Best Nursing Schools in Georgia in 2024

Based in Atlanta, Georgia Emory University is a private, coeducational research university with about 15,000 plus students. The school uses a semester-based academic calendar and offers more than 100 areas of studies to its enrolled college students. In addition to undergraduate studies, the school also has highly ranked graduate and professional schools. According to Emory's official webpage, "The number of jobs for registered nurses is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations nationally, as healthcare organizations seek to fill a record number of both new and replacement positions. Employment growth will be driven by the expanding population of elderly people." The Baccalaureate Nursing program at Emory is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

As the second largest nursing program in Georgia, Emory's school of nursing has close to 1,200 students enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The department offers an expansive list of degree choices for prospective students, which include- Bachelor's degrees: (BA) Biological Sciences with a nursing emphasis; (BSN) Registered Nurse/Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing; (BS) Health Sciences with a nursing emphasis; and Master's degrees: MSN-Master of Science Nurse Practitioner; MSN-Master of Science Nurse Midwifery (Family Nurse Specialist); DNP-Doctorate of Nursing Practice. The school also boasts an online RN to BSN program.

The nursing school is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as well as the Georgia Nurses Association. A few notable clinics are offered to enrolled students at Emory including clinical rotations at Grady Memorial Hospital (Atlanta's hospital system), Scottish Rite, VA Medical Center (Decatur), and Atlanta Regional Hospital.

Emory University allows students to immerse in the world of healthcare by providing real-life experiences in the classrooms themselves. The students graduate to become excellent care providers and apt leaders who strive to make a difference in the global healthcare scenario.

Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is one of the leading nursing schools when it comes to graduate placement and research facilities. In the fiscal year 2021, the school invested $20 million just in research funding. But that's not all that makes this college one of the best in the state and the nation. In addition to providing state-of-the-art learning facilities in the form of labs and classroom tech, the school also invests in providing the students with scholarships, grants, and aids to fund their education. 

The nursing students at Emory University learn to work together and share their knowledge. They are taught to treat every individual with the same respect and dignity and positively influence health and social justice for everyone.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN program at Emory University allows both high school and transfer students to earn a nursing license through cutting-edge resources, clinical experiences, and instruction from highly skilled faculty.

Graduate Programs: The college offers multiple MSN pathways for students who want to become advanced practice nurses (APRNs). The curriculum consists of a theoretical core, clinical core, and specialty content. Some of the MSN courses include Nurse-Midwifery, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, and more.

There are also Doctor of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree tracks for students who want to become nurse scientists and clinical leaders. Students can choose from Post-BSN DNP, Post-Masters DNP, DNP Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA), or Ph.D. tracks to complete their nursing course.

WellStar School of Nursing is known for creating nurse leaders through its innovative teaching and scholarships. The faculty of this competitive program is committed to providing guidance and mentorship. The school has maintained its reputation of being one of the best and biggest nursing programs in north Georgia as the graduates consistently perform above the national average on the licensing exams.

Kennesaw State University prides itself in its vibrant campus culture, diversity, strong global ties, and students' entrepreneurial spirit. Students here learn more than just their coursework; there are almost 300 student-led organizations encompassing student governance, social media, co-curricular club, and much more. 

The nursing course at WellStar School of Nursing is designed to positively impact the healthcare delivery process across the region, nation, and the world itself.

Undergraduate Programs: The Wellstar School of Nursing offers both traditional and accelerated BSN pathways to prepare students for their NCLEX-RN exam and a professional career as an RN. These courses include both theoretical classes and practical skills mastery in labs and healthcare settings. 

Graduate Programs: The MSN course is designed to prepare nurse leaders, educators, and advanced practitioners who can change the nursing profession's shape and provide quality healthcare to patients in various settings.

The three MSN courses available at Wellstar School of Nursing are Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

MSN in Nursing Education: The MSN in Leadership in Nursing program's Nursing Education Leadership track prepares the experienced professional registered nurse to practice as a leader and educator. The graduate will demonstrate knowledge of both nursing education theory, research, and healthcare issues for their specific field so they can provide leadership at any level.

MSN in Nursing Administration: The MSN in Leadership program prepares nurse leaders for a myriad of healthcare institutions and agencies, especially those that are expanding. It takes the form of an online course with asynchronous learning modes taking only 15 months to complete; most sessions take place on weekends or evenings when students may be more available.

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: The Wellstar MSN Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is a professional degree which prepares experienced Registered Nurses to sit for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program builds on the background of professional nurses - teaching them how to take care of patients, and managing their own time efficiently. A heavy emphasis is placed upon precepted clinical experiences with healthcare agencies in the community (including hospitals).

