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 Welcomes Cathryn Johnson Rolfe as Chief Operating Officer

Galen College of Nursing has announced Cathryn Johnson Rolfe as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Rolfe will be the first COO for the 30-year-old College, which is part of the HCA Healthcare family and solely focused on nursing education.

“As we expand access to nursing education, we will expand our leadership capabilities to meet the needs of future nurses and the communities we serve. The addition of an accomplished leader such as Cathryn Rolfe will help us do just that,” said Mark Vogt, CEO of Galen. “With her distinguished background and vast experience, Cathryn will be instrumental in helping guide Galen successfully into the future. We are proud to welcome her to the family.”

Prior to arriving at Galen, Rolfe served as Chief Operating Officer of the HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education service line, helping to build the largest physician residency training system in the U.S. Previously Associate General Counsel for Vanderbilt University and then Chief Business Officer for the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Office of Health Sciences Education, Rolfe oversaw finances and operations of the School of Medicine’s Undergraduate Medical Education, Graduate Medical Education activities, in addition to the Center for Experiential Learning and Assessment.

“I am excited to join Mark Vogt and Galen College of Nursing in their mission to expand access to quality nursing education and help address the national nursing shortage that is impacting all of healthcare,” stated Rolfe. “Galen’s evolution in the last few years is equally exciting and challenging. I am thrilled to bring my experience and expertise to help Galen navigate these impending waters and look forward to help build the pipeline of the next generation of great nurses.”

Academic Practice Partnership Produces New Oncology Elective For Nursing Students

Galen College of Nursing has announced that its academic practice partnership with HCA Healthcare has produced a new specialty elective for nursing students enrolled in Galen’s undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and interested in oncology nursing care. Entitled, “The Foundations of Oncology Nursing Practice”, the new undergraduate course is the result of a focused collaboration between Galen and Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, and believed to be the first of its kind in nursing education.

“In 2020, when Galen College of Nursing and HCA Healthcare formed this ground-breaking academic practice partnership, our purpose was to connect evidence-based practice to the delivery of nursing education. This new oncology course does just that,” said Galen CEO, Mark Vogt. “This is a model we will use moving forward to help enhance the learning of our graduates in this and other specialty areas of nursing.”

The innovative course focuses on the most recent advances and emerging trends in oncology nursing care and teaches students how to provide holistic care of patients experiencing multi-system oncological health problems, optimizing patient outcomes, and nursing responsibilities as an interprofessional team member. The course incorporates interactive content, recorded panel sessions, and interviews with cancer survivors, cancer support organizations, and subject matter experts currently working in the oncology field. Course content ranges from foundational oncology nursing knowledge and skills to an in-depth exploration of various solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and oncologic emergencies. Providing effective care, communication, and support to patients who are living with cancer, requiring end-of-life care, as well as caring for survivors transitioning to life after cancer is also emphasized.

“There is a growing interest from our students to become more immersed in nursing specialties prior to entering the nursing workforce,” explained Tracy A. Ortelli, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, Executive Vice President, Teaching & Learning Innovation. “The Foundations of Oncology Nursing Practice course is a new elective that will give students an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about oncology nursing, which in turn may inform their thinking about future career opportunities. The creation of this course will help create a roadmap in which we meaningfully think about preparing the future of nursing. This is just the beginning to our progressive and vital work with HCA Healthcare.”

Students will have the opportunity to further examine the role of the nurse as well as the experiences of the patient to apply knowledge and skills when responding to real-world examples in oncology nursing. The course will be available starting July 2022 as an elective to students in the prelicensure BSN and Online RN to BSN programs.

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.

Galen College Of Nursing Joins Norton Healthcare Education Workforce Partnership Program

Individuals interested in a rewarding career in nursing have a new opportunity to receive tuition assistance and attend Galen College of Nursing through the Norton Healthcare Scholars Program. Created by Norton Healthcare, this program is designed to increase support for professional development by expanding tuition assistance for eligible nursing degrees.

By joining Norton’s Healthcare Education Workforce Partnership Program, eligible Norton Healthcare employees and non-employees can earn a nursing degree with limited out-of-pocket expenses. As part of the program’s Accelerated Scholar track, eligible students who enroll in Practical Nursing (PN), Licensed Practical Nursing to Associate Degree in Nursing (LPN to ADN), 2-Year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at Galen may be eligible to receive up to $40,000 toward their education.

“We’re delighted to work with Norton Healthcare to help address the growing need for nurses in the community and expand access to an education that will put more aspiring nurses in a position to succeed,” exclaimed Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN and executive vice president of nursing at Galen. “This is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in nursing to pursue their dreams and secure employment from one of the leading healthcare institutions in Louisville. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

A post-graduation work commitment is required in order to receive program benefits. The length of the commitment is based on the amount of tuition assistance the program scholar received. Graduating high school students, college students interested in pursuing a nursing degree, and those looking to change careers are encouraged to apply. Individuals must be age 18 or older for consideration.

