer a spring or fall start date on our Pleasant Prairie campus, which follows a hybrid-online program format, or a summer start from our Milwaukee campus, where classes are predominantly in person. An extended, eight-semester option is also available exclusively as a summer-start option in Pleasant Prairie.
Completing a DE-MSN in a new state can also accelerate your growth in other ways. The area might have more nursing job opportunities or specialties. You are also incentivized to network and build up a support system from fellow cohort members, faculty, and community connections.
Learn more about how online learning works in a nursing program, and why in-person learning remains vital.
What to Look for in Out of State Nursing Schools
Once you have decided that you are open to relocating, the next step is to evaluate programs based on what they can offer. Accreditation and NCLEX-RN pass rates should be the first things you examine. Marquette’s nursing programs, including our DE-MSN, are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Our DE-MSN students attained a 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate of 93.86%.
Also examine opportunities for in-person learning. Marquette University’s direct entry MSN integrates clinical simulation early in supervised labs, then places students into clinical courses at top area health care facilities throughout the greater Pleasant Prairie and Milwaukee areas, across Wisconsin, and into northern Illinois. Students will gain exposure to different patient populations and health systems.
Direct-entry MSN programs are also a serious financial commitment, so you should examine tuition and local cost of living. Luckily, Wisconsin has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as No. 20 in affordability and No. 9 in opportunity among U.S. states.
Spotlight on Wisconsin: Why Pleasant Prairie and Milwaukee are Hidden Gems for Nursing Students
Pleasant Prairie and Milwaukee offer a combination of strong health care ecosystems, manageable cost of living, and a mix of urban and suburban environments. Pleasant Prairie in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, is situated along I-94 between Chicago and Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan.
From a nursing student perspective, Pleasant Prairie means access to health care systems in Kenosha County, as well as the Milwaukee and Chicago metro areas, where our clinical partners operate. Southeastern Wisconsin is home to five integrated health systems with plenty of employment opportunities both local and within commuting distance.
Registered nurses are also the fifth-largest occupation in Wisconsin according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 64,960 RNs working within the state as of May 2024. With the ongoing impact of the nursing shortage, this demand is expected to continue.
Enrolling at our main Milwaukee campus, though all DE-MSN students have access to campus amenities, means being in proximity to Wisconsin’s largest city and a regional health care hub. The metro area is home to multiple integrated health systems and eight major hospitals and research institutions. Our main campus offers a more traditional DE-MSN experience, with nursing theory coursework delivered predominantly in person as opposed to predominantly online for Pleasant Prairie Students.
Navigating the Application Process for Out of State Nursing Schools
As an out-of-state student, start the process earlier than you think you may need to. Enrolling and moving will take time and effort, and you should plan to make your path as smooth as possible.
For our Direct Entry MSN program, applicants need to meet our admissions requirements of:
- Having a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA in your conferred baccalaureate degree
- Holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with a competitive grade
If you are considering relocating, you can also ask your admissions adviser about typical housing timelines, when to arrive for orientation, and how early other requirements like background checks or immunizations must be completed.
Discover how to prepare for a MSN degree and begin our MSN program ready to succeed.
Preparing for the Move: What Out of State Nursing Students Should Know
Because the hybrid program format requires you to be on site regularly for labs, simulations, and exams, it is wise to live within a comfortable commuting distance. Students who are enrolled at our main Milwaukee campus will need to attend classes in person, with less coursework delivered online.
Many students choose to live as close as possible for a short commute, while others opt for nearby communities that balance rent, amenities, and proximity to clinical sites.
Competition for housing is not typically as intense as in the largest major metropolitan areas, but starting your search early is still advisable, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. As an out-of-state student, it is useful to map likely routes between home, campus, and clinical locations before committing to housing. Think about winter driving, parking costs, and how much time you realistically want to spend on the road each week.
Building a support network away from home
Relocating for an accelerated nursing program can be exhilarating but isolating. Building up a support network in your new area is essential. Reach out to fellow cohort members, who you will be spending much of your time with, and try to form connections.
You can use the community spaces at both program locations to socialize further but also work to maintain your support network out of state. Having a dependable shoulder to lean on occasionally can be a major help to your mental health.
Choose Marquette DE-MSN for Nursing School Out of State
Attending nursing school out of state is a big decision, especially when you’re considering a direct entry MSN. Our program offerings in Pleasant Prairie and Milwaukee offer a compelling combination of flexibility and access to opportunities.
Ready to make a change to your career and surroundings? We can provide the structure, support, and opportunities you need to become a master’s-prepared nurse and start your new career path with confidence. Leave your information to have an admissions adviser reach out and start the conversation about your future.