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Choosing nursing school is exciting, but it can also bring up a lot of questions. Will it be too hard? Will you have time for work, family or life outside school? Is nursing school only for people who want to work in a hospital?
It’s true that nursing school is challenging. But it should not feel mysterious.
Galen College of Nursing is focused purely on nursing education, and our student support model is designed to help students stay on track from enrollment to graduation. We want you to succeed, and that starts with getting the truth about common misconceptions of what nursing school is really like.
Nursing school takes focus. You should expect to study, practice skills, prepare for exams and manage clinical requirements. But that does not mean you have to put the rest of your life on hold.
At Galen, support is built into the student experience. As a student here, you can access free tutoring, and you will have an academic advisor who partners with you from enrollment to graduation. The more that you’re willing to ask for help and take advantage of available resources, the more you’ll be able to make nursing school fit into your busy life.
Time management and organizational skills are also key to maintaining a life outside of nursing school.
Laura White, Director of Academic Program Management at Galen, recommends that all nursing students develop a time management plan, such as cell phone reminders or a planner. “You’ll need to develop a system to combine your class schedule, work schedule, and assignments and due dates.”
At most colleges and universities, there are dozens of departments and degree programs. At Galen, 100% of our resources and expertise are devoted purely to nursing.
That means you can expect a direct connection between what you study and what you will do in the profession. Coursework, simulation labs, clinical learning, and NCLEX® preparation all support the same goal: preparing you to become a confident, compassionate and capable nurse.
Your experience at nursing school will also depend on which program you choose. If you’re in a practical/vocational nursing diploma program, your days will be more classroom-centric. In our degree programs, such as the Fast-Path BSN program, you’ll likely have a more intensive schedule.
Most Galen students receive some type of financial assistance, such as grants or student loans. Your first step to access financial aid is to fill out the FAFSA, a free form you can submit online at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA tells you how much funding you qualify for based on income and other criteria. Connect with a Galen financial aid expert to discuss options for making nursing school affordable for you.
Scholarships and tuition reimbursement plans may also be available. Talk with your employer about whether your company offers tuition reimbursement. For example, Galen students who work for HCA Healthcare can get educational discounts or tax-free reimbursement for higher education expenses.
Students who come to Galen with transfer credits may also have a lower total cost for nursing school. Costs vary by program, and you may find a program that fits your career goals at a lower cost than you might expect.
Demand for skilled nurses is growing, and the average salary for registered nurses in the US is around $93,000. When you are doing the math about investing in nursing school, factor in the future earning potential for the career path you choose.
Related: Watch “How Much Do Nurses Make?”
Not all nursing students follow the same path. Some are starting college for the first time. Some are changing careers. Some already work in healthcare and want to advance their education.
Galen’s programs are designed to accommodate a wide range of goals. We offer pre-licensure and post-licensure pathways so we can serve students at any point in their nursing journey.
Our diverse student body creates a stronger learning environment. Exposure to different life perspectives and approaches to common scenarios you’ll encounter on the job can make you a more well-rounded, compassionate nurse.
Related: Read “Is Nursing Right for Me?”
While nurses absolutely collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals, nursing is not simply a support role. A typical day in the life of a nurse at a hospital, for example, will likely include:
Nurses can work in research labs, specialty clinics, assisted living centers and every other kind of medical center. You may become a traveling nurse or enter into teaching, consulting, or a wide range of other career options. Your Galen education will prepare you with the technical skills and soft skills you’ll need to be a confident, successful nurse anywhere you choose to work.
Related: Read “What Are the Opportunities in Nursing?”
Working during nursing school depends on your responsibilities, preferences, course schedule and ability to stay organized. So, you’ll need to make good friends with a day planner and block time to study, work and take care of your health.
One way to make working during nursing school work for you? Consider working for a healthcare center. You’ll get the dual benefits of earning income and getting additional exposure to the medical field. And, in some cases, you may be eligible for tuition reimbursement through your employer!
Related: Read “How to Work and Go to Nursing School.”
If you’re considering nursing school and looking for a flexible option, Galen’s online programs offer the same high-quality education as our in-person programs. You can choose from several online programs, including:
All online programs require some in-person class time and just as much studying and coursework as is required as for traditional classes.
And every Galen student — whether traditional or remote — will benefit from our on-demand academic and learning resources, including Galen All Access videos, interactive learning activities and supplemental learning materials.
Related: Explore Galen’s Online Programs.
Nursing school is challenging. But many of the biggest myths about it leave out the support, structure and purpose that help students move forward.
At Galen, we are pure nursing. You’ll get resources dedicated to preparing you to become a confident, compassionate nurse — wherever your career takes you!
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