Galen College BSN Programs
Galen College specializes in nursing education and offers multiple BSN pathways that match your career goals and academic background. The college’s track record spans over 30 years of experience with more than 44,000 graduates. What sets Galen apart is its dedication to “pure nursing” – you won’t find any other majors here.
Their 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program serves as the core of Galen’s BSN offerings for newcomers to the profession. Students can complete this accelerated option faster than traditional four-year programs through a focused, year-round curriculum that delivers complete education. You’ll develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills through a mix of classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical experiences.
Students with previous education can choose from specialized pathways:
- BSN Fast Path: Students who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can complete this pathway in as few as 18 months. The program builds on your existing education and focuses on professional nursing courses. You can find this option at Cincinnati, Nashville, and Tampa Bay campuses.
- Online RN to BSN: Working registered nurses can finish this flexible program in as little as 16 months while maintaining their careers. The coursework features mobile-friendly interactive content and 3D animations, making learning possible whatever your schedule.
A BSN from Galen will boost your career prospects substantially. The percentage of RNs with a BSN or higher degree has grown from 49% in 2010 to about 56% today. This qualification helps you access advanced clinical roles, leadership positions, and better pay. BSN-qualified nurses can work in some of the highest-paying areas like nurse research, pediatric endocrinology, orthopedic nursing, and neonatal nursing.
The college’s partnership with HCA Healthcare, America’s largest employer of nurses, gives it unique insights into current healthcare needs. This connection arranges your education with real-life practice requirements.
Galen’s programs emphasize both technical skills and compassionate care. You’ll master the scientific evidence behind clinical practices while learning to deliver care with empathy – skills that prepare you to make a meaningful difference in various healthcare settings.
Available Program Tracks
Galen College of Nursing has several BSN pathways that match your education level and career goals. Each path gets you ready for the nursing profession with a well-laid-out curriculum.
The core of their programs is the 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that creates a faster way to earn your BSN. The program runs all year instead of taking four years. You’ll get a unique experience with classroom learning, hands-on simulation labs, and clinical work that builds your knowledge and nursing skills.
Students follow a 12-quarter curriculum plan starting with basics in anatomy, physiology, and general education before moving to specialized nursing courses. The program gives you a full picture of what you need to pass the NCLEX-RN® examination and succeed in healthcare settings.
Working nurses can advance their careers with the Online RN to BSN option. This 12-month program lets you keep your current job while studying. The CCNE-accredited curriculum balances efficient learning with schedule flexibility.
Galen values experience through their LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge program. Licensed practical/vocational nurses can become registered nurses in just 18 months with this efficient approach.
A BSN from Galen opens doors to nursing roles in a variety of settings:
- Chief Nursing Officer (in smaller institutions)
- Director of Nursing
- Charge Nurse
- Specialized positions (Dialysis, Radiology, NICU, Psychiatric Mental Health)
- Health Educator or Nurse Researcher
Your BSN from Galen prepares you for practice right away and builds a foundation for graduate studies. The bachelor’s degree helps you move toward an MSN or DNP, leading to executive roles, academic positions, and advanced clinical work.
Flexible Learning Formats
Flexibility is the core of BSN education at Galen College of Nursing. The college designs programs that fit different schedules, priorities, and career paths.
The Online RN to BSN program gives working registered nurses amazing schedule flexibility. This CCNE-accredited pathway lets you set your own pace based on what you need. You can take a break when life gets busy, stick to one course per session, or speed things up with multiple courses at once. The program offers six start dates throughout the year, so you won’t wait long to start your experience.
Full-time students can complete the RN to BSN program in 12–16 months. The program runs completely online, so you can study anywhere with internet access. Expert faculty create the digital learning materials with interactive animations and videos that improve understanding.
The Fast Path BSN option at the Nashville campus provides a quick route to RN licensure. Students can finish this intensive program in just 18 months of year-round study. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on simulation and clinical work to maintain high educational standards.
Graduate programs offer similar flexibility. The Online MSN program takes six semesters (36 credit hours) in focused 8-week modules. You can keep working while studying in this self-paced format. Each module guides your progress week by week.
Galen understands that nursing students have different backgrounds and responsibilities. Their flexible learning options make nursing education available to everyone, whatever their life situation might be.
Entry Criteria & Prerequisites
Getting into Galen College of Nursing’s BSN programs is straightforward. The college welcomes students through an accessible admission process that upholds educational standards.
You need a high school diploma or GED certificate to start. This basic requirement shows you’re ready for college-level nursing courses. Galen looks at your potential rather than just grades, unlike other BSN schools with strict GPA requirements.
Students must also pass a qualifying entrance exam. This test shows if you’re ready for nursing education and helps find areas where you might need extra support during your experience. The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is popular, but Galen lets you choose from several test options based on where you live.
A criminal background check is required for all prelicensure programs. This lines up with healthcare standards and keeps patients safe during clinical rotations and future work.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete the online application
- Schedule and pass your entrance examination (or provide qualifying test scores)
- Submit official high school transcripts/GED certificate
- Pass the required criminal background screening
- Submit official college transcripts to get transfer credits
The costs before enrollment include a $100 registration fee (refundable), a $100 background check fee (non-refundable for pre-licensure programs), and a $40 testing fee (non-refundable but waived with qualifying test scores).
Your next step after applying is scheduling an admissions appointment. This meeting gives you a chance to talk about program choices, credit transfers, financial aid, and other parts of your nursing education.
LVN/LPN to ADN Bridge program applicants need extra documents: active PN/VN license and diploma. Students who want financial aid should submit the FAFSA (school code: 015924) and complete the Financial Aid Checklist.
What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at Galen College of Nursing
Galen College’s BSN programs stand out because of their unique place in nursing education. The college focuses solely on nursing and has developed deep expertise without spreading itself thin across other fields.
The college’s partnership with HCA Healthcare, the nation’s largest healthcare provider, gives students a unique advantage. This connection opens doors to exceptional clinical opportunities and job prospects after graduation. Students get hands-on experience with advanced practices and technologies that are changing how we care for patients.
Every resource at Galen serves one purpose – nursing education. From expert faculty to purpose-built facilities, everything is fine-tuned to help students develop their clinical reasoning and practical skills.
The instructors bring their rich clinical experience to the classroom and connect theory with real-life application. Students work with simulation technologies that mirror actual healthcare scenarios and build confidence before clinical rotations.
The year-round academic calendar sets Galen apart from other schools. Students can complete their degree faster without compromising on quality since there are no traditional semester breaks.
Well-respected organizations like CCNE and ACEN have accredited Galen’s programs. These credentials show that the education meets strict industry standards.
Above all, Galen’s commitment to nursing education creates an environment where your growth as a healthcare professional remains the top priority from day one until graduation.