Galen College of Nursing

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Specializes in Emergency.

I wasn't finding any recent information on Galen, so I started a new topic.

I met with an adviser and toured Galen College in Tampa a few days ago and am really interested in the school. I would be transferring as many credits as possible to make the cost more affordable for the LPN-ADN bridge. I live in Orlando where many schools have a 2 year wait list, and my GPA is not that competitive (my 18-year-old self clearly didn't want to attend school), so I have been stressing over finding a good program.

Anyway, I am really concerned about their accreditation. Can anyone help clear things up for me? My head is just spinning. They are regionally accredited by the Southern Association Colleges and Schools Commission. They are currently candidates for ACEN accreditation from 6/13 to 6/15.

My concerns are if my credits will transfer for an ADN-BSN program (NOT paying 18k for theirs). Regarding the ACEN, does this mean they will be accredited in 6/15 if all pans out? I have spent the morning calling local hospital HR depts to see if not having the accreditation would impair my chances of being hired.

Any other information regarding the college would be appreciated.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello,

Good to see you posting. :)

Others will come along and assist you with your questions. Just wanted to say hello.

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Sadly no other responses. I'm wondering myself. There is a online request for Candidate information on the ACEN website. if they respond I'll post it here. if you review USF's admission website - I believe they list regional accreditation as a requirement for transferring credits.

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Specializes in LTC and Telemetry.

Hello! I can't speak to the Tampa campus but the Cincinnati campus is a total mess. There's lots of fluff during admissions. Be very careful if you chose this direction. I highly recommend calling various HR depts in your area to determine Galen's reputation in the nursing community. Speak to current nursing students about clinical sites and how often they change, in addition to the instructor turnover.

I hope that helps!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Tre976 please keep me updated! I'm hoping to take the Pax next week!

Ellienix05- eek! I've read a few posts like this and it really scares me. The hybrid program is really the best for my schedule so alternatives are far and few. I'm hoping that because I attended a competitive community college where I was scared sh**less that I would fail by my professors, I will have a bit of an edge and my "I'm responsible for myself" attitude will make it all okay. At least that's what I'm assuring myself, haha. Pretty much all the reviews I've read seem like the student failed, was late to clinical, etc and didn't think it was fair that they were held accountable. Of course that's just my opinion and how I interpreted it. Have you attended Galen? I appreciate the insight!

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Galen students are being hired by hospitals in the Tampa Bay area. I've heard the VA will not higher someone who does not graduated from an ACEN school. Recent news letter states that ACEN accreditation process is still under way and an on site visit is expected early 2016. As far as BSN programs its really a school to school basis and you will need to check with the school that you plan to transfer. From what I have read, any school has the right to not accept a credit transfer, but this usually has to do with schools that are not accredited. Having regional accreditation increases the likelihood of transferring credits. Some colleges require the ACEN accreditation as well. It all depends. The online program itself is accelerated and fast passed so you will need to study and keep up with weekly posts. All testing for the nursing program is on campus. So far my experience has been pleasant. When reading online posts from students, remember more people are likely to rant about something they are angry about than something that they had a neutral experience with. How many posts do you find from people saying "My school is fantastic!" or "It's my own fault I failed because I refused to open up the book, show up on time to clinical, and remember when my test date was!". Everything online should be taken with a grain of salt. Good luck

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Specializes in Emergency.

Mb0382, thank you for taking the time to reply! I'm so glad everything is going well for you!

As I mentioned, I live in Orlando and I did call HR departments of 3 local hospitals (FL Hosp, ORMC, and HCA). The nurse recruiters for the latter two seemed almost confused by my question regarding the schools accreditation status ("um...will you be licensed as a nurse in Florida..?") and it looks like the lack of accreditation is only an issue for GN applicants at FL Hosp. I'm pretty confident being an ADN applicant will be more difficult than having graduated from a non-accredited nursing school. I have heard that the VA doesn't hire as well, but I don't have too much of an interest in the VA anyway.

I'm going to PM you with 30938373 questions if you don't mind. 😊

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PMs are fine. Again, good luck!

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

Galen RN graduate from class of 2013. No problem finding a job at multiple excellent hospitals and organizations in the Tampa Bay area. I mean, EXCELLENT facilities. No one has questioned my schooling AT ALL! They just care about my license. Furthermore, I'm getting my BSN at St. Pete College starting in August of 2015. Credits have transferred seamlessly so far...

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Specializes in Emergency.

Thank you so much for posting futureprice. Hope your BSN journey goes smoothly for you!

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Specializes in Rehabilitation, Geriatrics.

I work at Tampa General and I am also entering my second quarter at Galen. Tampa General had nothing negative to say about Galen College. They only state that once I finished my fundamentals I could apply as a nurse technician and that I would have to go for my BSN upon graduation. Take away- if a hospital would hire a Galen student, they would surely hire a graduate nurse. Also I have had my concerns about accreditation and I have spoke directly to SPC's Academic Records Specialist and she sent me to this link Transferring to SPC. This shows all the classes that transfer. I see no problem with going for my BSN after finishing Galen at SPC. Good luck!

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

Just to let you know, I was able to get TWO more jobs as a Galen Grad - one at my FT job and another PRN job doing vaccines. I also have another potential vaccine clinic gig lined up.

Also, I changed to University of Texas at Arlington for my RN to BSN program and my credits transferred seamlessly. It takes a bit but well worth it. It is one of the best programs in the country and is SACS and CCNE accredited. As you know, CCNE is preferred if you want to move further with your education.

When you're done, look up HCA's StaRN program. I didn't go that route because I wound up taking another job but I bet it would be a perfect fit for you as a new grad.

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