Galen Announces Second Campus Location in Virginia

HCA Virginia Health System and its affiliate, Galen College of Nursing, have announced a second Virginia Galen campus will open in Roanoke in 2023. As a single-purpose nursing college with a mission to increase access to quality nursing education, Galen will bring an additional educational option in Roanoke to help address Virginia’s nursing workforce needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 194,500 average annual openings for registered nurses over the next 10 years, with employment projected to grow 9 percent.

“We are overjoyed to announce Galen’s second campus in Virginia and excited to expand our collaboration with HCA Virginia Health System. This new endeavor will help us continue to attract the next generation of nurses and help support the delivery of quality care in the state,” says Mark Vogt, Galen’s chief executive officer. “With over 30 years of experience exclusively educating nurses, Galen is well-positioned to help expand the pipeline of practice-ready nurses in the Roanoke area.”

The Roanoke campus will feature modern resources – from advanced patient simulation labs to classroom environments designed to encourage practice-based learning – that help create a unique hands-on learning experience. Galen’s student support model has helped over 30,000 graduates enter the profession over the last 30 years.

“The addition of Galen College of Nursing will complement and increase the availability of high-quality nursing education available in Southwest Virginia,” said Amy Woods, chief nursing officer at LewisGale Medical Center. “We are excited to work with Galen to expand the nursing workforce throughout Southwest Virginia, as well as enhance new graduate preparedness by bridging nursing education and practice.”

Located at Metis Plaza 1819 Electric Rd. Suite H, the campus will initially offer a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and a Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse to Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge (LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge) starting April 3, 2023. With four quarterly enrollments per year, admission for the first term is now in progress. In addition, Galen offers online RN to BSN and MSN programs for nurses aspiring to advance their education in support of career growth and development. Admissions appointments can be scheduled by calling (877) 223-7040 or going online to galencollege.edu.

Pembroke Pines Receives Programmatic Accreditation by ACEN for the ADN Program

Galen College of Nursing is proud to announce the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has granted initial accreditation to its Associate Degree in Nursing program at the Miami Campus in Pembroke Pines.

ACEN programmatic accreditation is specific to nursing and affirms that the program is committed to quality standards in curriculum, outcomes, faculty, governance, resources, and students. It is a form of self-regulation and evaluates a specific program against a set of nationally normed criteria.

“At Galen, our mission to provide the highest level of quality in nursing education has never wavered. As we continue to expand access to education, it is imperative that we not only meet external standards at every single Galen campus but also exceed our own. This is a significant achievement for our Pembroke Pines campus, and I could not be prouder of our team,” said Audria Denker, Executive VP of Nursing.

“As a college dedicated exclusively to nursing education in today’s healthcare landscape, we must be always looking for ways to support the nursing profession, and most importantly, to meet and exceed quality metrics for our students and the communities they serve,” said Mark Vogt, CEO of Galen College of Nursing. “Congratulations to the talented faculty and staff who guide the development and delivery of our nursing education, and who made this possible.”

According to the ACEN website, “The ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality.  Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved.  The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules, and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession.”

HCA Houston Healthcare And Galen Announce New Campus

HCA Houston Healthcare and its affiliate Galen College of Nursing have announced a new state-of-the-art Galen campus will be coming to Houston, Texas in 2023.  As a single-purpose nursing college with a mission to increase access to quality nursing education, Galen will increase educational opportunities in the community and help address Houston’s nursing workforce needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 194,500 average annual openings for registered nurses over the next 10 years, with employment projected to grow 9 percent.

“We are honored to bring our 30 years of experience exclusively educating nurses to our fourth location in Texas. Galen is uniquely positioned to help expand the pipeline of well-prepared nurses in the Houston area,” says Mark Vogt, Galen’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are very excited to collaborate with our colleagues at HCA Houston Healthcare to attract the next generation of nurses and help support the delivery of quality care in the community for decades to come.”

The modern campus will feature resources designed to elevate the student experience. The facility will also feature advanced patient simulation labs and classroom environments designed to encourage practice-based learning. Galen’s student support model has helped thousands of graduates enter the profession with consistently high NCLEX® pass rates.

