With its April 2026 commencement ceremonies, Galen College of Nursing has officially graduated 50,543 students, surpassing the 50,000‑graduate milestone and celebrating the achievements of thousands of nurses whose education began at Galen and now extends into communities across the country.

Founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 1989, Galen began as a single‑campus nursing school and steadily expanded to five campuses before joining the HCA Healthcare family in 2020. Since that time, Galen has experienced significant growth and now serves more than 19,000 students at 25 campuses in 13 states.

“Reaching 50,543 graduates is an extraordinary milestone for Galen College of Nursing and a powerful reflection of our mission and purpose,” said Mark Vogt, CEO of Galen College of Nursing. “Each graduate represents a nurse who is prepared to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families. We are incredibly proud of the role Galen continues to play in strengthening the nursing workforce nationwide.”

Galen is dedicated exclusively to nursing education with a focus on practical, clinical-focused learning designed to prepare students for success at the bedside and beyond. That approach remains grounded in the college’s mission: to expand access to innovative nursing education that prepares competent, confident, compassionate nurses who advance healthcare and strengthen communities.

“Our more than 50,000 graduates are the embodiment of Galen’s commitment to excellence in nursing education,” said Erica Rossitto, senior vice president and chief nurse executive at HCA Healthcare. “From a student’s first day, our focus is on developing competent, confident, and compassionate nurses who are prepared for practice. This milestone is not just about growth, it’s about impact.”

Today, Galen College of Nursing offers a full spectrum of nursing education, including associate and baccalaureate degree programs, as well as practical and vocational nursing (PN/VN) programs at campuses across the country. In addition, Galen provides students with opportunities to advance their education through online master’s and doctoral degree programs, expanding access to nursing education while meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce.

As Galen celebrates this historic moment, the college remains focused on the future—continuing to expand access to innovative nursing education, support student success, and partner with healthcare organizations to help address the nation’s ongoing need for well‑prepared nurses.