Application Deadline for Prospective Fall 2026 Students Extended to April 30
GALVESTON, Texas (April 28, 2026) – Thirty-five Galveston College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Vocational Nursing (VN) graduates will participate in a special pinning ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 7, at the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort, located at 5600 Seawall Blvd. in Galveston.
The Galveston College pinning ceremony being held for graduates, their family members and friends coincides with National Nurses Week 2026, which is celebrated Wednesday, May 6, through Tuesday, May 12.
Galveston College is also accepting applications for its ADN and LVN programs now through April 30 for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. The college offers nursing courses at its main campus, located at 4015 Avenue Q in Galveston, Texas. Some of Galveston College’s nursing programs can be completed in as little as one year.
Unlike a general graduation ceremony, a pinning ceremony represents a rite of passage that signifies a nursing student’s completion of course requirements and initiates students into the nursing profession. Moses De Arcos will serve as the guest speaker at the pinning ceremony. De Arcos graduated in May 2025 from the Galveston College ADN program, and he will graduate from the school’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program this year on May 7.
“Texas is one of the top three states in the nation with a high demand for nurses,” said Dr. Mary Anna Thomas, Galveston College’s director of Vocational Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs. “Our ADN and VN programs are helping to address healthcare employers’ needs for nurses. We estimate that we will graduate 40 or more ADN and VN students by year-end 2026.”
Galveston College provides a high-quality, affordable nursing education with small class sizes and experienced faculty. The college partners with local healthcare providers to ensure that students gain real-world experience through clinical rotations that equip them to work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities upon graduation. Some of the healthcare systems and clinics that are employing Galveston College nursing program graduates include, but are not limited to, University of Texas Medical Branch, HCA Houston Medical Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Hermann Memorial Hospital, and numerous school districts in the area.
“After graduating from the ADN program, there was no doubt in my mind that I would further my education in nursing by pursuing my BSN,” said De Arcos. “Galveston College already had this program, so transitioning into it was easy.”
De Marcos is currently working as a nurse in a medical-surgical unit at HCA Clear Lake Hospital and aspires to work as a critical care nurse in the Texas Medical Center in the future.
Galveston College Nursing Program Options
Galveston College launched its Nursing Division in 1969. Its nursing program offerings include the following:
- 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).
- Associate Degree Nursing (ADN): This 60-credit-hour program 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).
- 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 preparing them for the NCLEX-RN.
- 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.
- 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.
In addition to taking classes and participating in clinical rotations, Galveston College ADN and VN 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
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGEGalveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education, and community service programs. For more information, please visit www.gc.edu.