Kelli Nations, DBA, MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Division Chief Nurse Executive at HCA Houston Healthcare, added, “We look forward to working with Galen to bridge nursing education and practice, not only to expand our workforce, but also to enhance new graduate preparedness. In addition, we’re excited to have our second HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement co-located within the Galen campus. With the new center, Galen students and HCA Houston Healthcare nurses alike will have the opportunity to enhance their skills in a leading-edge learning environment with the aid of advanced simulation technology and evidence-based education strategies that replicate real clinical situations. Today, with this announcement, the future of Houston health looks brighter than ever.”

Located at 11210 Equity Drive Houston, TX 77041, the campus will initially offer a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program starting January 9, 2023. A Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse to Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge (LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge) program and Vocational Nursing (VN) program will be available in the following 2023 terms. All three programs are enrolling now.

Galen College Of Nursing Announce Dallas Campus Opening in 2023

Galen College of Nursing, an affiliate of Medical City Healthcare, today announced plans to open a new North Texas nursing school campus in July 2023.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 194,500 average annual openings for registered nurses over the next 10 years, with employment projected to grow 9 percent. Solely focused on nursing education, Galen is committed to helping address this critical nursing workforce shortage by expanding access to quality nursing education and preparing a diverse population of students to become well-prepared nurses.

The new 40,000-square-foot Dallas Campus, located at 1301 W. President George Bush Hwy. in Richardson, will feature resources designed to elevate the student experience and prepare practice-ready nurses to enter the field. The leading-edge facility will feature advanced patient simulation labs and classroom environments to encourage hands-on, practice-based learning. Galen’s collaborative and creative student support model has helped thousands of graduates enter the profession with consistently high National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) pass rates.

“The addition of Galen College of Nursing will complement and increase the availability of high-quality nursing education available in North Texas,” says Erol Akdamar, FACHE, president of Medical City Healthcare. “In this growing region of Texas, providing additional academic and training resources will benefit future patients while also providing fulfilling healthcare careers and healthier tomorrows for our community.”

“We are honored to bring our 30 years of experience exclusively educating nurses to the community and look forward to providing new opportunities to those called to nursing in North Texas,” says Mark Vogt, Galen’s Chief Executive Officer. “At Galen, we are uniquely positioned to help expand the pipeline of qualified, compassionate, and well-prepared nurses and are excited to join forces with Medical City Healthcare to improve the delivery of quality care for decades to come.”

The DallasCampus will initially offer the 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program starting January 3, 2022. Galen’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, LVN to ADN Bridge Option, and   Diploma in Vocational Nursing (VN) program, will be available in the following 2023 terms. All three programs are enrolling now.

In addition, Galen offers online RN to BSN and MSN programs for nurses aspiring to advance their education in support of career growth and development. With four quarterly enrollments per year, admission for the first term is now in progress. Admissions appointments can be scheduled by calling (877) 223-7040 or going online to galencollege.edu.

Galen And Pikeville Medical Center Join Forces To Open New Campus In Pikeville

Galen College of Nursing and Pikeville Medical Center have announced a partnership to open a Galen campus in Pikeville, Kentucky. The announcement represents a focused response from both organizations to address Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s emergency declaration regarding the state’s long-standing nursing shortage.

Donovan Blackburn, Pikeville Medical Center President & CEO, remarked, “We are proud to support the development of a new Galen campus at our medical center and provide opportunities for area residents interested in the nursing field. This exciting announcement is the culmination of a collaborative relationship with the Governor’s office and Galen College of Nursing and is poised to make a significant impact on our ability to care for our citizens in need.”

Galen’s CEO, Mark Vogt added, “The Governor’s declaration to combat the dire nursing shortage occurring in Kentucky was such an important first step. As a college whose sole focus is nursing, we have a responsibility to do our part to help – and the collaboration with Pikeville Medical Center was the ideal opportunity to take a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for nurses in Eastern Kentucky”

Beshear set the goal to produce more than 16,000 additional nurses by 2024 to help relieve staffing shortages across the state due to the ongoing pandemic, retirements, and those leaving for high-paying temporary positions. This current nursing shortage threatens, “not only the health of patients, but the entire health care delivery system,” Beshear says. Kentucky is currently operating at a projected 12% to 20% shortage of needed nursing volume, and the new order will allow nursing schools to increase their capacity and academic equipment to enroll more students.

Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN, Executive Vice President of Nursing at Galen, who has been appointed to the Governor’s Team Kentucky Nursing Advisory Committee, exclaimed, “As one of the largest educators of nurses in the state, Galen College of Nursing remains committed to addressing Kentucky’s nursing shortage plaguing our state. We look forward to working with the Governor and Pikeville Medical Center to help reach the state’s goal for new nurses by 2024 and beyond.”

The new Pikeville campus is designed to elevate the student experience and prepare future nurses to enter the field. Solely focused on nursing education, Galen prepares a diverse population of students to become nurses who deliver quality, compassionate care. The Pikeville campus will feature advanced patient simulation labs and classroom environments designed to encourage practice-based learning. Galen’s student support model has helped thousands of graduates enter the profession with consistently high NCLEX pass rates.

Located at 172 South Mayo Trail, the Pikeville Campus will reflect Galen’s high-quality education approach and an expression of commitment to students and the community at large. The campus will initially offer two program options, including:

• Practical Nursing (PN)
• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse to Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge Option (LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge)

In addition to Pikeville, Galen has Kentucky campuses located in Louisville and Hazard and offers online RN to BSN and MSN programs for nurses aspiring to advance their education in support of career growth and development. With four quarterly enrollments per year, admission for the upcoming September 29, 2022 term is now in progress. Admissions appointments can be scheduled by calling (804) 597-0861 or going online to galencollege.edu/pikeville-ky.

Mission Health Affiliate Galen College Of Nursing Announces New Campus In Asheville, NC

Galen College of Nursing, a proud affiliate of Mission Health, continues its mission to expand access to quality nursing education and to help address the nation’s increasing nursing workforce needs with the announcement of a new campus in Asheville, North Carolina. This addition to nursing education in the Asheville area is designed to complement other area colleges and universities as we all work together to provide healthcare workforce education. Mission Health recently announced the funding of faculty members in nursing education at several colleges and universities in the Asheville community. We hope by funding these faculty positions and adding Galen College of Nursing to area options that we can increase the availability of nursing education for our communities.

“As we continue to look at creative ways to combat the healthcare worker shortage across the United States, we are proud not only of our strong partnership with our area colleges, but to help bring an additional education option to our community,” said Fran Paschall, Mission Health Chief Nursing Executive.

The new 16,900 square-foot campus features resources designed to elevate the student experience and prepare future nurses to enter the field. Solely focused on nursing education, Galen prepares a diverse population of students to become nurses who deliver quality, compassionate care. The state-of-the-art facility will feature advanced patient simulation labs and classroom environments designed to encourage practice-based learning. Galen’s student support model has helped thousands of graduates enter the profession with consistently high NCLEX pass rates.

“We are thrilled to bring our 30 years of experience exclusively educating nurses to the community and look forward to providing new opportunities to those called to nursing in the Asheville area,” said Mark Vogt, Galen’s Chief Executive Officer. Continued Vogt, “At Galen, we are uniquely positioned to help expand the pipeline of qualified nurses in Asheville and are committed to helping stem the nursing shortage and help improve the delivery of quality care.”

Located at 30 Town Square Blvd., Suite #220, in Biltmore Park, the Asheville Campus is designed to cultivate learning with advanced classroom and simulation technology mixed with collaborative and creative space. Created with students in mind, the campus environment reflects a high-quality education approach and an expression of commitment to students and the community at large. The Asheville campus will initially offer three options, including:

• 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge Option (LPN to ADN Bridge)

Full- and part-time employees of Mission Health may be eligible for up to $5,250 per calendar year in tax-free reimbursement for applicable higher education courses, including tuition, books and course-related fees at Galen and other schools. Admissions appointments can be scheduled by calling (877) 223-7040 or going online to galencollege.edu.

Hazard Campus Alumni Reflects on Welcoming and Supportive Campus Atmosphere

When Hazard Kentucky native, Krista Ritche, reflects on her Galen experience as an ADN program alumni, she recalls the importance of maintaining the small-town feeling and finding a sense of community in determining where to pursue her nursing degree.

Finding an institution that embodied the same values as Ritchie was an important component of her educational journey. Growing up, Krista was diagnosed with various illnesses and spent a lot of her formative years in hospital rooms and doctor’s offices. “The nurses that took care of me growing up made the greatest impact on how I see myself and who I wanted to become. I just knew that I too wanted to be one of those people and help others feel better in the same way that was done to me.”

