October 12, 2018 – Hazard, KY – Galen College of Nursing’s mission is to expand access to nursing education. The Hazard campus, a partnership between Galen and Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Hazard, Kentucky, embodies this mission.
In February 2017, Galen announced plans to open an associate degree program at a new location based in the ARH System Center building in Hazard. Galen and ARH joined together to offer additional nursing education opportunities in response to the continued and growing nursing shortage in the region. The program supports the development of the local nursing workforce and addresses the need throughout Eastern Kentucky.
Galen offers two programs at the campus: a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and a 15-18 month Bridge program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to continue their education in pursuit of their associate degree and subsequently their RN. The inaugural class started March 30, 2017.
“It is with great pride that Galen celebrates the first graduates from the Hazard campus, and we’re honored to share this auspicious occasion with ARH and leadership from the region,” said Mark A. Vogt, CEO of Galen College. “We look to our Hazard campus for inspiration for future partnerships to increase high-quality nursing education opportunities.”
The first three graduates of the Hazard program are Courtney Banks, Eric Seth Jones, and Allyson Tufts, all of whom are graduating with their ADN through Galen’s LPN to ADN Bridge program.
Allyson and Courtney went to school together to earn their Licensed Practical Nursing diploma and decided to enroll at Galen to pursue their RN. According to Allyson, who is from Melvin, Kentucky, her Galen experience offered “a really great education.” Because her class is small, “it felt like a family – everybody was super nice.” It was Allyson’s mother who originally convinced her to try nursing, and now with Allyson’s graduation, her mother is “a proud mom. She talks about it all the time.”
Galen is already looking forward to the next graduating classes, as students from the 2-year ADN program begin to complete their program.
The first graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hal Rogers Center, and will feature speakers Chris Fugate, Kentucky State Representative; Sandy Dunahoo, Commissioner for Local Government; and Scott Alexander, Perry County Judge Executive.
The ceremony includes the Nursing Pledge, recited during the Ceremony of Lights, as one flame is passed to another to signify the passing of knowledge, the acceptance of responsibilities, and the rights and the obligations of the nursing profession. Graduates also will receive the nursing pin, a 1,000-year old symbol of service to others.
“Nursing is a profession that is steeped in honor and tradition,” said Dr. Connie Cooper, Dean of Galen’s Hazard campus. “And while graduation from our nursing programs is a momentous occasion, and a chance for all of us in nursing to reflect on our commitment to the profession, we also expect to have a lot of fun and a joyful celebration.”
About Galen College of Nursing
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers a practical/vocational nursing diploma, and associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galenstaging.mystagingwebsite.com.
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