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Zach Mueller, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, has joined Galen College of Nursing as Executive Vice President of Academic Operations. Dr. Mueller brings more than 27 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience, including a distinguished 23-year career with HCA Healthcare. Most recently, he served as Division Chief Nursing Executive for Medical City Healthcare and HCA Healthcare’s North Texas Division. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at HCA Healthcare Medical City Dallas Hospital.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mueller has focused on leading complex teams, advancing clinical and operational performance, developing leaders, strengthening workforce pipelines, and building sustainable systems that improve patient care through nursing excellence. His unique combination of healthcare operations, nursing leadership, workforce development, academic partnership, and deep knowledge of HCA Healthcare positions him to strengthen the connection between nursing education, clinical practice, and the development of the future nursing workforce.
Dr. Mueller will assume his duties as Executive Vice President of Academic Operations on August 17, 2026. At that time, reporting responsibility for the Regional Deans will transition to him.
Thinking about becoming a nurse? You’re probably wondering, what kind of salary can I expect? Great question. Nursing salaries vary widely depending on your role, education, and location. Let’s start with the basics. According to a 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics Study, the median annual wage for a licensed, practical, or vocational nurse is $62,340. You can become an LPN or LVN through Galen’s 18 -month PN/VN program. The average salary for a registered nurse in the U.S. is around $93,600 per year. Location also plays a big role in RN salaries. To search for median wages for RNs specific to your location, the U .S. Department of Labor offers a great resource at CareerOneStop.org slash toolkit slash wages. To become an RN, there are a few options at Galen. If you are an LPN or LVN, you can become an RM through Galen’s 18 -month bridge program. Or, if you’re new to nursing, you can choose our two -year ADN program or our three -year BSN program. The more clinical experience and credentials you earn, like a BSN, MSN, or even a doctorate, the more opportunities you’ll have for specialty roles. And this is where your earning potential can really soar. For example, nurse practitioners or nurse midwives earn about $132 ,050 per year. The highest paying nursing role? Certified registered nurse anesthetist with an average salary of $214,000 per year. The bottom line? Nursing offers strong earning potential. And it grows with your education, experience, and specialization. At Galen, we help you build a foundation for career growth. Whether you’re starting out or advancing your degree, we’re here to support your journey. Ready to explore your future in nursing, visit Galencollege.edu and click Get Started in the top right corner. Or call us at 877-223-7040 to speak with someone directly. At Galen, nursing is all we teach, and your success is all that matters.
Thinking about nursing school but worried about prerequisites? At Galen College of Nursing, they’re built into the curriculum of our pre -licensure programs. That’s right, you don’t need prerequisites to enroll at Galen. Why is that a big deal? Because it means you can begin your nursing journey without waiting to complete general education courses. At many schools, prerequisites can add months or even years to your timeline. But at Galen, you can start right away. That means more time learning what matters, and less time waiting to get started. Galen’s curriculum is built from the ground up for nursing. Every course is designed to prepare you for real-world care and the NCLEX. And because you’re not juggling unrelated courses, you can stay focused on your goal, becoming a nurse. Plus, skipping prerequisites can save you money. Fewer courses mean fewer tuition costs and a faster path to earning potential. Whether you’re switching careers, starting fresh, or just ready to dive in, Galen makes it easier to begin.
If you’re thinking about nursing school, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably how much is this going to cost me? It’s a smart question. And one that deserves a clear answer. At Galen College of Nursing, we believe in transparency. That means no hidden fees and no surprises. Just clear, upfront information to help you plan your future. First, let’s look at tuition by program type. These are estimates for one academic year. Practical vocational nursing programs range from about $13,755 to $15,800, depending on location and schedule. The associate degree in nursing program costs around $17,784 per year. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program costs approximately $18,540 per year. These numbers reflect full -time enrollment with no transfer credits. If you bring in credits from another school, your cost and time could be reduced. But tuition isn’t the only cost to consider. You’ll also need books, scrubs, and equipment. For example, supplies for ADN and BSM programs average around $1,350 per year. Other one -time fees include registration, background checks, and uniforms. These can total around $500 or more. So how do you pay for it all? That’s where Galen’s support comes in. We offer guidance on financial aid, scholarships, and even employment tuition reimbursement. Financial aid includes federal loans, grants, and work study options. Our counselors help you navigate the FAFSA and loan process step by step. Scholarships are available through outside organizations, and Galen helps you find ones that fit your background and goals. If you’re employed by an HCA Healthcare facility, you may be eligible for up to $5 ,250 in tax -free reimbursement each year. And if you still need help covering costs, private loans are an option. Just be sure to compare terms and interest rates carefully. Galen partners with Fast Choice to help students compare lenders and find the best fit. Ready to take the next step? Visit Galencollege.edu and click Get Started in the top-right corner. Or call us at 877-223-7040 to speak with someone directly. At Galen, nursing is all we teach, and your success is all that matters.
If you’re considering enrolling in nursing school, you’re probably wondering, how long is it going to take before I can graduate and start working? Great question. The duration of nursing school depends on the program you choose. And knowing how long a program will take will be a big factor in your decision on which program is right for you. At Galen, we have pathways for folks new to nursing, all with different timelines. Program offerings vary by campus location. Check with an enrollment counselor to see which options are available near you. The practical vocational nursing program takes as little as 12 months to complete. Then you’re ready to sit for the NCLEX PN exam to become a licensed PN or VN. With this pathway, you can be in a position to start working sooner. And after obtaining your LPN -LVN, if you decide to advance your career and become a registered nurse, you can pursue an ADN through our bridge program, which takes an additional 18 months. The next pathway is our associate degree in nursing, or ADN program. This program takes as little as 24 months and is the fastest pathway to working and earning as an RN. The most extensive pathway to nursing is Galen’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN program. This program takes three years to complete, and for a good reason. With a BSN, you can have an educational background and skill set to pursue specialty and leadership nursing roles. If you have qualified transfer credits from another institution, there is a chance the duration of the program will be shorter. A Galen Enrollment Counselor will be happy to start a credit transfer review during the enrollment process. Take the next step. Visit galencollege .edu and click Get Started in the top right corner. Or speak directly to someone at Galen at 877-223-7040. We’re here for you every step of the way. At Galen, nursing is all we teach, and your success is all that matters.
If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, you’ve probably asked yourself, is nursing school hard? The short answer? Yes, it can be. But with the right support, tools, and mindset, success is absolutely within reach. At Galen, we specialize in helping students from all walks of life succeed from enrollment to graduation. Let’s look at some common challenges and how Galen helps you overcome them. Nursing school can be intense. Heavy course loads, tough exams, and fear of failure are real. That’s why Galen assigns you a dedicated academic advisor from day one. You’ll also have access to tutoring, faculty support, and a strong peer network. The NCLEX exam is the final hurdle to becoming a licensed nurse, and it can feel intimidating. Galen prepares you with proprietary course content, NCLEX -style practice questions, and curriculum aligned with the actual exam. Balancing school, work, and life take strategy, including time management and forming consistent study habits. Galen also offers a course called GPS, Galen Pathway to Success to help new students adjust to college -level work. And when you need extra help, the Student Resource Center is your go -to hub. You’ll find on -demand videos, enrichment specialists, disability services, and even virtual counseling, all included. And finally, there’s no overstating the powerful network of support you’ll get from your Galen classmates, the bonds you can form with diverse students just like you, people who may have taken many paths and may not have been in school for many years, but all aspire to make a real difference in people’s lives. This can empower you to face and overcome the challenges of nursing school together. Ready to take the next step?
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