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HCA Completes Galen College of Nursing Purchase

Analysis  |  By Jack O'Brien  
   January 07, 2020

The Nashville-based for-profit provider first announced that it took a majority stake in mid-March.

HCA Healthcare announced that it completed its acquisition of Galen College of Nursing Tuesday morning.

The Nashville-based for-profit provider first announced that it took a majority stake in one of the largest private nursing schools in the nation in mid-March.

HCA currently employs 94,000 nurses and sees the deal as a way to bolster the organization's mission. 

"Galen’s commitment to expand access to quality nursing education perfectly aligns with our focus on giving our nurses – at the bedside and in leadership – great programs and career advancement opportunities that will enable them to deliver better care," Sam Hazen, CEO of HCA, said in a statement.

Related: With an Eye on Professional Development, HCA Purchases Galen College of Nursing

As part of the deal, Galen with retain its name and leadership under CEO Mark Vogt.

"The union is an incredible opportunity to make a profound impact on nursing education and the quality of nursing care in our nation," Vogt said in a statement.

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The college, based in Louisville but operating in multiple locations around the country, was founded as the Galen Health Institute in 1989 by Humana Inc. and became an independent entity in 1994.  

The organization was renamed the Galen College of Nursing in 2005 after establishing an associate degree in nursing program.

Related: HCA Beats Q3 Revenue Estimates, Financial Guidance Raised

Despite the completion of the Galen deal, HCA's stock was trading down 0.5% during the early morning session.

Related: What We Learned About Healthcare M&A This Year: 3 Lessons

Jack O'Brien is the Content Team Lead and Finance Editor at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.

Photo credit: KONSKIE, POLAND - December 01, 2018: Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) logo displayed on smartphone - Image / Editorial credit: Piotr Swat / Shutterstock.com


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