Is Galen College of Nursing Worth It? Nurses Review

Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest nursing programs in the country. With 14 campuses in eight states, nursing is the only field that the university teaches. Galen College’s website reports that they have one goal in mind for each student: to prepare them to pass their nursing boards so they can start practicing in the field as soon as possible.

Galen college offers BSN, ADN, and MSN degrees. The university reports that they deliver a curriculum “designed to facilitate a learner-centered culture” with strategies based on evidence-based practice.

Students at Galen College of Nursing have the opportunity to work in extensive and diverse clinical rotations with leading healthcare providers in their communities.

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Stats

• Private or Public: Private
• General Tuition: $395 - $415 per credit hour
• Acceptance Rate: Depends on the campus and demand. Some campuses have a 100% acceptance rate, while others have only a 30% acceptance rate.
• NCLEX Pass Rate: NCLEX pass rates depend on the campus, and not all are available; however, here are some of the first-time pass rates posted by the university:
• First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates - BSN (2020)
  • Louisville: 96.83%
  • San Antonio: 88.10%
  • Tampa Bay: 100%
• First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates- ADN (2020)
  • Cincinnati: 91.33%
  • Louisville: 87.29%
  • San Antonio: 88.64%
  • Hazard: 82.14%
  • Tampa Bay: 92.02%
• Application Deadlines: Rolling
• Accreditation:
  • The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

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Contact Information

• Address, main campus: 30 Town Square Blvd., Suite #220, Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC
• Email: Request information
• Phone Number: 877-223-7040
• Social Platforms:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Additional Information

• Rankings:
  • #87 in best online bachelor's programs, according to US World & News Reports
  • #627 in nursing programs, according to US World & News Reports
• Graduation rate: About 66.7% of Galen College of Nursing undergrads finish within six years
• Student/faculty ratios: 1:13
• Featured  Alumni: “Galen absolutely prepared me for the NCLEX exam and for the real world of nursing.” - Brittnay Hodge, Alumni

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Degrees Offered

3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Tuition: $400 per credit hour
• Program Length: As little as three years
• Online Options Available? No

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

• Tuition: $400-$415 per credit unit
• Program Length: About 24 months full-time
• Online Options Available? No

LPN TO ADN Advanced Standing Program (ADN)

• Tuition: $400-$415 per credit unit
• Program Length: 15-18 months
• Online Options Available? No

Online RN to BSN (BSN Completion)

• Tuition: $400-$415 per credit unit
• Program Length: 16 months
• Online Options Available? Yes

Online MSN, Nurse Educator

• Tuition:  $395 per semester credit hour
• Program Length: 6 semesters
• Online Options Available? Yes

Online MSN, Nursing and Healthcare Leadership

• Tuition:  $395 per semester credit hour
• Program Length: 6 semesters
• Online Options Available? Yes

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Specialties Offered

Galen College of Nursing Offers six nursing degree tracks:

• 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• LPN TO ADN Advanced Standing Program (ADN)
• Online RN to BSN
• Online MSN, Nurse Educator
• Online MSN, Nursing and Healthcare Leadership

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Is Galen College of Nursing a Good Nursing Program?

Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest nursing programs in the country. With 14 campuses in eight states, this university has graduated 90,000 students with nursing credentials. 

This university also has CCNE accreditation, a national accreditation agency that ensures institutions' educational quality and effectiveness. 

The university boasts that they deliver a curriculum “designed to facilitate a learner-centered culture” with strategies based on evidence-based practice. Their website reports that their student's first-time NCLEX pass rates exceed the national average. In addition, the faculty-to-student ratio is 1:13 allowing for more direct teacher interaction.

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What Do You Need to Get Into Galen's Nursing School?

Academic requirements are specific to each program and campus. General steps for admission include:

• Fill out the online application
• Schedule your entrance exam OR provide your other qualifying test scores.
• Successfully pass a qualifying entrance examination
• Pass a criminal background screening
• Submit official high school transcripts or GED and official college transcripts for any courses you would like Galen to consider for transfer credit.

Enter to Win Nurse.org's $1,500 "No Essay" Nursing Scholarship!

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How Hard is the Nursing Program at Galen College of Nursing?

Getting into Galen’s nursing program may be easier than other universities because there is no required GPA for acceptance, and a GED is acceptable. There are also no other additional requirements compared to other nursing programs.

However, Galen’s nursing program is very rigorous and requires hard work and dedication to graduate, pass the NCLEX, and become a successful RN or LVN. 

As a nationally accredited nursing school, Galen meets the quality of nursing education in the US and is up to date on current trends in advances in nursing and healthcare.

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What Kind of Support Does Galen College of Nursing School Offer Their Nursing Students?

Galen College reports that they provide a range of essential student resources, such as:

• Academic advising
• Personal counseling
• Student success coordinators
• Library and student resource centers

In addition, Galen faculty and staff are also available for one-on-one discussions to help with coursework, clinical, and career questions.

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How Much Is the Nursing Program at Galen College of Nursing School?

Tuition and other student fees vary depending on the location and campus. 

LPN/LVN:

• Tuition: around $21,000 to $22,000 ($400- $415 per credit hour)
• Registration fee:$100
• Background fee: $100
• Supplies:$50
• Physical exam and immunizations: varies per health insurance

LPN to LVN Bridge, ADN, and BSN

• General education courses: $400 per quarter credit hour
• Nursing education courses: $415- $445 per quarter credit hour
• Technology fee: $100 per online course
• Lab fee: $50 per lab course
• Clinical fee: $125 per clinical course
• Books: $2,400 - $3,600
• Registration fee: $100
• Background fee: $100
• Uniform and supplies: $250
• Physical exam and immunizations: varies per health insurance

MSN:

• Tuition and fees: $395 per semester credit hour
• Technology fee: $50 per online course
• Registration fee: $50

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Is Galen College of Nursing School Worth It?

Many students want to know if the cost of Galen College’s nursing program is worth the expected salary. However, students must make their own decision based on several different factors. Things to consider include:

• The type of institution where you will work
• The city and state where you live
• Your nursing specialty
• How many hours you work per week

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in America earn a median annual salary of $77,600/hr or $37.31/hr. However, the range varies widely depending on many of the abovementioned factors. 

According to ZipRecruiter, nurse salaries range from $35,500 to $123,500. If your goal is to earn a higher income, you may want to investigate the going rate for nurses in your city and consider relocating for a higher income. Nurses who live in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living earn much higher salaries than nurses who work in less populated areas. 

After a few years of experience, you can also consider travel nursing positions, which offer a more comprehensive range of salaries.

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What is Galen College of Nursing School’s Transfer Policy?

The Galen University website reports that if an applicant is attending or has attended a school other than Galen with a related curriculum, they may be able to obtain credit for those courses. However, a request for evaluation of prior or current courses and credits must be submitted and approved before signing the enrollment agreement. 

A copy of the official transcript(s) of the courses to be considered for transfer must be sent to Galen directly from each school, college, or university attended.

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Galen College of Nursing School Reviews

“I absolutely love this school! Great faculty and instructor! I always know where to find the help I need to be successful! Couldn't ask for a nursing school! I would recommend Galen to anyone!” - Sarah Manley, 2017 Alumni

"I chose this school because I am a single parent of 3 children, and I did the hybrid classes where most of my work was done online and some was done at the school. I would recommend this school to any single mother who wants to further their career but still has to work full-time to make ends meet." - Felicia T, CNA student alumni

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Cover photo via Healthcare Today