During 2025 Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 16
Nursing Program Leaders Welcome Campus Tours in May During National Nurses Month
GALVESTON, Texas (May 15, 2025) – Galveston College will graduate 48 Nursing program students as part of the school’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 16. The ceremony will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Galveston Island Convention Center.
Earlier that same day, at the same venue, Galveston College Nursing program leaders will host a pinning ceremony for the new nursing graduates at 1 p.m. Pinning ceremonies in the United States date back to 1916 and symbolize the completion of all the requirements to complete a nursing certificate or degree program.
“The timing of our commencement ceremony and pinning ceremony coincides perfectly with National Nurses Month every year in May,” said Mary Anna Thomas, Galveston College’s director of Nursing Vocational and Associate Degree Nursing programs. “During National Nurses Month and year-round, we enjoy hosting prospective students for tours of our campus and to explain everything that our Nursing Program has to offer.”
National Nurses Month, which is celebrated every May, began in 1982 when the American Nurses Association (ANA) expanded National Nurses Week into a month-long celebration. National Nurses Week is recognized each year from May 6, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, through May 12. Nightingale, who was born in 1820 and died in 1910, is known as a pioneer social reformer and the founder of the nursing profession, according to the ANA.
Galveston College launched its Nursing Division in 1969. Some of Galveston College’s nursing programs can be completed in as little as one year. Thomas and other Galveston College nursing program instructors have extensive experience working in a wide range of hospital and clinical settings. Several of them are also alumni of the college.
To arrange a virtual meeting or campus tour, please visit: https://gc.edu/academic-career-programs/nursing/index.php, or contact Dr. Thomas at 409-944-1385 or email her at mthomas@gc.edu.
About Galveston College Nursing Programs
“Our nursing graduates are meeting critical needs for nursing professionals in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations not only in Galveston County, but also in other regions of Texas,” said Thomas.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 194,500 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.
The college partners with local healthcare providers to ensure that students gain real-world experience through clinical rotations. The University of Texas Medical Branch, HCA Houston Medical Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Hermann Memorial Hospital, and many school districts in the Galveston-Houston area regularly hire Galveston College nursing graduates.
Students can enroll in any of the following Galveston College nursing programs:
- Vocational Nursing (VN): This program prepares students to become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) who are capable of providing nursing care in structured healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). VN Program classes begin this summer on June 9.
- Associate degree Nursing (ADN): This 60-credit-hour program begins in August and trains students to become Registered Nurses (RNs) who provide health promotion, maintenance, and restoration for patients and their families. The curriculum integrates biological, social, physical, and behavioral sciences, preparing graduates to coordinate care in various settings. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). ADN Program classes begin this fall on Aug. 18.
- LVN to RN Transition: Designed for current LVNs seeking to advance their careers, this transition program facilitates progression to the RN level. The curriculum builds upon existing knowledge and skills, enabling graduates to provide comprehensive nursing care and prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam. RN Program classes begin this summer on June 9.
- EMT-P to RN Transition: This program is tailored for certified paramedics aiming to transition into the nursing field as RNs. It offers an accelerated pathway by recognizing prior emergency medical training and experience, culminating in eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: Offered entirely online, this program caters to registered nurses aiming to obtain a BSN degree. The flexible format allows students across Texas to complete the program in as little as two semesters, facilitating career advancement without compromising current employment.
Offering nursing certificates and degree programs, the college delivers courses online and onsite at its main campus, which is located at 4015 Avenue Q in Galveston, Texas. In addition to taking classes online and participating in clinical rotations, Galveston College nursing students attend classes in the new Health Sciences Education Center, which opened in August 2024. This 64,000 square-foot facility features modern simulation labs, high-tech classrooms and hands-on learning spaces that prepare students for real-world medical environments.
Galveston College offers financial aid for those who qualify to help cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses. Students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their financial aid eligibility. English and Spanish-speaking counselors are available to assist current and prospective students. For more information about financial aid, visit https://gc.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid-information.php.