The Wellstar MSN Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program is a 40 semester hour course of study which consists of three components:

• 14 credit hours of core classes
• 8 credit hours of primary care area of concentration
• 18 credit hours of residency

The DNP program at the school educates nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing.

The nursing department at the University of North Georgia is led by some of the most creative, qualified, and professional faculty in nursing and other related disciplines. The university itself is committed to providing the best education comprising learning, research, clinical practice, and professional service. 

The university itself is one of the state's largest public universities that has a rich and diverse history of being one of the state's best in terms of nursing education as well. Students here can benefit from a variety of state and federal financial aid sources and institutional scholarships in addition to affordable tuition. The university also has multiple resources available to support clinical practice, research, intellectual inquiry, and creative learning. Some of these resources include high-fidelity simulation labs, rigorous classes, intensive clinical experiences, study abroad, service-learning opportunities, etc.

Undergraduate Programs: The traditional four-year BSN program at the University of North Georgia prepares students to become successful Registered Nurses who can provide quality care in various healthcare settings.

Graduate Programs: University of North Georgia offers an MSN-FNP program for RNs who want to practice as family nurse practitioners. This program can be completed in two years or three years if the students want to continue working while completing their degree. Similarly, there is also an MSN degree with a concentration in Nursing Education, which is delivered online and prepares students to become nurse educators.

For students seeking a terminal degree in nursing, the university offers a DNP degree which provides the students with the option to either complete an area of concentration in nursing education or executive leadership. This program is also delivered online with minimal campus visits.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is a four-year program for students who want to become registered nurses but have not yet attained their licensure. The rigorous curriculum, practice in simulation labs, and extensive clinical experiences will prepare you to work as a nurse generalist with knowledge and skills to practice in acute care and community settings. By the time you graduate from the program you'll be eligible to sit for the necessary exam (NCLEX) required for those pursuing their license.

RN to BSN The RN to BSN degree is targeted towards people who are already nurses with a desire to obtain their bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). Graduates can expect to use the education from this program for either professional practice as a nurse or work in community settings.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) The MSN-FNP program has two options: a two-year plan and three-year plan. The latter option allows students to take one class at a time, until their final year of study; it delays the entry into clinical courses by one year--ideal for those who want to continue working fulltime, have other responsibilities, or are in no hurry.

The two-year curriculum has students taking two courses each semester with clinical hours beginning in the fall. Most clinical courses require 120 clinical hours, but this can be difficult for those who work a great deal or have other commitments to their time. In short, the College of Nursing offers many different options for students seeking their BSN or RN to BSN degrees.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Educator The University of North Georgia offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education degree. The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education is delivered online, with minimal on-campus visits. This graduate program offers 35 credit hours that prepares students to obtain employment as nurses who teach nursing. Employment settings include colleges and universities, vocational technical schools and hospital education departments, the curriculum supports foundational knowledge for further doctoral education

Nursing graduates from Georgia Southwestern State University College of Nursing and Health Sciences are prepared to assume professional roles in a variety of healthcare settings and meet the challenges surrounding the modern healthcare environment. The university consistently ranks as one of the state's best because of the consistent above-average performance of the nursing graduates in the licensure examinations.

Georgia Southwestern State University offers a diverse learning environment that values collaboration, community engagement, and faculty, staff, and student interactions. The School of Nursing houses state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and experienced faculty that provide nursing students with all the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required to become the best in the field. The graduates are competent in problem-solving, critical thinking, understanding cultural differences, quantitative reasoning, communication, and more. 

Undergraduate Programs: The two-year ASN degree at Georgia Southwestern State University provides students with the hands-on training and rigorous coursework to help them excel in their NCLEX examination and practice as LPNs in a variety of healthcare facilities. Upon completing the ASN degree, the practicing LPNs can choose to enroll in the LPN-BSN pathway, enabling them to work as RNs and further advance their careers.

Similarly, the university offers three tracks for a BSN degree; students can choose to enroll in the Traditional BSN program, or the Second Degree BSN for students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines, or practicing RNs can enroll in the online RN-BSN track and get their bachelors' degree.

Graduate Programs: There is also an online MSN program designed to prepare safe and competent professional nurses who can provide or facilitate high-quality patient-centered care in a global society. This online degree prepares professional RNs for advanced practice roles such as nursing educators, leaders, informatics, or family nurse practitioners.