After having her two children, Ritchie’s desire to become a nurse became too large to ignore. A few friends suggest Galen College of Nursing. She decided to attend one of our enrollment workshops and recalls the feeling of shock and excitement after arriving on campus.

“When I first stepped on campus, I was welcomed with open arms. I met almost every faculty member that day and felt invested in from the start. I could just tell that they were willing to work with me in any way I would need to be successful,” said Krista.

Krista graduated from Galen in March of 2020. She is currently working “exactly where she should be” in Pediatrics and Labor and Delivery.

“I would say the Galen family didn’t just focus on my education. In my home town, everyone knows everyone in their class and we were all taught one thing. You don’t just become a nurse because you know things. You become a nurse when you care and develop a sense of empathy. My Galen experience engrained the confidence in me to deliver compassionate, empathetic, and quality care to my patients.”

Cincinnati Student Pursues Calling at Galen College of Nursing

Nakyra Williams is a current student in Galen’s ADN Program at our Cincinnati Campus.  There was never a question in Williams’ mind as to what her future career path would look like.

“I feel like nursing is a field you have to be called for. It’s embedded in me to support others and make them feel safe, comfortable, and cared for even in their most vulnerable state,” explains Williams.

After discussing nursing school options with some friends and family, Williams discovered Galen. She noted that the nurses she spoke to who graduated from Galen embodied the values and dedication to patient care that she strived to have. Upon her arrival to our Cincinnati campus, Williams notes, “the atmosphere of Galen was unlike anything else.  The smaller class sizes provide me with the opportunity for more one-on-one instruction and my classmates offer me an amazing support network.”

Nakyra notes that the people at Galen have made a huge impact on her nursing education and overall Galen experience.

“I remember when I first started at Galen. I was so afraid to become an outcast or not have any friends. However, you’d be surprised at how close you become with your nursing student classmates! I have met some amazing people that I will keep in my life forever.”

It wasn’t solely her peers that fostered a welcoming and supportive environment, her clinical instructor Mrs. Ellis extended the same level of support inside the classroom. Williams recalls that Ellis makes sure that every day her students leave learning something new.

“Mrs. Ellis makes me feel nothing less than capable of being successful and she always made me feel safe enough to come to her with anything,” boasts Williams.

The clinical experience can be challenging, but surrounding yourself with eager and similar peers makes all the difference.

“Your class will laugh together and cry together. You will probably practice skills on each other too! Believe me, it may feel awkward at first, but your classmates are experiencing clinicals with you and want you to succeed alongside them.”

Nakyra Williams intends to work in the ICU/Critical Care Unit after her graduation in 2023.  She offers this piece of advice to her fellow students.

“Despite how tough the program may get or how tough your outside life may get, remember your why and keep on pushing!”

Galen Announces New Campus In Richmond, VA

Galen College of Nursing, one of the largest educators of nurses in the United States, continues its mission to expand access to quality nursing education and help address the nation’s increasing nursing workforce needs with the announcement of a new campus in Richmond, Virginia.

The new state-of-the-art 35,000 square-foot campus features resources designed to elevate the student experience and prepare future nurses to enter the field. Solely focused on nursing education, Galen prepares a diverse population of students to become nurses who deliver quality, compassionate care. The state-of-the-art facility also features advanced patient simulation labs and classroom environments designed to encourage practice-based learning. Galen’s student support model has helped thousands of graduates enter the profession with consistently high NCLEX pass rates.

“We are thrilled to bring our 30 years of experience exclusively educating nurses to the community and look forward to providing new opportunities to those called to nursing in the Richmond area,” said Mark Vogt, Galen’s Chief Executive Officer. Continued Vogt, “At Galen, we are uniquely positioned to help expand the pipeline of qualified nurses in Richmond and are committed to helping stem the nursing shortage and help improve the delivery of quality care.”

Jan Gannon, HCA Healthcare Capital Division Chief Nurse Executive, added, “We are excited to work with Galen to recruit future nursing graduates who will expand and enhance our community’s workforce. With this Academic Practice Partnership, we are poised to provide the best education and patient care possible.”

