What Galen College of Nursing is

Galen College of Nursing is a for-profit nursing school that offers programs at the associate and bachelor's degree levels. The school operates multiple campuses across the United States, primarily in the South and Midwest, and also offers online options for some programs. Galen focuses on preparing students for registered nurse (RN) licensure and related healthcare roles.

The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which means its nursing programs meet national standards. However, accreditation does not mean the school is the right fit for your goals, budget, or learning style — that is something you will need to research yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Galen offers associate degree and bachelor's degree nursing programs at multiple physical locations and online.
  • The school is accredited by ACCSC and CCNE, which are recognized accrediting bodies for nursing education.
  • Tuition and program length vary by location and degree level, so you should contact the campus nearest you for specific costs.
  • Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses, just as graduates from any other nursing program must.
  • You can request information directly from Galen or compare it side-by-side with other nursing schools in your area before deciding.

Associate Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree Programs

Galen offers both an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The associate degree typically takes two years to complete and is the faster route to RN licensure. The bachelor's degree usually takes four years and includes additional coursework in leadership, research, and public health alongside nursing fundamentals.

Both paths lead to the same NCLEX-RN licensing exam, so both produce registered nurses. The main differences are time, cost, and what comes after. Some employers prefer or require a BSN for certain positions, and a bachelor's degree may open more doors for graduate study or specialized roles later. An associate degree gets you working as an RN sooner and typically costs less upfront.

Locations and Online Options

Galen operates physical campuses in several states, with locations concentrated in Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas, though the exact list of active campuses changes. The school also offers online or hybrid versions of some programs, which means you may be able to complete coursework remotely while doing clinical rotations in person at a nearby healthcare facility.

Before enrolling, confirm which campus or delivery method is available in your area and whether that location is accredited. Not all online programs are available everywhere, and some states have different nursing education rules. Contact Galen directly or visit their website to see current locations and program offerings.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Information

Tuition at Galen varies by campus, degree level, and program length. As a for-profit school, Galen's costs are typically higher than community college nursing programs but may be comparable to other private nursing schools. You should request a detailed cost breakdown from the specific campus you are considering, including tuition, fees, textbooks, uniforms, and clinical supplies.

Galen students may be able to use federal student loans, grants, and scholarships to help pay for school. The school participates in federal financial aid programs, so you can complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what you may be offered. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for nursing students, so check with your current or prospective employer as well.

Accreditation and Licensing

Galen's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is the primary accrediting body for nursing degree programs in the United States. This means the program meets national standards for curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes. The school itself is also accredited by ACCSC for career and technical education.

Accreditation matters because it affects your ability to transfer credits, pursue further education, and have your degree recognized by employers and licensing boards. Graduates of accredited programs are may be able to access to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in all states. However, you should always verify current accreditation status directly with the accrediting bodies or Galen's website, since accreditation can change.

How to Compare Galen With Other Nursing Schools

Before choosing any nursing school, gather information from at least two or three programs in your area. Compare program length, total cost, class size, clinical placement locations, and pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam. Many schools publish their NCLEX pass rates publicly, which gives you a sense of how well their graduates perform on the licensing exam.

Talk to current students or recent graduates if you can — they can tell you about the actual day-to-day experience, how supportive the faculty are, and what the job market looks like for graduates in your area. Visit campuses in person if possible, or attend an information session. Ask about job placement rates and whether the school has partnerships with local hospitals or healthcare systems that might hire graduates.

What Happens After Graduation

After completing your degree at Galen, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse. This is true regardless of which nursing school you attend. The exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and tests your knowledge and ability to practice safely as an RN.

Most graduates take the exam within a few months of graduation. Your school will prepare you for the exam through coursework and may offer review resources or practice tests. Once you pass, you can explore for your RN license in your state. After that, you can begin working as a registered nurse in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or other healthcare settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Galen College of Nursing a legitimate school?

Yes, Galen is accredited by recognized accrediting bodies (CCSC and CCNE) and is authorized to operate in the states where it has campuses. Accreditation means the school meets national standards. However, legitimacy and fit are different things — you should research whether the program matches your goals and budget.

Can I transfer credits from Galen to another nursing program?

Transfer policies depend on the school you want to transfer to. Many schools accept credits from accredited nursing programs, but some have restrictions. If you think you might transfer later, ask both Galen and your target school about their transfer policies before you enroll.

What is the NCLEX-RN exam and when do I take it?

The NCLEX-RN is the licensing exam all registered nurses must pass. It tests your knowledge and judgment in patient care. You typically take it within a few months after graduation. Your nursing program will prepare you for it, and you can take practice exams to study.

Does Galen help with job placement after graduation?

Many nursing schools have career services or partnerships with employers, but the extent of job placement support varies. Ask Galen directly what resources they offer to help graduates find work, and ask about their job placement rates for recent graduates.

How long does it take to become an RN through Galen?

The associate degree takes roughly two years, and the bachelor's degree takes roughly four years. The exact timeline depends on whether you attend full-time or part-time and whether you have any prior college credits that count toward the degree.