Located in Albany, Georgia, ASU's School of Nursing is a public institution that offers bachelor's and master's degrees to students interested in nursing. While the majority of programs are offered at an associate or bachelor's level, there are also opportunities available for earning an Online Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator MSN Programs.

The first two years (or pre-licensure) of the five-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program take place at Albany State University. During the third and fourth years, students complete on-the-job training while simultaneously enrolled in courses offered through Mercer University's Atlanta campus. The final two years are completed exclusively at ASU.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN) is a four-year program at Albany State University. The first two years of the curriculum, also known as the pre-licensure or predegree semester, are completed through ASU. During the remaining two years, students attend Mercer University for clinical rotations and courses. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination in Georgia.

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is offered at four levels: MSN-Health Specialties, MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner, and a blended option for both programs. Students who choose this route will complete coursework online but

In Darton College of Health Professions, students have the opportunity to experience a diverse mix of courses in liberal arts, science, and nursing. They are also able to gain ample education and practical hospital experience that prepares them for a career in healthcare.

Mercer University was founded in 1833. Since then it has grown to include 12 schools and colleges. Today, it's the largest private university in Georgia and is one of the largest employers in Macon County, Georgia.

The Mercer's Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is the oldest nursing program in the state of Georgia, and one that has been a pioneer since its founding. The college merged with Mercer University to become what it is now: an educational institution focused on training nurses for excellence in their profession. With roots dating back to 1902 as Tabernacle Infirmary Training School for Christian Nurses, 8250 professional nurses have graduated from this school.

The College of Nursing at Valdosta State University is a small college with the best that big universities have to offer. The school's talented and committed faculty are its strongest assets, which gives it an edge over other colleges within the state for providing personalized attention as well as ensuring practical training through clinical partners in local communities and counties. The Martin & Laura Lynn Miller Clinic will allow students to practice what they've learned under supervision before graduating into full-time positions elsewhere in nursing or allied health fields

All of the nursing schools at VSU (Bachelor's, RN-BSN, and Master) have full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing. Both our baccalaureate and master's degree in School of Nursing at Valdosta State University is fully accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education through 2021. We invite you to browse through our website for more information about what we offer.

Valdosta State University College of Nursing and Health Sciences teaches students to nurse, rehabilitate, condition, treat, and educate the public. Upon graduation, students are apt in critical thinking skills, gain diverse cultural perspectives, and learn how to address policy disputes and social problems related to healthcare. 

The rigorous nursing courses are taught by highly trained faculty who provide individualized mentorship and coaching to the students. The students also have access to facilities and equipment, including the METI Simulation Labs. These labs provide the students with the opportunity to practice their skills in simulations and help them develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their clinical judgment abilities. At Valdosta State University, nursing students learn to make connections between the concepts of holism, caring, competence, health, and teaching/learning.

Undergraduate Programs: The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree helps nursing students graduate to become leaders in the fields of nursing and healthcare and make a positive impact on their communities by touching people's lives every day. There is also a four-semester Accelerated BSN program for students who have a Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. 

Graduate Programs: MSN students at Valdosta State University get to choose from three major advanced practice nursing tracks: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students with prior MSN degrees can also choose to enroll in a post-Master's program in these tracks.

The university also offers a BSN-DNP program pathway and a Post-Master's DNP pathway for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing education. 

In addition to these, students in Valdosta State University can also enroll in a Nursing DNP/MBA dual degree that is taught through the collaboration of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Langdale College of Business.

The Master's in Nursing Program at the School of Nursing inside the College of Health Sciences and Nursing is competitive and offers a variety of options for students including full-time or part-time study options with numerous paths to explore. Students who enroll will be well prepared for success as they embark on their journey through this exciting, burgeoning field of nursing.

Augusta University is located in Augusta, Georgia.  Their College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program and an RN-BSN program, which is designed for students already holding a RN license.  They also have a master's program and have a clinical nurse leader degree designed for non-nursing bachelor's degrees.

The Augusta University BSN program teaches students the knowledge, skills and abilities to function effectively in all areas of nursing practice. The quality instruction and clinical experiences will help empower student's careers as a nurse by having access to helpful hands-on lessons that are supervised closely with high levels of guidance from their professors. The BSN program is taught on the Augusta and Athens campuses.

Upon successful completion of the BSN program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Augusta University is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ensuring that nurses have a solid foundation in clinical practice and education towards understanding concepts related to care delivery best practices with their patients.

If you graduate from this program, not only will you be well prepared as an RN but also one who knows how important it is to put your patient first when providing them care while being able learn about all areas within health sciences field such as biology and disease prevention which can lead into other healthcare careers.