Located at 7300 Beaufont Springs Drive, the Richmond Campus is designed to cultivate learning with advanced classroom and simulation technology mixed with collaborative and creative space. Created with students in mind, the campus environment reflects a high-quality education approach and an expression of commitment to students and the community at large. The Richmond Campus will initially offer an Associate Degree in Nursing Program with two options, including:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Two-year Option
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge Option (LPN to ADN Bridge)

In addition, Galen offers online RN to BSN and MSN programs for nurses aspiring to advance their education in support of career growth and development. With four quarterly enrollments per year, admission for the upcoming March 31, 2022, term is now in progress.

Galen College Of Nursing And HCA Florida Healthcare Announce New Campuses In Gainesville, Sarasota

Galen College of Nursing, one of the largest educators of nurses in the United States, and HCA Florida Healthcare continued their mission to expand access to quality nursing education with today’s announcement of new campuses in Sarasota and Gainesville. With existing campus locations in Tampa Bay and Miami, Galen will double its footprint in Florida to help address the state’s increasing nursing workforce needs.

“At Galen, our mission is to expand access to quality nursing education and prepare diverse learners to demonstrate excellence and compassion in nursing,” said Mark Vogt, Galen’s chief executive officer. “Working together with HCA Florida Healthcare, students in our Gainesville and Sarasota campuses will have increased opportunities to enter the nursing profession.”

The new Gainesville 25,000 square-foot campus and Sarasota’s 22,700 square-foot campus will feature resources designed to elevate the student experience and prepare future nurses to enter the field. Solely focused on nursing education, Galen prepares a diverse population of students to become nurses who deliver quality, compassionate care. Galen will bring one of the highest levels of nursing education to the region with state-of-the-art facilities featuring advanced clinical and classroom learning environments designed to encourage hands-on learning. Galen’s student support model has helped thousands of students enter the profession with consistently high NCLEX pass rates.

Dr. Leanne D. Salazar, DNP, MBA, ARNP, CENP, CPPS, CPHQ, FNP-BC, division chief nurse executive for the West Florida Division of HCA Healthcare, added, “As the top sponsor of graduate medical education in the state of Florida, we are excited to join Galen in recruiting more prospective nursing students who will go on to expand and enhance our community workforce, like the more than 25,600 nurses we employ in our Florida sites of care. With this Academic Practice Partnership, we can also work together to bridge the education to practice gap, all designed to provide the best patient care possible.”

Dr. Peter Lindquist, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, division chief nurse executive for HCA Healthcare North Florida Division, shared, “As a mission-centered organization, we are committed to the health and wellness of our communities. Ensuring generations of families have access to high-quality healthcare delivered by compassionate, caring healthcare professionals is a top priority. We are excited to welcome Galen College of Nursing to Gainesville and look forward to the lasting impact this development will have on Alachua County and the surrounding area.”

The Gainesville Campus will be located at 7001 SW 24^th Ave. and the Sarasota Campus at 501 N. Cattleman Rd. They will be designed to cultivate learning with advanced classroom and clinical technology mixed with collaborative and creative space. Created with students in mind, the campus environments will reflect a high-quality educational approach and an expression of commitment to students and the community at large.

The Sarasota and Gainesville campuses will initially offer three program options, including a two-year option for an associate degree in nursing; a licensed practical nurse to associate degree in nursing bridge (LPN/LVN to ADN bridge option); and a BSN program with a pre-licensure option. In addition, the Gainesville campus will offer a Practical Nursing (PN) option. Galen also offers online RN to BSN and MSN programs for nurses aspiring to advance their education in support of career growth and development.

With four quarterly term starts per year, admission for the upcoming term beginning March 31, 2022, for the ADN and Bridge options is now in progress.

HCA Florida Healthcare, the majority owner of Galen College of Nursing, has a long history of investing in Florida to effect positive change, including a major capital investment initiative of approximately $3 billion spent over the last three years. This includes the $360 million HCA Florida University Hospital and existing facility renovations across the state to accommodate new, state-of-the-art equipment. Earlier this month, HCA Healthcare announced it had purchased MD Now Urgent Care, a network of 59 urgent care centers in Florida. As a tax-paying entity, HCA Florida Healthcare has also supported local communities with more than $957 million in state taxes over the past three years.