San Antonio, Wayland Baptist vs. Galen Nursing

anar00 · Dec 15, 2010

how are you liking everything so far?

Mely555 · Jan 14, 2011

I too am looking into applying to Galen because I've been at community college for 3 years and it feels like I'm going nowhere. I'm reluctant about Galwn only because of the cost and I don't know anyone who is in the program. What could you'll tell me about the program. What can I expect? 

kponderRN · Jan 28, 2011

There is a big difference I think.

Isnt Galen strictly an LVN program? Wayland Baptist is a BSN program I think! Huge difference. and there is a big price difference I think.

If you are talking about Baptist nursing school it is an Associates RN program ( they also have an LVN program) and I currently go there and am about to graduate in May from the RN program and I love it.

Bottom line if you can go for an RN right away instead of an LVN then you are better off going for the RN.

Good luck with your decision :]

southeRNyankeee · Jan 28, 2011

There is a big difference I think.
Isnt Galen strictly an LVN program? Wayland Baptist is a BSN program I think! Huge difference. and there is a big price difference I think.

no, Galen has an LVN to RN bridge. The price is considerably more than SAC but comparable to Baptist (health systems, I have no idea about Wayland!)

The LVN program can be completed on days (12 mo) or in the evenings (21 mo). The RN bridge can be completed in 15 or 18 mos, give or take depending on what prereqs you bring to the table.

Every school has it's issues and Galen is no different. Some instructors were great, some not so much. We learned to make copies of ANYTHING we gave the front office and to get receipts. Some days you wanted to quit because of the chaos and other days everything fell into place.

What can I tell you? The NCLEX pass rate is very good. It costs more than community college. The RN bridge program is still kind of new and working out some kinks. Prereqs are built into the program, but to cut costs you can take some of them @ SAC and transfer those credits. Schedule is three months on, one week off. The school has 2 campuses, and you take classes at each one. Clinicals are all over the city.

I feel the program prepared me well enough. Right after graduation I had to move halfway across the country and still managed to land a job in my desired specialty 2 months later. The program wasn't perfect by any means but it served it's purpose for me.

Best advice I can give is to do your homework. Once you decide remember YOU are in charge of your education, and that it's up

to you to get the most out of it wherever you are. If anyone has more specific questions feel free to post or pm me :nurse:

nurseineleven · Jan 28, 2011

Hi Ponder and Yankee...I dont know who wrote what here. I am also a Galen student and I just completed quarter one. The classes are frustrating because you have a mix of young old and ppl from other countries. Some ppl sit and laugh and make light of class. The teacher may not stop this from happening because, like you pointed out some teachers arent the best. And some are ageing. The best thing is to do your best. Pay attention. And know that it is gonna cost less than a university. Im earning a B, but that is because I already have a Bachelors in Business and I have already had some of the classes through Wayland while trying to earn their RN. I found out it is best if I do the LVN and then move on to the Galen RN. Or not, the RN only earns a tiny bit more money!

sunstr77 · Jan 29, 2011

One thing you should be warned about is if you are receiving a financial aid check each quarter don't depend on when they tell you you will have it by week 6. That is so not true! It was true the 1st quarter for me but the second quarter we all got them around week 9 after harassing our financial aid advisor. It turns out you'll get your money whenever they feel like turning your attendance to the government for your Pell Grant money. So NEVER put stock on your financial aid money to help you with anything.

joyLVN · Feb 1, 2011

To southeRNyankee. As far as the curriculum at Galen was it difficult to maintain a passing grade? Are the teachers helpful when it comes to testing and so forth?

JesseNurse · Feb 2, 2011

southeRNyankeee or anyone that has recently attended the LVN program in Galen San Antonio, Can you please give me your email. I have some questions I would like to ask but its not letting me through private message. I got on the January 31st class and tomorrow im starting my first class at the brown center for fund/IHS. Please if you can email me via profile:

Brymic · Feb 16, 2011

Jesse- How is it going? I have appreciated all the info on this thread. I am considering Galen for many of the same reasons listed here- mainly the TIME issue. I already have an associates degree, and was considering just doing the LVN, but if they will transfer my credits from ACCD, I may go on and finish the RN program while I am at it. My husband is researching using some of his VA money for school for me. I am probably quite a bit older than most students there- never thought I would decide on nursing school at 42 :)

nurse.dee · Jun 13, 2016

I'm a little late to this forum, but I was wondering how that bridge program from LVN to RN at Galen was working for you? I am so indecisive as to whether attend Wayland or Galen and I have been visiting blogs and reviews and that has not helped very much.. I am not from San Antonio so the move in and of itself will be quite the stressor. I really want to choose the right school so please any advice or help will be greatly appreciated!

nurse.dee · Jun 13, 2016

I know this is an old forum but I was wondering if you were able to get any more info or personal feedback from either Galen or Wayland? I am currently in the process of moving to San Antonio to continue with my RN and very indecisive as to which college to attend. Please, any info would be greatly appreciated!!