Galen Institute

nrcnurse · Oct 2, 2005

The primary differences are: you can get into Galen right away, and it costs about five times more than the tech schools. I applied there, and also applied to Erwin. Although my wait for Erwin was nearly one year, I decided to wait and go there. It was $2,600 (which I could pay as I went) as opposed to $14,000 (for which I would have needed a loan.) In the mean time, I worked as a CNA and finished my RN prereqs. (I graduated from Erwin last July.) I know that P-Tech has a long wait, too. Really, the only difference between the two schools is the cost, and being able to get in to Galen immediately. It's accredited, and that's the important part. Check the FL BON site to see its NCLEX pass rate.

I'm actually glad that I waited, and got the CNA experience. It helped me a lot in LPN school.

Good luck to you!

Nancy

flwannaB · Oct 2, 2005

One reason I was considering going to Galen is that it is very close to my house whereas Erwin is quite a drive. Galen is now a nursing college and has an RN program. If you are a Galen LPN, you can get right into the RN program and it is only a year longer. The money is a huge factor though. I have to decide on whether the benefits out weigh the money. I am currently #21 on the wait list at Erwin. I am getting anxious. Right now I am working at a Dr office and am scheduled to take my CNA test this Thursday. Thank you for your information.

The primary differences are: you can get into Galen right away, and it costs about five times more than the tech schools. I applied there, and also applied to Erwin. Although my wait for Erwin was nearly one year, I decided to wait and go there. It was $2,600 (which I could pay as I went) as opposed to $14,000 (for which I would have needed a loan.) In the mean time, I worked as a CNA and finished my RN prereqs. (I graduated from Erwin last July.) I know that P-Tech has a long wait, too. Really, the only difference between the two schools is the cost, and being able to get in to Galen immediately. It's accredited, and that's the important part. Check the FL BON site to see its NCLEX pass rate.
I'm actually glad that I waited, and got the CNA experience. It helped me a lot in LPN school.
Good luck to you!
Nancy

nrcnurse · Oct 2, 2005

You should inquire about financial aid, and how student loans are repaid. I know a Galen LPN who is repaying her student loan for $59/mo. That's pretty affordable, but she may be paying it for 30 years. I don't know the length of her payback. It would be worth your time to ask those questions. Also, with gas being $3/gal, the drive to Tampa could get expensive. In addition, class at Erwn starts at 7:30, clinicals start at 6:45, and you don't EVER want to be late. There were students in my class that drove from as far as Spring Hill, New Port Richey, and Gulfport. They hated the drive, but always made it on time.

The CNA exam is a snap. You'll have to do five skills, which include handwashing and providing privacy. When I did my test, there was no drape, so I had to remind myself to pull the imaginary drape. I actually talked my way through the skills, so the tester knew that I knew what I was supposed to do. My skills were making an occupied bed (always fun~), range of motion, and peri care (on a mannequin.) When they tell you that you passed, it is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. It's just a warm up for your LPN license.

Best of luck!

Nancy

flwannaB · Oct 10, 2005

I passed my CNA test. It was easy but a little unnerving having Nurse Ratchet watch every move. I had pulse and resp, transfer patient and cath care. I thought I failed because I got nervous and did the entire front and back of the patient. I laughed at myself for an hour afterwards. I am going to apply for Galen afterall. It is very close to home and they now have an RN program. Wish me luck and thanks for the info.

You should inquire about financial aid, and how student loans are repaid. I know a Galen LPN who is repaying her student loan for $59/mo. That's pretty affordable, but she may be paying it for 30 years. I don't know the length of her payback. It would be worth your time to ask those questions. Also, with gas being $3/gal, the drive to Tampa could get expensive. In addition, class at Erwn starts at 7:30, clinicals start at 6:45, and you don't EVER want to be late. There were students in my class that drove from as far as Spring Hill, New Port Richey, and Gulfport. They hated the drive, but always made it on time.
The CNA exam is a snap. You'll have to do five skills, which include handwashing and providing privacy. When I did my test, there was no drape, so I had to remind myself to pull the imaginary drape. I actually talked my way through the skills, so the tester knew that I knew what I was supposed to do. My skills were making an occupied bed (always fun~), range of motion, and peri care (on a mannequin.) When they tell you that you passed, it is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. It's just a warm up for your LPN license.
Best of luck!
Nancy

nrcnurse · Oct 10, 2005

I passed my CNA test.

Good for you!!! Wasn't that an awesome feeling when you opened the paper and it said, "PASS"? I can relate to being nervous doing the skills. My test was a little unnerving, too.

So, you'll start Galen's November class? Best of luck! You're going to enjoy it!

Nancy

flwannaB · Oct 10, 2005

I hope I do. I am waiting for someone to call me back. I dont want to wait until Jan or Feb. I am ready now. I can't wait.

Good for you!!! Wasn't that an awesome feeling when you opened the paper and it said, "PASS"? I can relate to being nervous doing the skills. My test was a little unnerving, too.
So, you'll start Galen's November class? Best of luck! You're going to enjoy it!
Nancy

mchanrice · Oct 11, 2005

Did you sign up for Galen? I wasnt sure if you decided for sure to go with that school?

land64shark · Oct 11, 2005

I had filled out Galen's Info request on their website (twice) and never heard a word from them. That's not the way to do business.

flwannaB · Oct 11, 2005

I haven't signed up yet. I called to get info and no one has returned my call. I stopped by the office today but the only person that is able to give information was out today with an emergency. I have to agree with land64shark, that is no way to run a business. If I do not hear anything from them soon, I will stay with Erwin.

Did you sign up for Galen? I wasnt sure if you decided for sure to go with that school?

flwannaB · Oct 11, 2005

I agree. If they don't call me soon, I am will not pursue it.

I had filled out Galen's Info request on their website (twice) and never heard a word from them. That's not the way to do business.

flwannaB · Oct 11, 2005

I decided to take the entrance test for Galen. I am scheduled on Tues at 2. Its 12K but I really don't want to wait until March to get into Erwin. That drive really sucks too. Do you think its foolish?

You should inquire about financial aid, and how student loans are repaid. I know a Galen LPN who is repaying her student loan for $59/mo. That's pretty affordable, but she may be paying it for 30 years. I don't know the length of her payback. It would be worth your time to ask those questions. Also, with gas being $3/gal, the drive to Tampa could get expensive. In addition, class at Erwn starts at 7:30, clinicals start at 6:45, and you don't EVER want to be late. There were students in my class that drove from as far as Spring Hill, New Port Richey, and Gulfport. They hated the drive, but always made it on time.
The CNA exam is a snap. You'll have to do five skills, which include handwashing and providing privacy. When I did my test, there was no drape, so I had to remind myself to pull the imaginary drape. I actually talked my way through the skills, so the tester knew that I knew what I was supposed to do. My skills were making an occupied bed (always fun~), range of motion, and peri care (on a mannequin.) When they tell you that you passed, it is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. It's just a warm up for your LPN license.
Best of luck!
Nancy