Galen Nursing School in St. Pete/Tampa ?

[Bails]

I am thinking about starting Galen School of Nursing in St. Pete/Tampa area in a few months. I have a degree already in business. I know the cost of Galen is a negative. I wanted to know what people thought of Galen? I have read various posts, and wasn't sure if it was accreddited? I would like to start the LPN program, then do the LPN to RN Bridge at Galen or somewhere else (Excelsior?). Any comments (positive & negative) are truly appreciated. Thank you.

[itsmejuli]

I did LPN at Galen, it was great but expensive. To me the cost was prohibitive, the RN program there would cost me more than I'd get in Pell and gov loans. By waiting for the 2010-2011 FAFSA year its going to cost me nothing to go to SPC. I've already completed the pre-reqs, I start the LPN-RN program at SPC in August.

If you like to save money then stick with the public schools.

[scrapworking]

They're approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, but they are not an accredited school. Meaning if you wanted to continue on with your education, none of the classes you take with them will transfer anywhere. If all you need to get into a school though is your LPN or RN license, you should be fine, but I'd check with the other schools you may be interested in before committing to Galen. I looked into going there, but due to the over-inflated cost of their program(s) and how you have to take both to get your RN, I thought it was ridiculous. I'm currently at SPC and PHCC and will be applying to both schools for their RN programs. At a fraction of the cost of Galen. Then on to any college/university for my BSN. Good luck with your decision. There are other posts on allnurses...just do a search on Galen for them...some actual students have posted their thoughts.

Sharon