It started as a creative solution to a growing problem more than 35 years ago in Louisville, Kentucky. Galen College of Nursing was founded in 1989 because a group of local healthcare leaders had the foresight to predict a severe deficit in the future nursing workforce. That’s when the vision for Galen emerged: an educational institution solely dedicated to nursing education.

Galen started small, offering an LPN/LVN day program for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. As the college grew, so did its offerings—evolving into a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Today, Galen College of Nursing has grown into one of the largest educators of pre-licensure nurses in the country, expanding to 26 campuses across 13 states.

Since joining the HCA Healthcare family in 2020, Galen has experienced significant growth. Today, the collaboration is focused on addressing the national nursing shortage by expanding opportunities for students to enter and advance in the profession.

Galen College of Nursing took another step forward in its growth and evolution this spring with the graduation of its first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) cohort, highlighting the remarkable progress the institution has made in providing flexible, career-focused education for today’s nurses.

“We knew that we were going to be working with working nurses. So, we had to have a program that was doable for those who are working. And of course, a lot of our students are in what we call the sandwich generation, caring for families and working at the same time,” said John Lundeen, EdD, RN, CNE, ANEF, the dean of graduate education at Galen.

It’s a simple idea, but one that guided the creation of Galen’s DNP program. Rooted in the school’s mission and strengthened by its collaboration with HCA Healthcare, the program was designed to give working nurses a way to advance their education without leaving their careers behind. The result is a flexible, fully online program that allows nurses and nurse educators to continue supporting their families while earning their degree at their own pace.

Galen College of Nursing offers two DNP pathways: the Executive Leadership Program and the Academic Leadership Program. One is designed for registered nurses pursuing advancement in leadership, education, or clinical practice, while the other serves healthcare professionals in administration, education, or operations seeking to influence systems and improve patient outcomes. Both pathways focus on evidence-based practice, leadership development, and real-world application to support meaningful change across healthcare.

Rebekah Randall, DNP, RN, CNE, CNEcl, Galen’s Director of Clinical Innovation & Integration and one of the college’s first DNP graduates, describes the program as a game changer.

“I am a mom with two children in a nursing education leadership role. So, life was busy even before starting the DNP program,” said Randall.

Randall, just like many others in the program, could not put their entire life on pause to go back to school. So, when Galen announced the addition of its online DNP program, she jumped at the chance to get involved.

“We were given all of our assignments up front, so we knew what was ahead of us for that term. I do some travel within my responsibilities for work at Galen, and so I was still able to travel, I was still able to give my responsibilities all of the attention that they needed, as well as fitting in my coursework because I knew what it was up front,” Randall said.

Graduate Program Director Dr. Elizabeth Brown says students in the online program can earn their doctorate in as little as two years, gaining greater professional independence and expanding their opportunities for advanced roles.

“It’s really nice to watch their growth from when they start to when they finish,” said Dr. Brown. “For many of our students, they’re already in leadership roles when they begin. But for those who are not already in leadership roles, oftentimes we see a lot of our students move into leadership roles while they’re in the program.”

The flexibility of the program has been a key factor in its success, especially for students balancing multiple responsibilities. By offering a structured yet adaptable format, the program ensures students can stay engaged and on track without sacrificing their personal or professional commitments.

As this first group of graduates step into the next phase of their careers, they are setting the tone for future cohorts. Their success reflects personal determination and the effectiveness of a program designed with the realities of working nurses in mind.

For nurses considering advancing their careers, Galen’s online DNP program offers a flexible and accessible path forward. Whether you’re looking to move into leadership, influence policy, or expand your impact in healthcare, the program is designed to meet you where you are. To learn more about how you can apply or take the next step in your nursing journey, visit Galen College of Nursing’s website and explore the opportunities available through the online DNP program.