Key Highlights :
Seniors in high school in Jefferson, Bullitt, and Oldham counties may begin ADN studies in January 2026 and both nursing degree and high school by December 2027.
The program accepts applications starting from September 2, 2025.
The program is a partnership between Galen College of Nursing and Norton Healthcare to enhance the nursing workforce pipeline.
Key Background :
The introduction of the Career-Ready ADN program exemplifies the necessity to treat the national nursing shortage while opening career pathways for students earlier in life. By enabling seniors in high school to take nursing courses in addition to their normal schoolwork, the program offers an immediate entry into healthcare careers without the usual wait times of post-secondary enrollment.
By this dual-enrollment system, high school students are able to maintain their progress toward a high school diploma while they move toward earning a professional nursing credential. Not only will they graduate from high school in 2027, but they will also possess an Associate Degree in Nursing, putting them in line for licensure examinations and possible work in healthcare facilities.
Galen College's partnership with Norton Healthcare signals a vision for more extensive workforce development in the Louisville region. For Norton Healthcare, the effort is part of an overall strategy to grow talent from within the community and have a robust pipeline of future nurses capable of addressing the needs of healthcare in the community.
The program further emphasizes Galen College's dedication to accessibility and innovation in nursing education. With an effective regional presence, the institution has made efforts to create programs that address workforce needs while giving students flexible and supportive paths to success.
Students may also be eligible for financial aid through scholarship and aid programs to prevent unaffordability from being a criterion. Academic standards, like having a minimum GPA, will determine ongoing eligibility for assistance and program enrollment.
By opening application this September 2025, the program allows students and families to plan and consider this extraordinary opportunity. The initiative is not only a scholarly milestone, but also an investment in the future of healthcare equipping the next generation of nurses to start sooner and strong.
About the Author
Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith is a Managing Editor at World Care Magazine.