In this program, through Norton Healthcare’s partnership with Bellarmine University, students interested in a career as a child life specialist can complete the first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Arts in Health Care: Child Life degree.

Take note of this important information before applying for the Career-Ready Child Life Specialist Program:

• Bellarmine University – Throughout the program, students must meet and adhere to Bellarmine University Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences requirements for students, as published in the student handbook. For questions about the curriculum and participation requirements, contact Diane MacKenzie, Ph.D., director, Dual Credit Institute, at [email protected]. For questions about program admissions, contact Tim Sturgeon, special assistant to the vice president for enrollment, at [email protected].
• Norton Healthcare Center for Nursing Practice — Students will complete a 600-hour, unpaid child life specialist internship at Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
• Tuition assistance is available for program participants.

Download the Program Flyer  Use This Form to Apply

Applications are expected to open in fall 2026.

To be considered for employment after completing the program, you must apply and interview for a registered nurse position and meet all preemployment requirements.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 requires that postsecondary institutions participating in federal student aid programs make certain disclosures to enrolled and prospective students, parents, employees and the public. Galen College of Nursing makes this information available to you online at GalenCollege.edu/Consumer-Disclosures. Information regarding accreditation can be found at GalenCollege.edu/About-Galen/Accreditation.
EOE, including disability/vets

Through Norton Healthcare’s partnership with Bellarmine University, you can be on track for a meaningful career in health care starting your senior year of high school. Current school systems supported for high school senior dual enrollment are Bullitt County Public Schools, Jefferson County Public Schools and Oldham County Public Schools.

Take note of this important information before applying for the Career-Ready Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program:

• High school — You must remain enrolled in high school throughout the program. Contact your school resource center for questions about your high school class schedule and courses required to graduate.
• Bellarmine University — Throughout the program, you must meet and adhere to Bellarmine University Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences requirements for student nurses, as published in the BSN Student Handbook. For questions about the curriculum and participation requirements, contact Emily Nation, M.A., director of nursing operations, at [email protected]. For questions about program admissions, contact Diane MacKenzie, Ph.D., director, Dual Credit Institute, at [email protected].
• Norton Healthcare Center for Nursing Practice — The clinical sites where you will train are dedicated education units and selected through an intentional curriculum crosswalk. Joint-appointed Norton Healthcare nurses serve as clinical instructors.
• Tuition assistance is available for program participants.

Download the Program Flyer  Use This Form to Apply

Applications are expected to open in 2027.

To be considered for employment after completing the program, you must apply and interview for a registered nurse position and meet all preemployment requirements.

EOE, including disability/vets

In this program, through Norton Healthcare’s partnership with Bellarmine University, students interested in a career as a child life specialist can complete the first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Arts in Health Care: Child Life degree.

Take note of this important information before applying for the Career-Ready Child Life Specialist Program:

• Bellarmine University – Throughout the program, students must meet and adhere to Bellarmine University Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences requirements for students, as published in the student handbook. For questions about the curriculum and participation requirements, contact Diane MacKenzie, Ph.D., director, Dual Credit Institute, at [email protected]. For questions about program admissions, contact Tim Sturgeon, special assistant to the vice president for enrollment, at [email protected].
• Norton Healthcare Center for Nursing Practice — Students will complete a 600-hour, unpaid child life specialist internship at Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
• Tuition assistance is available for program participants.

Download the Program Flyer  Use This Form to Apply

Applications are expected to open in 2027.

To be considered for employment after completing the program, you must apply and interview for a child life specialist position and meet all preemployment requirements.

EOE, including disability/vets

In collaboration with St. Elizabeth Healthcare, through Northern Kentucky University, Norton Healthcare employed registered nurses can elevate their surgical nursing practice to scrub, circulate and assist within designated surgical cases. Participants in the program complete a student registered nurse first assist program, transitioning to a registered nurse first assist position once program hours are complete and privileges are confirmed.

Take note of this important information before applying for the Career-Ready Registered Nurse First Assist Program:

• Program overview – Hybrid structure:
  • Virtual course content
  • Three consecutive skill days on-site at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky
  • 130 clinical hours with Norton Healthcare at select hospital locations
• Eligibility requirements – Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
  • Current Kentucky and Indiana registered nurse licenses
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Two years of perioperative experience
  • Certified nurse operation room (CNOR) certification
  • Two letters of recommendation; one must be from a Norton Healthcare surgeon
• Tuition assistance is available for program participants.

Download the Program Flyer  Use This Form to Apply

To be considered for employment after completing the program, you must apply and interview for a registered nurse first assist position and meet all preemployment requirements.

EOE, including disability/vets