HCA Healthcare Invests $4.8 Million in Pepperdine Nursing School

Event summary

  • HCA Healthcare is donating $4.8 million to Pepperdine University to support the launch of its new School of Nursing.
  • Pepperdine’s School of Nursing opened in Fall 2025 with an initial enrollment of 68 students, offering BSN and ELM-CNL programs.
  • The gift will fund a 30,000-square-foot facility with clinical simulation labs.
  • HCA Healthcare acquired Galen College of Nursing in 2020, which now operates 25 campuses with over 19,000 students.
  • HCA Healthcare has previously invested in nursing education, including a $3.4 million expansion for Research College of Nursing in 2023.

The big picture

The national nursing shortage is a significant constraint on healthcare delivery, prompting providers like HCA Healthcare to explore innovative solutions. This donation represents a shift towards direct investment in nursing education, moving beyond traditional recruitment strategies. HCA’s broader investments in nursing education, including Galen College, demonstrate a commitment to building a sustainable pipeline of nurses to support its extensive network of facilities.

What we're watching

Program Growth
The success of Pepperdine’s School of Nursing will depend on its ability to attract and retain students, and HCA’s continued support will be crucial for its long-term viability.
Talent Pipeline
HCA Healthcare’s investment signals a strategic effort to address the nursing shortage, but the effectiveness of this approach will hinge on the quality and placement of graduates.
Acquisition Strategy
HCA’s acquisition of Galen College of Nursing and subsequent expansion suggests a broader strategy of vertically integrating nursing education to secure a future workforce; further acquisitions in this space are possible.