“By providing financial support to our employees and future employees, we are minimizing financial barriers that limit opportunities,” said Kim Blanding, system director, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development. “By investing in education for our employees, as well as other eligible applicants within the community, we are able to better meet workforce needs and serve our patients and the community as a whole. We encourage anyone who is interested in a nursing career to connect with us to learn more about our Norton Healthcare Scholars Program as well as our on-the-job training programs.”

Prospective scholars must complete a career coaching session as part of the application process for the Norton Healthcare Scholars Program. If you are a Norton Healthcare employee, you must meet with a Workforce Development team member before applying for the Norton Healthcare Scholars Program.

For more information, call (502) 446-5835, email WorkforceDevelopment@nortonhealthcare.org, or visit NortonHealthcare.com/TuitionAssistance.

Galen College of Nursing Celebrates Contributions of Co-Founder Kathryn Mershon As She Steps Down As Board Chair

Galen College of Nursing recently announced several changes to its Board of Directors, most notably, after 16 years of dedicated service excellence, co-founder Kathryn Mershon, MSN, RN, CNAA, FAAN, stepping down as Chair. Along with Humana Co-Founders David Jones and Wendell Cherry, Mershon was instrumental in the foundation and development of Galen Health Institutes in 1994, which operated prelicensure practical nursing programs in three states and eventually became Galen College of Nursing in 2005. As Mershon steps down from this role, Galen College of Nursing celebrates her commitment and many contributions to the college and mission. She will continue to serve as a board member.

“The impact Kathy has had on our institution is immeasurable. We have been honored to have a nurse leader like Kathy guiding the way as we evolved into one of the largest nursing colleges in the country. Through her leadership as Board of Director Chair for over 16 years, she has helped us build nursing education programs that set the standard for quality,” said Galen College of Nursing CEO, Mark Vogt. “We are so grateful for her service as Chair and we thank her for her passion, dedication, and leadership. But this isn’t goodbye. Kathy will continue to serve as a Board member and continue to help Galen expand our standard of excellence.”

Galen College of Nursing has also announced Fran Roberts, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, will now serve as Chair. A board member since 2015, Roberts has provided invaluable guidance, insight, and thought leadership to the College. Robert’s distinguished career includes her tenure as President and CEO of the Fran Roberts Group, a consulting practice providing expertise on healthcare leadership and higher education. Previously, Dr. Roberts served as the Vice President for Strategic Alliances for the DeVry Healthcare Group. In addition, she was with Grand Canyon University from 2004 to 2010, where she began as Dean of the College of Nursing and was subsequently appointed Vice President of Strategic Business Alliances for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“We couldn’t be more excited to announce Fran’s tenure as our Board Chair.” Mark Vogt stated. “Since she joined us in 2015, Fran has demonstrated an incredible passion for nursing education. Her dedication to the profession and Galen’s mission has been inspirational and we are honored to have her serve in this new leadership role.”

In addition, Dr. Sammie Mosier and Dr. Janice Brewington have been announced as new members of Galen’s Board of Directors. Effective immediately, Dr. Brewington and Dr. Mosier join the College amid unprecedented growth and expansion. In the last 12-months, Galen has added campus locations in Austin, TX; Nashville, TN; Myrtle Beach, SC; Richmond, VA; and Gainesville and Sarasota, FL.

Sammie Mosier, DHA, MA, BSN, BE-BC, is senior vice president and chief nursing executive for Nashville, Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare, Galen College of Nursing’s parent company, and one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services. Dr. Mosier leads a team of nurse executives at the regional and facility level, and approximately 93,000 registered nurses working in HCA Healthcare hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and other sites of care.

“Dr. Mosier has a long history of working with Galen College of Nursing leadership, and we are grateful she brings her vast experience to our board.,” noted Mark Vogt. “Throughout her career, Dr. Mosier has been a passionate advocate for nurses, while driving clinical excellence and professional development. As a new board member, her powerful experience and influence will be felt in every facet of our institution. I cannot think of a better fit for Galen’s board of directors than Dr. Mosier.”

“We live in a historic time in the history of nursing education, with daunting challenges ahead. I believe Galen College of Nursing and HCA Healthcare is in a unique position to take on these challenges head-on to help support the nursing workforce for decades to come,” exclaimed Dr. Mosier. “I am thrilled to join my friends and colleagues on Galen’s board of directors to help raise the standard of care with well-prepared, confident future nurses.”

Janice Brewington, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, will be joining the board. She is currently the National League of Nursing (NLN) chief program officer and director of the League’s Center for Transformational Leadership. Dr. Brewington previously served as senior director and as a consultant for the NLN.

“Dr. Brewington is a leader and scholar in the nursing field, and we proudly welcome her to our board of directors,” said Mark Vogt, chief executive officer of Galen. “As a College, we are on the precipice of unprecedented expansion to access to nursing education in the United States, and Dr. Brewington will be a vital part of Galen’s ability to scale and evolve our best-in-class nursing education. We welcome Dr. Brewington to our Board of Directors with open arms.”

“I am honored to join the board of directors at this exciting juncture of Galen’s evolution and growing impact on the nursing field,” Dr. Brewington said. “I believe my experience perfectly dovetails with Galen’s mission and look forward to helping augment and enhance Galen’s high-quality standards for tomorrow’s nurses.”