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We built this guide around the questions future nurses ask most often, organized into seven topic areas so you can easily find what you need.
For decades, Galen has helped prepare nurses across 25 campuses in 13 states. These are the same answers and insights we share with prospective students every day so they can take their next steps with confidence.
These topics cover the most common nursing school considerations.
Compare Practical Nursing (PN/VN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Galen’s 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and bridge options like ADN Bridge and RN to BSN.
Explore what nursing looks like day to day, including specialties, work settings, salary expectations and career outlook. Whether you’re still deciding or ready to commit, this is a strong place to start.
Learn what schools look for, how the TEAS works, what nursing school involves and how clinicals fit into the process. Follow the full path from prerequisites to licensure.
Understand the cost of nursing school and explore ways to make it more manageable, including financial aid, scholarships and employer tuition support.
Learn how the NCLEX® works, how to prepare and what happens after you pass as you move toward licensure.
Read tips designed for students entering nursing from another profession, with practical guidance on planning, finances and making the transition.
Get a closer look at the day-to-day student experience, including classes, clinicals, simulation labs, study time and balancing work with school.
Start with the statement that sounds most like yours.
If you’re just starting out, this is a great place to begin. Nursing is meaningful work, but it also comes with real responsibilities, different schedules and many career paths.
Start with Nursing Careers to explore what nurses do, where they work and how the profession can grow with you.
There are several ways to begin your nursing education, including Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and bridge options like ADN Bridge or RN to BSN.
Each path has its own timeline, cost and career opportunities. Visit Nursing Programs to compare your options.
If you’re preparing to take the next step, it helps to understand the full process — from prerequisites and TEAS testing to application requirements and what happens after acceptance.
Start with How to Become a Nurse.
Starting over in a new field can bring a different set of questions. How will school fit into your life? What financial support is available? How can your current experience help?
Explore Career Change to Nursing for guidance built for adult learners.
Galen College of Nursing is focused entirely on nursing education, with 25 campuses across 13 states.
Everything we do — from our curriculum and faculty to our labs and clinical experiences — is designed to help students grow into confident and compassionate nurses.
More than 50,000 Galen graduates are now caring for patients in hospitals, clinics and communities across the country.
Through our partnership with HCA Healthcare, students have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience in one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems. Many graduates begin their careers in the same environments where they trained.
Eligible HCA Healthcare employees may also have access to tuition assistance when pursuing a Galen degree.
Learn more about Galen College of Nursing or find a campus near you.
Most students start by choosing the type of nursing path that fits their goals: Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN), an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). See Nursing Programs for a comparison.
It depends on the path you choose. Practical Nursing can take about 12 months, ADN programs often take around two years and Galen’s BSN can be completed in three years. Bridge programs can offer a faster path for licensed nurses.
Not always. Many Practical Nursing and ADN programs don’t require a previous degree. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, accelerated options may also be available.
Both provide patient care, but RNs have a broader scope of practice and more career options. LPNs often work under the supervision of RNs and physicians in a variety of settings.
Nursing school can be challenging, but it’s also designed to help you grow. You’ll be balancing academics, hands-on learning and clinical experience, but with planning, support and determination, it’s absolutely achievable. Thousands of students complete nursing school each year — and you can, too.
Costs vary based on program type, location and financial aid. Many students don’t pay the full listed tuition thanks to scholarships, grants and employer support.
The NCLEX® is the exam nurses take to become licensed in the United States. Passing is an important step between graduation and beginning your nursing career.
Galen has 25 campuses across 13 states, with additional locations in development. Visit our campus list to find one near you.
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