Sentara College of Health Sciences

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Sentara College of Health Sciences centers on the shared intensity of nursing education rather than traditional campus activities. The small student body creates cohort bonds as classmates progress through the program together, supporting each other through difficult examinations and challenging clinical experiences. Study groups form naturally, with students gathering in the library or empty classrooms to prepare for tests and review clinical skills. The Student Nurses Association provides opportunities for professional development, service activities, and networking with nursing professionals. Most students commute from throughout Hampton Roads, balancing classes and clinicals with family responsibilities and outside employment. The college does not maintain residence halls, so students live off-campus in apartments throughout Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and surrounding communities. Student events throughout the year include educational workshops, stress-relief activities during exam periods, and celebrations of achievements like pinning ceremonies. Clinical rotations at various Sentara facilities connect students with practicing nurses who serve as mentors and role models. The professional focus of the program means less traditional college social life, but the relationships formed through shared challenges often persist throughout nursing careers. Alumni networks connect graduates with former classmates now working at hospitals throughout the region.

Location & Surroundings

Chesapeake lies in the heart of Virginia's Hampton Roads region, a metropolitan area of nearly 1.8 million people centered on the harbor where the James, Elizabeth, and Nansemond rivers meet the Chesapeake Bay. The city itself spreads across 353 square miles, making it one of Virginia's largest in area, with landscapes ranging from suburban neighborhoods to rural farmland and the Great Dismal Swamp. Virginia Beach sits just to the east, offering oceanfront recreation and resort amenities. Norfolk provides urban attractions including the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Norfolk Naval Station, and the entertainment district of downtown Granby Street. Newport News and Hampton across the James River add educational and cultural resources including Christopher Newport University and Hampton University. The military presence shapes the regional economy and healthcare needs, with Navy and Air Force installations employing thousands and generating demand for medical services. The regional economy also includes ports, shipbuilding, and tourism, creating a stable job market for healthcare professionals. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel provides stunning passage to Virginia's Eastern Shore, while historical sites at Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown lie within an hour's drive. The climate features mild winters and warm, humid summers, with hurricane season occasionally threatening the coastal region. Housing costs run above national averages but remain more affordable than major East Coast metros.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Sentara College of Health Sciences offers various financial aid options including scholarships, grants, and payment plans. The financial aid office helps students explore funding opportunities. Career services connect students with employers and support professional development, with graduates finding success across diverse industries.

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