Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024 & 2025

Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024 & 2025

Georgia is renowned for its warm inhabitants, Southern hospitality, and affordable living. It also presents promising opportunities for nurses, with Projections Central estimating an 18.1% surge in demand for registered nurses (RNs) by 2030, surpassing the national average. This comprehensive guide provides insights into nursing schools in Georgia, the state’s licensing process, potential earnings, and the work environment.

Whether you are considering nursing education or a career in the Peach State, this guide equips you with information on obtaining a state license, earning potential, and details about the leading nursing schools in Georgia, some of which prepare you for a role as a nurse practitioner (NP). Read on to discover more about the top nursing schools and programs in Georgia.
The Best Nursing Schools in Georgia: Georgia boasts diverse nursing education options, including large state universities, local community colleges, and private institutions of varying sizes. To assist you in finding the most suitable program for your needs and aspirations, we have compiled a list of the top nursing schools in the state.

Our Ranking Method: We employ a data-driven approach to rank the best nursing schools in Georgia, prioritizing metrics crucial to students, such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. Utilizing publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), we ensure the information is current as of the article’s publication date. Program-specific details may vary.

#1 Emory University

Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, boasts a century-long tradition of nursing education. Offering accelerated BSN and MSN programs with completion times ranging from 12 to 15 months, Emory provides dual degrees and MSN flex programs, allowing completion in 2 to 3 years. The MSN degree offers specializations in various fields, including adult gerontology acute care, family nursing, neonatal nursing, and psychiatric mental health. Emory’s clinical training spans Atlanta and locations nationwide.

Nurse Practitioner MSN vs. DNP vs. BSN

Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master’s of Science in Nursing, Doctorate in Nursing Practice
Campus: Atlanta, Georgia
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
Tuition: $2,022 per credit
Admission Requirements: Vary by program
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 85.94% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $64,055 for bachelor’s graduates, $64,055 for master’s graduates (College Scorecard)
Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $53,070; Out-of-state: $53,070
Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $43,800; Out-of-state: $43,800
Retention Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 19%
Students Enrolled: 13,997
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 87%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Berry College

At Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, you can earn a BSN in 3.5 years through four degree pathways. The options include clinical placements at Berry’s hospital partnerships or major medical clinics. Berry accommodates transfer students, traditional sophomore students, and high-achieving high school students. The fast track pathway allows graduation in under four years through AP and dual enrollment courses.

Program: BSN
Campus: Mount Berry, Georgia
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $2175-$3263 per credit for 12-18 credits; $1,305 per credit for fewer or more credits
Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA, at least 41 credits, CPR certification, background check and drug screening, transfer students must complete at least 12 credits at Berry
Minimum Time Commitment: 42 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 78.13% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,482 for bachelor’s graduates (College Scorecard)
Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $37,720; Out-of-state: $37,720
Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $12,240; Out-of-state: $12,240
Retention Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 77%
Students Enrolled: 2,125
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 40%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Rome, Georgia, offers an associate in nursing degree (ADN) and a practical nursing diploma. The ADN program, spanning four semesters, requires 72 credits, covering pre-occupational courses, nursing basics, lifespan nursing care, and mental health nursing. The practical nursing diploma is also available.

Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate Degree in Nursing, Practical Nursing Diploma
Campus: Rome, Georgia
Type: Public
Accreditations: Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $100 per credit (in-state); $200 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate, minimum 17 years old, minimum 75% score on the admission assessment exam, completion of Learning Support courses, completion of biology and algebra courses, minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 86.36% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,787 for associate degree graduates (College Scorecard)
Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $2,400; Out-of-state: $4,800
Retention Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 6,608
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 71%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Oconee Fall Line Technical College

Oconee Fall Line Technical College in Sandersville, Georgia, offers three nursing programs, each taking 5-7 semesters to complete. The programs include an associate degree for paramedics and licensed practical nurses, a traditional ADN taking seven semesters, and a 60-credit practical nursing program preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam. The programs offer various start dates and flexible course options, including online synchronous, live, on-campus, and hybrid courses.

