In San Antonio, TX...Galen or Baptist?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Hi all! I'm from San Antonio, TX, and just made the decision to go for L.V.N., after juggling with the idea of going to school for either surgical tech or L.V.N., since I have come to the realization that I may not be able to go to school for 2 years for R.N. Later I will go back for R.N. but for now, L.V.N. will have to do. I have a friend who is almost finished at Galen. She hasn't said anything negative about the school, but there is also an L.V.N. program at Baptist, which is also 1 year. Not sure which one to go with. I've heard both schools are good, and I already have my pre-reqs, which Baptist requires you to have also for L.V.N. Does anyone know which is a better school? I've looked up info, visited, and spoke with reps from both schools and they both sound good. It's just deciding where. I appreciate the help!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If both schools will result in the exact same LVN licensure after graduation, I would select the school with the least expensive tuition. In addition, hiring managers in your area truly do not care which school you attended, as long as you are a warm body with a license who is ready to fill their empty shifts. Good luck to you!

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Hi all! I'm from San Antonio, TX, and just made the decision to go for L.V.N., after juggling with the idea of going to school for either surgical tech or L.V.N., since I have come to the realization that I may not be able to go to school for 2 years for R.N. Later I will go back for R.N. but for now, L.V.N. will have to do. I have a friend who is almost finished at Galen. She hasn't said anything negative about the school, but there is also an L.V.N. program at Baptist, which is also 1 year. Not sure which one to go with. I've heard both schools are good, and I already have my pre-reqs, which Baptist requires you to have also for L.V.N. Does anyone know which is a better school? I've looked up info, visited, and spoke with reps from both schools and they both sound good. It's just deciding where. I appreciate the help!

If I were in that situation I would try for Baptist because once you are done you will already have priority with them to get the RN later. See I called Galen to get RN info, turns out they are going to have for RN eventually but thoses who got their LVN there will be considered first.

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Like you said both are good schools. I would go with the one with the cheaper tuition. I start Galen Nov 3 for the VN but I chose Galen b/c I didn't need the pre-reqs that are required for Baptist and they did not have a waiting list. I think Baptist does and only starts twice a year whereas Galen starts 4 times a year. When I toured Galen I was really impressed at what I saw so I am happy with my choice. I have heard really good things about Galen so I am excited to get started. With what ever school you choose both will end with the same result making you eligible to sit for the Nclex-pn. Best of luck and maybe I will see you at Galen.

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Like you said both are good schools. I would go with the one with the cheaper tuition. I start Galen Nov 3 for the VN but I chose Galen b/c I didn't need the pre-reqs that are required for Baptist and they did not have a waiting list. I think Baptist does and only starts twice a year whereas Galen starts 4 times a year. When I toured Galen I was really impressed at what I saw so I am happy with my choice. I have heard really good things about Galen so I am excited to get started. With what ever school you choose both will end with the same result making you eligible to sit for the Nclex-pn. Best of luck and maybe I will see you at Galen.

I'm thinking about going in Feb, was planning on Nov as well but when I took the entrance exam couple of months ago I missed it by 10 pts. I'm really nervous about not passing it again if I retake it. (I really suck at math)... Can you please keep me posted as far as how you like it or even what's it like?... whenever you have time of course. Thank you so much!!

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I agree with SAGirl....as long as they both make you eligible to sit in for the NCLEX then choose the one that is cheaper. Or after touring both choose the one you feel you might be more comfortable at...(ie, Galen seems to have a bunch of different clinical areas, where-as Baptist probably sticks to the Baptist owned Hospitals and offices around town) Also, choose which one whose learning atmosphere you'd feel more comfortable in. I know Galen's program is a M-F 8-5pm day program. Baptist I think only goes M-TR from 8-3pm. And if I'm not mistaken I think Galen students get more clinical experience than Baptist (so I've heard...) It's basically just which one you feel more comfortable with. Go with your gut feeling. Both seem like great schools!! :D

I, too, will be starting the LVN program on November 3rd at Galen.

I toured both Baptist and Galen.

I ended up choosing Galen because I've heard great things about them, and personal opinion, I seemed to like the Galen atmosphere better.

Both are great schools and good luck on making the decision!

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