Galen College of Nursing earns ANCC well-being credential

Galen College of Nursing has become the first nursing college to receive the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Well-Being Excellence credential. The designation recognizes the Louisville-based school’s employee well-being efforts and adds a new benchmark for workplace culture in nursing education.

Why it matters: - The credential puts Galen College of Nursing in a small group of healthcare organizations recognized for employee well-being. - The award is the first of its kind for a nursing college, giving Galen a new distinction in higher education and healthcare. - The recognition is tied to workplace culture, engagement and retention, which can affect organizational performance.

What happened: - Galen College of Nursing received the Well-Being Excellence credential from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association. - The announcement was made June 8, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. - Galen became the first nursing college to earn the credential.

The details: - The Well-Being Excellence credential recognizes organizations that create a healthy, evidence-based work environment where employees feel safe, supported and empowered. - Galen said staff well-being is a strategic priority at the college. - Dr. Tracy Ortelli, Galen’s president and chief academic officer, said the recognition reflects the culture built by nurse educators and support teams. - Dr. Lori Brodie, AVP of Nursing Education Excellence, said the credential affirms Galen’s commitment to fostering a culture of well-being for current and future employees. - Galen was founded more than 35 years ago in Louisville. - The college is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. - Galen serves more than 20,000 students across 25 campuses in 13 states and online. - The school offers master’s, baccalaureate and associate degree programs, plus practical/vocational nursing programs. - More information is available at Galen College of Nursing.

Between the lines: - The recognition signals that employee well-being is becoming a measurable standard, not just an internal culture goal. - For a nursing school, the award also reinforces the link between staff support and the institution’s broader mission to expand access to nursing education. - The first-in-category distinction may help Galen stand out as competition for students and nursing educators intensifies.

What's next: - Galen is likely to use the credential as evidence of workplace quality as it recruits staff and supports its growing network of campuses. - The recognition may also serve as a signal to prospective students and partners that the college is investing in organizational health alongside academic expansion. - Galen said the milestone supports its long-term effort to build a culture of well-being for current employees and future hires.