Programs: Associate in Nursing Degree, Practical Nursing Diploma
Campus: Sandersville, Georgia
Type: Public
Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $100 per credit
Admission Requirements: High school diploma, GED certificate, or college transcripts; Test of Essential Academic Skills exam score; at least 18 years old; minimum 2.6 GPA for high school students and 2.0 GPA for workforce entry-level programs
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 87.23% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $2,400; Out-of-state: $4,800
Retention Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 1,835
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 68%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Mercer University

Mercer University’s College of Nursing in Macon, Georgia, offers three BSN tracks, including traditional, second degree, and RN-to-BSN programs. The curriculum spans nursing research, health assessments, leadership and role practicum, and population health nursing. Mercer provides flexibility in choosing from a traditional BSN degree, accelerated BSN, or an RN-to-BSN program, each with varying credit requirements.

Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in Nursing, Post-Master’s Certificates
Campus: Macon, Georgia
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $12,785 per semester for traditional pre-licensure students; $361 per credit for RN-to-BSN students; $59,685 for second degree accelerated BSN students
Admission Requirements: Vary by program; minimum 3.0 GPA; resume; official transcripts; official TEAS exam score; admissions essay; completed prerequisites; admissions interview if needed
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 81.31% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,299 for bachelor’s graduates, $62,299 for master’s graduates (College Scorecard)
Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $28,695; Out-of-state: $28,695
Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $14,964; Out-of-state: $14,964
Retention Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 78%
Students Enrolled: 9,006
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 48%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Best Georgia Nurse Practitioner Programs

#1 Emory University

Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, stands out for offering premier nurse practitioner programs, covering adult-gerontology acute and primary care, family, neonatal, pediatric acute and primary care, women’s health/gender-related, and psychiatric mental health. Most programs require around 700 clinical hours, with Emory arranging placements at over 500 locations nationwide. The programs emphasize global thinking and service learning, and the format, on-campus, and online requirements, as well as program length, vary by track.

Programs: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN – Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner, MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post-graduate Certificate
Campus: Atlanta, Georgia
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,963 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, current and unencumbered Georgia or multistate RN license, one year of RN experience, two references
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.3%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,571 for master’s graduates (College Scorecard)
Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $53,070; Out-of-state: $53,070
Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $43,800; Out-of-state: $43,800
Retention Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 19%
Students Enrolled: 13,997
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 87%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Mercer University

Part of the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, offers the master of science in nursing – adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program. The program achieved a remarkable 98% first-attempt board pass rate from 2017 to 2019. Requiring 47 credits and 600 clinical hours, the program emphasizes the integration of liberal arts and Christian values.

Programs: Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Macon, Georgia
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $10,126 per 9-14 semester hours
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.0 GPA, current and unencumbered Georgia RN license, one year of RN experience, three references
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.2%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,856 for master’s graduates (College Scorecard)
Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $28,695; Out-of-state: $28,695
Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $14,964; Out-of-state: $14,964
Retention Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 78%
Students Enrolled: 9,006
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment

Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Georgia Southern University

Location: Statesboro, GA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Georgia Southern University offers a range of nursing programs specializing in adult-gerontology acute care, adult-gerontology primary care, family, and psychiatric mental health. These programs are available at different academic levels, including certificates, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Graduates with an MSN have the option to pursue the DNP program within a four-year timeframe. The MSN program entails the completion of 43 credits and 720 clinical hours. While the majority of the coursework is delivered online, students are required to attend short on-campus sessions lasting 2-3 days each semester.

