Galen College of Nursing passes 50,000 graduates

By AI, Created 11:41 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Galen College of Nursing says its April 2026 commencement ceremonies pushed total graduates to 50,543, a milestone the school links to growing demand for nurses nationwide. The college says the achievement comes as it expands across 25 campuses in 13 states and online.

Why it matters: - Galen College of Nursing says the milestone reflects a larger effort to expand the nursing workforce at a time when demand remains high. - The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of nearly 64,000 full-time registered nurses by 2030. - Galen says its graduates now work in communities across the country.

What happened: - Galen College of Nursing reached 50,543 total graduates after its April 2026 commencement ceremonies. - Mark Vogt, CEO of Galen College of Nursing, called the achievement a major moment for faculty and staff. - Erica Rossitto, senior vice president and chief nurse executive at HCA Healthcare, said the milestone reflects Galen’s commitment to nursing education and workforce readiness.

The details: - Galen College of Nursing was founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1989. - The school started as a single-campus nursing school and expanded to five campuses before joining HCA Healthcare in 2020. - Galen now serves more than 19,000 students. - The college operates 25 campuses in 13 states and online. - Galen offers associate and baccalaureate degree programs. - Galen also offers practical and vocational nursing programs. - The college provides fully online RN to BSN, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. - Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. - HCA Healthcare is based in Nashville and operates 190 hospitals and about 2,500 ambulatory sites of care in 19 states and the United Kingdom.

Between the lines: - The graduation total gives Galen a concrete measure of scale as nursing schools compete to help close workforce gaps. - The school’s growth after joining HCA Healthcare suggests an education model tied closely to a larger healthcare system. - The nursing shortage projection adds urgency to Galen’s expansion message.

What’s next: - Galen says it will keep expanding access to nursing education. - The college says it will continue supporting student success and preparing nurses for bedside care. - The school’s growth may continue to be shaped by national staffing needs and healthcare system demand.

The bottom line: - Galen College of Nursing has crossed a major enrollment and graduation milestone while positioning itself as part of the national answer to the nursing shortage.