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Nursing school is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. It asks more of you than many undergraduate programs, while preparing you for meaningful, real-world patient care before you graduate.
Students who complete nursing school often say it changes how they think, how they manage stress and how they show up for others in difficult moments.
This page is designed to give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect. Whether you’re starting your first career, returning to school or advancing your license, understanding the day-to-day reality can help you move forward with confidence.
At Galen, we’ve spent more than three decades preparing nurses across 25 campuses in 13 states, in partnership with HCA Healthcare. One thing we’ve seen consistently: students who succeed tend to feel prepared for what’s ahead.
This guide is here to help you build that foundation.
You’ll find:
Most nursing programs include 12–16 credit hours per term. While that may sound similar to other majors, the structure is different.
Nursing courses often combine:
Because of this, the time commitment per credit hour is typically higher than in many other fields.
Many nursing students plan for two to four hours of study per credit hour each week, with additional time during exams. Courses like pharmacology, pathophysiology, and medical-surgical nursing are often the most demanding — and rewarding.
Nursing exams focus on clinical judgment, not just memorization. You’ll practice applying knowledge to real-world scenarios like prioritizing care, thinking through outcomes and making decisions based on patient needs. These are the same skills tested on the NCLEX® and used daily in practice.
Clinical hours add another layer. Most programs introduce clinicals after the first term, building over time to around 8–16 hours per week.
It’s a full schedule, but one designed to help you grow steadily into your role as a nurse.
Clinical rotations are where classroom learning comes to life.
You’ll work in real healthcare environments with real patients, gaining hands-on experience in settings such as:
Galen students often complete clinicals within HCA Healthcare facilities, offering early exposure to a large national healthcare system.
As you progress, your responsibilities build. Early rotations focus on observation and foundational skills. Later, rotations involve medication administration, care planning and managing multiple patients under supervision.
By the end of your program, you’ll be functioning much like a new graduate nurse.
Clinical days can be long — often 8 to 12 hours — and physically active. You’ll spend time on your feet, moving between patients, documenting care and working alongside your clinical team.
You’ll also experience the full emotional range of healthcare. Many students find that these moments are what ultimately confirm their choice to pursue nursing.
This is one of the most common concerns, especially for adult learners and career changers.
The short answer: yes, it’s possible — with thoughtful planning and support.
Working
Many students work part-time, often between 15–25 hours per week. While full-time work is possible, it takes careful planning to balance it alongside a full course load. Read our guide on working while attending nursing school.
Healthcare-related roles (CNA, tech, medical assistant) can be especially helpful, offering both income and relevant experience.
Family and responsibilities
If you have a family or shared responsibilities, nursing school will affect your routine.
Successful students often:
These conversations early on can make a big difference throughout the program.
Social life
Most students can adjust their schedules without having to sacrifice their social lives entirely. Priorities shift, and time becomes more intentional.
Many students also form strong bonds with classmates who understand the journey firsthand.
Sleep, exercise and wellbeing
These can be easy to overlook, but they matter. Building sustainable habits during school helps prepare you for the demands of a nursing career long-term.
For more guidance, see Working During Nursing School.
No two days look exactly alike, but there are common rhythms.
A classroom-focused day
Your day might include lectures, lab practice and group study sessions. Evenings are typically dedicated to reviewing material and preparing for upcoming exams.
A clinical day
These days start early, and often before sunrise. You’ll:
Afterward, you may complete additional assignments or prepare for the next day.
Weekends
Weekends are often a mix of:
It’s a full schedule, but one that most students learn to navigate with time.
For a deeper look, explore A Day in the Life of a Nursing Student.
There are a lot of misconceptions about nursing school. Here are a few of the most common:
Myth: Nursing school is mostly memorization
While you’ll learn a lot of information, success in nursing school comes from understanding how to apply it — especially in patient care decisions.
Myth: You can easily work full-time during school
Some students do, but most find that part-time work is more manageable. Finding the right balance is key.
Myth: All nursing programs are the same
Programs share licensing standards but differ in structure, support and clinical experiences. It’s worth finding one that fits your needs.
Myth: You won’t have a life outside of school
Your schedule will change, but most students still maintain relationships, routines and moments of balance.
Learn more on our Nursing School Myths page.
There’s no single “type” of student who succeeds, but a few qualities tend to help:
The good news? These are all skills you can build over time.
You don’t have to arrive fully prepared. You just need a willingness to grow!
Galen is a nursing-focused college, and every program is designed with one goal: helping you become a confident, capable nurse.
What that looks like in practice:
Programs include:
No matter where you’re starting, there’s an established path forward.
It varies, but many students spend around 20–30 hours per week studying outside of class and clinical time. During exam periods, that number may increase.
Yes, though schedules often change. Many students become more intentional about how they spend their time and rely on strong support systems.
The answer depends on the student. Some find the workload challenging, others adjust to clinical environments or balancing responsibilities. Knowing your likely challenges early can help you prepare.
No. Clinical and lab skills require in-person learning. Many programs combine online coursework with hands-on training.
Many students find nursing school more intensive due to the combination of coursework, clinical hours and preparation for licensure.
It can happen, but it doesn’t have to end your journey. Most programs offer support and pathways to continue if challenges arise.
Different students face different challenges. Many adult learners bring valuable experience, motivation and perspective that support their success.
Most programs allow for leaves of absence in certain situations. Policies vary, so it’s best to connect with your instructors directly.
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