Programs: MSN; DNP; post-graduate certificate (adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner)
Campus: Statesboro, GA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $277 per credit hour for MSN students; $389 for DNP students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA; minimum “C” grade in undergraduate statistics and assessment courses; current and unencumbered Georgia RN license; Level C (two-person-BLS) CPR certification
Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $4,371
– Out-of-state: $15,425
Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $4,986
– Out-of-state: $19,890
Retention Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 91%
Students Enrolled: 26,949
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 78% (Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.)
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 University of North Georgia

Location: Dahlonega, GA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

The family nurse practitioner program at the University of North Georgia is available as a master of science in nursing and a post-graduate certificate. Students can opt for a two- or three-year duration, with classes meeting once a week on either Tuesday or Thursday. The program concludes with a research project in evidence-based care. In 2020, the board examination pass rate reached 100%, with a noteworthy 92% first-time pass rate.

Program(s): Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner; Post-graduate Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Dahlonega, GA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $286 per credit for Georgia residents; $1060 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.0 GPA; current and unencumbered Georgia RN license; CPR certification; one year of work experience as an RN (recommended)
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.7%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,923 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $3,969
– Out-of-state: $14,123
Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $4,140
– Out-of-state: $16,488
Retention Rate: 78%
Admission Rate: 81%
Students Enrolled: 19,793
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 71%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Kennesaw State University

Location: Kennesaw, GA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

The family nurse practitioner program at Kennesaw State University schedules all classes on alternate weekends, catering to working students. The program comprises 40 credit hours and 630 clinical hours, with a requirement of earning at least a “B” in each class, allowing only one class repetition. Notably, this is the briefest family nurse practitioner program in Georgia, boasting a recent reported board pass rate of 98%.

Program(s): Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Kennesaw, GA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $296 per credit for Georgia residents; $1,066 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: BSN with a 3.0 GPA; one year of nursing experience (direct patient care within the last five years); current and unencumbered Georgia nursing license; two references
Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.5%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,224 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $4,450
– Out-of-state: $15,704
Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $5,328
– Out-of-state: $19,188
Retention Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 83%
Students Enrolled: 41,181
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 94%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Brenau University

Location: Gainesville, GA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Brenau University’s master of science in nursing program offers a 20-month or 36-month track, encompassing 50 credit hours with two courses per semester. Students have the flexibility to choose between hybrid or online-only coursework. The program emphasizes a global and environmentally sustainable perspective on nursing. The nursing school is currently in the initial accreditation process for its doctor of nursing practice program.

Program(s): Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Gainesville, GA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $785 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.0 GPA; current and unencumbered Georgia RN license; one year of experience as an RN; undergraduate assessment and statistics classes; three references; GRE scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.2%
Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $30,000
– Out-of-state: $30,000
Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $13,356
– Out-of-state: $13,356
Retention Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 92%
Students Enrolled: 2,813
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 70%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How to Select a Nursing Program in Georgia

Georgia boasts numerous nursing schools, some of which are nationally ranked. However, choosing the right program requires careful consideration of various factors.

Examine the program curriculum, duration, and the availability of both in-person and online nursing school requirements. Consider clinical details, such as the assistance provided for clinical placements. Tuition costs and financial aid options should also be integral parts of your decision-making process.

Nursing students may be eligible for federal student aid, and Georgia’s HOPE Programs offer scholarships and grants. It’s essential to explore nursing-specific financial aid options tailored to each program.

To obtain a nursing license in Georgia, completion of a program approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing is mandatory. Accreditation is crucial as it ensures that all nurses in the state receive training to consistent standards, adequately preparing graduates for safe and effective practice. Opting for a program not approved by the board means disqualification for a nursing license in Georgia.

Advantages of Becoming a Nurse in Georgia

Embarking on a nursing career in Georgia presents numerous advantages. Beyond abundant job opportunities and competitive salaries, Georgia’s policies make it particularly appealing to nurses.

In Georgia, nurses are not obliged to join a nurses’ union to secure employment, given the state’s status as a right-to-work state. Additionally, Georgia supports the Family Care Act, also known as the Kin Care Law, allowing employees to use paid sick leave for the care of immediate family members.

Georgia’s inclusion in the Nurse Licensure Compact means licensed nurses can work in 30 other compact states. Nurses holding licenses from non-compact states can obtain a Georgia license through endorsement if they wish to work in the state.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Georgia

Nurses in Georgia earn an average salary of $71,510, slightly below the national median of $75,330, according to the BLS. Nurse practitioners in the state also earn less than the national average, with an average salary of $106,620 compared to the national median of $111,670.

