If you’re considering enrolling in nursing school, you’re probably wondering, “How long is nursing school going to take?” Our Galen Guidance Video Series has you covered! Check out our “How Long Is Nursing School?” video below for more information.
Transcript 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.
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Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Galen’s Resource Fee covers college equipment, library and learning resources, and academic and technical support services.
HCA Educational Assistance - Galen Grant
The above provides general information about available programs. Tuition and fees subject to change. Please see Galen’s Cost of Attendance for complete information. Certain colleagues are not eligible to participate in these programs. This includes colleagues covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), unless their CBA permits participation. These colleagues should go to HCAhrAnswers.com to view the program that applies.
HCA Educational Assistance - Online MSN
Please see the Online Campus Student Catalog for complete information. The above provides general information about available programs. Tuition and fees subject to change. Please see Galen’s Cost of Attendance for complete information. Certain colleagues are not eligible to participate in these programs. This includes colleagues covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), unless their CBA permits participation. These colleagues should go to HCAhrAnswers.com to view the program that applies.
HCA Educational Assistance - Online RN to BSN
Please see the Online Campus Student Catalog for complete information. The above provides general information about available programs. Tuition and fees subject to change. Please see Galen’s Cost of Attendance for complete information. Certain colleagues are not eligible to participate in these programs. This includes colleagues covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), unless their CBA permits participation. These colleagues should go to HCAhrAnswers.com to view the program that applies.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Applications will be accepted through July 15th for the September 2nd start.
Please note, some courses may be offered online, and offerings may vary on a quarterly basis. Contact your Enrollment Counselor to learn more.
Galen’s Online RN to BSN and Online MSN programs also include virtual simulation and specialty-focused electives. Learn more!
The DNP program is offered in January, May and September. Ready? Apply today!
Here are the transcripts needed for each online program:
Online RN to BSN: Associate Degree Transcript
Online MSN: Bachelor Degree Transcript
Online DNP: MSN Degree Transcript and statistics course showing B or better
An external treatment professional is defined as a healthcare professional qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of learning, emotional, health, or physical disabilities.
Galen’s part-time PN/VN program is only offered at Louisville & San Antonio Campuses.
Galen offers three online programs for those who already have their RN license: RN to BSN,(next term start is Mar. 2, 2026) MSN & DNP (next term start is May 4, 2026) . These programs are offered in all states except for Washington. Tip: These are also known as “Post-licensure” programs, signifying nursing education after achieving a license as an RN.
Galen offers four On Campus programs for those who are new to nursing: BSN, ADN, LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge, and PN/VN. Programs vary by campus. Tip: These are also known as “Pre-licensure” programs, signifying nursing education before achieving a license as an RN.
Who is a readmission student? Any former Galen student who attended a program and experienced a break in enrollment from their program, either withdrawn or dismissed. This includes former students who are requesting to change programs or campus locations. This does not include graduates who are applying to a new nursing program. NOTE: If you have never been enrolled at Galen or graduated from a Galen program and would like to enroll in a new one, learn more about your next steps at How to Apply.
Who is a readmission student? Any former Galen student who attended a program and experienced a break in enrollment from their program, either withdrawn or dismissed. This includes former students who are requesting to change programs or campus locations. This does not include graduates who are applying to a new nursing program.
Learn more about career advancement opportunities in nursing with a graduate degree through this resource on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
You may have the ability to take some classes online — if an online course is available at your campus/program and if you choose to take a course online. Courses in an online format vary by campus and program, and are not guaranteed. Ask your Enrollment Counselor for more information about online courses.
Please note, Galen does not accept transfer credits for undergraduate nursing courses.
The required general education hours for this program may be less than you think if you have qualifying transfer credit from another college. If you are interested in transferring to Galen, ask your enrollment counselor for a free transfer credit review to learn more about how many credits you need to complete your desired program. In the meantime, learn more about transferring to Galen.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program
LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge program
If you are interested in the Online RN to BSN, Online MSN, and Online DNP programs, these are your next steps.
If you are interested in the Practical/Vocational, 2-Year ADN, LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge, 3-Year BSN at your campus — these are your next steps.
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Tour the campus, chat with admissions or financial aid staff, and get your questions answered. No RSVP or appointment necessary.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Explore resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website that can connect you with CareerOneStop for an estimation of earnings as a registered nurse in your area.
Learn more about the types of patient groups you can work with as an RN through this resources on the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Post-licensure” is a term for nursing education programs you could choose after you’ve earned your RN license. Galen’s post-licensure programs include the Online RN to BSN, Online MSN, and Online DNP.
“Pre-licensure” is a term for nursing programs you would follow before you’ve earned your license as an RN. Pre-licensure nursing programs at Galen can include the BSN, ADN, LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge, and PN/VN. Programs vary by campus.
The start date for the MSN & DNP programs is January, 2025. Get started now!
The start date for the Online RN to BSN program is October 28, 2024. Get started now!
Some term starts may vary by campus or program. Find your campus to learn more.
Applicants may be granted conditional acceptance into the MSN program at the Program Director’s discretion. Students admitted must complete six (6) semester credits at the master’s level with an earned grade of “B” or greater in each course taken to gain full acceptance to Galen’s MSN program.
Applicants may be granted conditional acceptance into the Online RN to BSN program at Galen’s discretion. Students admitted with a conditional status must maintain satisfactory standing (a grade of ‘C’ or above and a cumulative GPA of 2.0) or may be subject to dismissal. Students will gain full acceptance upon obtaining RN licensure.
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Students accepted into Galen’s LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge Option within six months of graduating from Galen’s PN/VN program will be required to provide proof of current, active, unencumbered PN/VN license as a course registration requirement for NUR 202 LPN/LVN to RN Role Transition.
Galen PN/VN grads qualify with a 2.0 if the LPN/LVN Bridge program is begun within 2 quarters of earning your PN/VN diploma.
If you are transferring to Galen, ask your enrollment counselor for a free transfer credit review to learn more about how many credits you need to complete your desired program.
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Galen College
As one of America’s largest colleges of nursing, we focus solely on providing quality nursing education. Preparing confident, caring professionals for successful careers in nursing is why we’re here.
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