Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what the best option is for deciding between Galen and Hallmark.
I've heard about some experiences with Galen but I'm having trouble finding any info about the Hallmark program from students who have gone there.
I've been trying to compare the pros vs cons with the 2 school. So far I have the following info:
Accredidation:
Galen- just received the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. They also have agreements with a couple of schools that will accept credits towards a BSN which is important.
Hallmark- I have no idea if they are accredited are not, cannot find this information
Program Length:
Galen- unfortunately in San Antonio they don't have the 2-yr Associates, so I will have to first do the LVN, then do the LVN to RN. Total amount of time is 27 months.
Hallmark- 20 months
Admission Requirements:
Galen- Pax PN to get into LVN program, then the PAX RN for the RN program (?)
Hallmark- TEASV
Cost:
Galen- this is where the unfortunate lack of the 2-yr associates really hurts. If you add the 2 programs together it cost around $43,000 to become an RN in San Antonio. ($10,000 more than it costs to get the 2 yr associates at their other campuses)
Hallmark- cannot find any info on the cost. It's not on their website, and I can't find it anywhere else either.
So it seems overall that it's easier to get into Galen, it's accredited, and it's likely that you won't have a problem continuing on to get a BSN. But it will take longer, and it seems like it would be more expensive.
Does anyone have any more info that they can share, or maybe their experience with either school? I have found some info on classes from '09 and '10, but none too recently. I'm also curious about the ability to obtain employment with no experience and only an associates vs the "preferred" BSN.