While Georgia ranks 29th in the nation for RN pay and 40th for NP pay, the low cost of living in the state compensates for this discrepancy. With a cost-of-living index ranking 48th in the nation, housing in Georgia is among the most affordable.

The demand for RNs in Georgia is projected to increase by 22.5% between 2018 and 2028, surpassing the national average of 9%. Although the demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow at a slower rate than the national average, the projected 41.4% growth is still substantial. The BLS anticipates a continued nursing shortage in Georgia through 2030.

Notably, Atlanta, Georgia’s largest metropolitan area, is also its highest-paying city, home to five of the state’s top-ranked hospitals, including two Magnet hospitals. Competitive salaries are not exclusive to Atlanta, as Georgia nurses can also earn well in smaller cities and rural regions.

The table below details the top five highest-paying metro areas.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Georgia

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Average Salary for RNs
Atlanta — Sandy Springs — Roswell	$80,760
Athens — Clarke County	$73,370
Augusta — Richmond County	$72,420
Rome	$70,320
Hinesville	$65,510

Source: BLS

Steps to Pursuing a Nursing Career in Georgia

The process of becoming a nurse in Georgia is overseen by the Georgia Board of Nursing, responsible for nurse credentialing, setting regulations, and establishing education requirements. Below is a comprehensive overview of the general steps involved in obtaining licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or an advanced practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

RN Licensure Requirements

In alignment with RN requirements in various states, aspiring nurses in Georgia must obtain a license before commencing practice. This involves completing either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program and successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

The application process for licensure in Georgia is flexible. Nurses can apply online or through a paper application. For graduates from out-of-state nursing schools, a paper application is mandatory. Conversely, graduates from in-state programs can conveniently apply online, skipping the transcript submission process, as these are automatically forwarded to the Georgia Board of Nursing by the school.

Before submitting an application, candidates need to register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson Vue and undergo a state background check via COGENT. The application fee is $40, and though most applications are processed within 15 days, potential delays may arise, particularly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

APRN Licensure Requirements

Becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Georgia necessitates the attainment of a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice. The Georgia Board of Nursing mandates that applicants hold a valid Georgia RN license and provide evidence of active national certification in their chosen specialty.

For those who have never been licensed as an APRN in any state, submitting transcripts reflecting completion of a graduate program is an additional requirement. If seeking the first APRN license in Georgia after being licensed in another state, applicants can opt for an alternative route by submitting documentation of 500 practice hours if their graduate program was completed more than four years ago.

The application process for an APRN license is exclusive to paper submissions, with no online option available. The associated fee is $75.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Georgia

1. How long does it take to become a nurse in Georgia?

The duration to become a nurse in Georgia varies based on the degree pursued (ADN or BSN), spanning from 2 to 4 years. Both degrees qualify candidates to take the NCLEX. However, certain employers, including Magnet hospitals, mandate RNs to possess a BSN.

2. Is Georgia a good state for nursing?

Georgia consistently ranks among the top states for nurses. The Department of Health and Human Services identifies Georgia as facing a significant nursing shortage by 2030, providing abundant job opportunities. While salaries are moderate compared to other states, the low cost of living, pleasant climate, safe neighborhoods, and overall quality of life make Georgia an attractive place to live.

3. How do I become a nurse in Georgia?

To become a nurse in Georgia, obtain an ADN or a BSN degree, and pass the NCLEX to qualify for a license issued by the Georgia Board of Nursing. If already licensed in a Nursing Compact state, applying for a license by endorsement is an available option.

4. How often do you need to renew your nursing license in Georgia?

Georgia mandates nurses to renew their licenses every two years, with all licenses expiring on January 31. Renewal requires completion of one of five continuing education/competency options. For instance, a license issued or renewed in 2021 will expire on January 31, 2023.