What to Expect at a Galen Open House

Choosing a nursing school is a big decision. You’ve probably spent time researching the right program for you and comparing schools. But a lot of questions can only be answered by stepping onto campus, meeting the people who will support you and experiencing the environment for yourself.  

That’s exactly what an Open House at Galen College of Nursing is designed to do. 

Whether you’re just starting to explore nursing school or you’re in the process of applying, an Open House is your perfect opportunity to ask questions, tour campus, feel the vibe and leave with a clear understanding of next steps. 

Open Houses are typically held one to two times per quarter at each of our 25 campuses. That gives you multiple opportunities throughout the year to visit when it works for your schedule.  

While each event is hosted for a couple of hours, most visitors spend about 30 to 45 minutes exploring campus and talking with faculty and staff.  

Throughout your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:  

Depending on the campus, you may also meet current student ambassadors who can share their Galen experiences, representatives from our HCA Healthcare partners who can discuss career opportunities at their facilities, and local community organizations who may be offering scholarships and financial assistance.  

One of the biggest advantages of attending an Open House is the opportunity to connect with the people who are here to help you succeed.  

Every visitor is paired with an Enrollment Counselor who will serve as your personal guide throughout the admissions process. During your visit, you can choose to sit down one-on-one to discuss your goals, ask questions or even complete application steps like ordering transcripts or scheduling an entrance exam.  

Depending on the campus, you may also meet a mix of faculty members, deans, academic advisors, student financial services representatives and current students. Even if someone you hoped to meet isn’t available that day, the team can connect you with the right person afterward.  

No matter where you are on your nursing school journey, you’ll have someone at Galen to help guide you through it.  

Every prospective student has different questions, and an Open House gives you the chance to have conversations tailored to your situation.  

Some of the most common questions students ask are:  

Instead of just searching online for answers, you can speak directly with the people who know the process best.  

Your advisors can also talk through concerns like returning to school after several years away, changing careers or overcoming test anxiety.  

There’s a big difference between reading about a nursing program and seeing it in action. 

During your campus tour, you’ll visit the classrooms and simulation labs where students build hands-on nursing skills. Depending on the campus, you may even view a demonstration of Galen’s high-fidelity manikins and see how our simulation labs prepare students for real patient care in a safe, controlled environment.  

You’re welcome to attend an Open House on your own, but family members and friends are highly encouraged to join you.  

Why? Nursing school is a significant commitment, and many students rely on loved ones throughout their journey. Bringing them along gives them the opportunity to ask their own questions and better understand the journey you’re about to go on.   

You don’t need to bring anything with you to attend. If you’d like to make progress on your application during your visit, you can bring documents like proof of high school graduation or qualifying test scores, but they’re not required. 

Visiting campus offers something you can’t find on a website or social page.  

You’ll experience the learning environment firsthand and connect with your peers who are asking many of the same questions you are.  

Many visitors discover questions they hadn’t even thought of asking simply by hearing other prospective students’ comments and concerns. Others leave feeling reassured after talking through common worries like balancing work and school, changing careers or returning to the classroom later in life.  

Most importantly, you’ll see that you won’t be taking this journey alone. The people you meet at an Open House could become your future classmates, study partners, mentors and biggest cheerleaders throughout nursing school.  

“Open House was such a great experience. Being able to see the school, talk to current students and ask what they enjoyed and how they were handling the challenges of nursing school was exactly what I wanted. I loved the small college community and how the faculty and staff made Galen feel like the place to be. It made my decision easier.” 

– Meagan Zigrye, ADN student

Whether you’re just starting to consider nursing school or you’re ready to apply, our goal is the same: to make the process feel clear and your goals possible.  

Before you leave campus, you’ll know what your next steps are. And after the event, your Enrollment Counselor will follow up to answer any remaining questions and help you move forward at your own pace.  

Nursing school is a big decision, but remember: you don’t have to make it alone.  

The best way to know if Galen is the right fit is to experience it for yourself.  

Visit our events page to register for an Open House at a campus near you.