LPN to RN -Tampa

111th, ADN, LPN · Feb 15, 2016

I'm in my third quarter at Galen and overall, I do like it. I have found it a bit unorganized but I think it would be easier if I was able to go to campus and speak with people rather than call/email (I live 2+ hours away)when I have had issues. If you are an independent learner Galen is a great option. You basically self-teach with guidance online and go to campus for all [nursing] exams and for lab to practice CPE/Demos. If you need in-person teaching, lot of directions, etc, it may not be the best route.

They do have their SACs accreditation so classes do transfer (well, I guess prereqs since nursing core classes are never accepted elsewhere) and if all goes well, they will have their ACEN/NLN "Summer 2016" and it will backdate to 01/2016 which is awesome.

I am in the hybrid/online program and most of my classmates do work full-time. However, you will need a pretty flexible schedule as many clinicals are on the weekday. I think they do have weekends but I wouldn't count on getting them as that's what everyone is after. I also just finished my clinicals up in Brooksville at Oak Hill (which was great!) but there were two more local Kindreds to choose from. Just know you may have to drive a bit.

I love that classes are only 11 weeks (quarters vs semesters) but it does make this stressful. I have my med/surg exam an hour and a half before my pharm exam this week. And CPEs two days before that. That sucks.

Nekomi · Feb 15, 2016

Are there any other schools in this area that offer similar flexibility?? I'm really not in love with Galen and my visit made me very uncomfortable.

MusicNurseCarrlee, LPN, LVN · Feb 16, 2016

I suggest Excelsior College Associate Degree(ASN) program...a good bridge option for working LPNs, NLNAC accredited, no waiting list, self paced and less expensive than most traditional programs. Low cost study material is available on Ebay and Excelsior has practice exams to prepare for credit exams. I went through the program years ago(learned a lot) and have recently reenrolled to fulfill the new requirements to complete the degree. They also offer a Bachelor Degree(BSN) program if you desire to bridge further later.

Nekomi · Feb 16, 2016

Is this located in Florida? I only see one location in NY

MusicNurseCarrlee, LPN, LVN · Feb 17, 2016

Excelsior College is in New York. The nursing programs are for LPNs/LVNs, Paramedics, Respiratory Therapists and Military Medical Corpsmen. The degrees are accepted for NCLEX-RN examination and for RN licensure in Florida and throughout the United States.

Nekomi · Feb 17, 2016

I don't see how I could attend school in NY when I live in Florida..? Thank you for the advice but I am looking for a flexible program local to me that I would be able to attend while working and caring for my family..

111th, ADN, LPN · Feb 18, 2016

Excelsior is completely online, which is why MusicNurseCarrlee recommended it to you. I believe there's a 2 day clinical or something that you have to go to at the end but that's it.

I don't know of any other programs with as much flexibility as Galen, which is why I'm driving 2+ hours to go there. My state college offers a hybrid program as well but is very competitive and I've heard there's a two year wait list.

Good luck!

cieramarie · Feb 27, 2016

I would suggest Rasmussen College. The New Port Richey Campus and the Tampa Brandon Campus have a bridge program. The New Port Richey Campus should be ACEN accredited by August of 2016. I am currently in the LPN program at the Land O' Lakes Campus and I plan to start the bridge program at the New Port Richey Campus as soon as I finish the LPN program. Most of the classes are online at Rasmussen. I also toured Galen and felt the same way that you do.

BeachBliss114 · Jun 20, 2017

Can you all specify what made you uncomfortable about Galen's tour? I thought it was going to just be a tour, but I re-read and realized I will be meeting with someone in admissions if I decide to follow through with it. I will also look at Rasmussen College.