Brenau offers three undergraduate degrees including: Nursing (B.S.N.) Full-Time (Day) Program, Nursing (B.S.N.) Part-Time (Evening/Weekend) Program and Nursing (B.S.N.) R.N. to B.S.N. Program (online). These programs have Georgia Board of Nursing approval and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Brenau's Graduate school of nursing offers the following nursing programs: Advanced Practice Nursing (D.N.P.), Family Nurse Practitioner (M.S.N.) with a role specialization in advanced practice, Nursing Education (M.S.N.) and Nursing Leadership and Management (M.S.N.). Nurses holding a master’s degree and advanced licensure in an area other than Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) may complete a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program in preparation for advanced licensure and FNP certification

The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) is a public, four-year, liberal arts institution located in Brunswick, Ga. Founded as the Georgia Normal School in 1909, this college was named after its location being on coastal Georgia. It has grown and evolved since opening its doors with an enrollment of 20 students and eight educators. In the fall of 2012, CCGA boasts an enrollment of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

The oldest four-year institution in southeast Georgia is home to a variety of programs from arts and science majors to pre-professional and technology studies. The College also holds the distinction as being accredited by all six regional accrediting agencies for both its baccalaureate and its associate degree programs. CCGA is also the only institution in southeast Georgia to offer an internationally accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Courses are offered at the main campus as well as centers located throughout the region such as Brunswick, Jesup, Kingsland, Ludowici, Waycross, and St. Marys.

This institution is part of the University System of Georgia (USG) which allows students to transfer seamlessly between USG institutions such as Waycross College in South Georgia and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga. The University System also offers a core curriculum for all associate's degree programs that eliminates the need for students to take a general education core at the institution of their choice.

College transfer options are also available as CCGA diplomas can be used at other USG institutions or many local universities such as Georgia Southern, The University of Georgia (UGA), Armstrong Atlantic State University (ASU), Jacksonville State University (JSU) and Valdosta State University (VSU).

The College of Coastal Georgia offers courses which lead to the Baccalaureate degree in Nursing (Pre-Licensure BSN and RN to BSN) as well as Career Associate of Science degrees in Nursing. These classes are available on campus, faculty practice clinics, or through distance education; our staff is transforming patient care and taking the nursing profession into the digital age.

The nursing programs at CCGA have also been recognized by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and Approved Nurse Education Programs (A-NEP). Students in these programs are required to pass a comprehensive state board exam, administered by NCSBN, upon graduation and receive their license issued through the Georgia Board of Nursing (GON) on their first attempt.

All programs are accredited through the ACEN or a comparable organization and graduates will be eligible to sit for appropriate certifying examinations with each examination board.

College of Coastal Georgia promises students the following:

• Clinical Experience: College of Coastal Georgia students receive a combined school and clinical experience from more than 40 regional clinical facilities within the Southeast Health System.
• Nursing programs at Coastal Georgia focus on practical instruction and critical thinking.
• Full-Time Faculty: Nursing students are taught exclusively by faculty who can offer individualized instruction due to the smaller class size.
• College of Coastal Georgia is one of the few schools in the country to have achieved a 100% passing rate and/or #1 ranking.
• The College of Coastal Georgia Nursing program consistently scores higher than the national average on their NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Piedmont University offers rigorous and challenging nursing courses designed to bring out the best in their graduates. For that very reason, the nursing program at this university ranks among the state's best, and the graduates are highly sought after.

In addition to the highly competitive and diverse coursework, the college also conducts annual Disaster Drills and other training activities to ensure that the students are prepared to handle every kind of emergency situation. Students also enroll in focused internships and/or immersive clinical experiences so that they master their professional skills. Students also learn in immersive high-fidelity simulation labs, multiple healthcare facilities, and state-of-the-art classrooms under the guidance of highly qualified instructors in this highly affordable university.

Undergraduate Programs: The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Piedmont University offers a personalized four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that prepares them to enter a career as a professional RN. The students apply their nursing theory and skills in multiple healthcare settings. On top of that, all the students are provided with the opportunity to work with under-served populations as a part of their clinical practice so that they develop the compassion and flexibility required to be a successful RN.

Students at the School of Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences of Gordon State College learn real-life skills from an outstanding curriculum that is led by excellent faculty members. With small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1, Gordon State College ensures that the students get individualized attention from the instructors in all aspects of their education, from theoretical classes and labs to mentorships.

Students here benefit from unparalleled hands-on experiences in wet-lab courses, simulation lab courses, as well as in-person clinical exposure, research, and leadership. In addition to excellent instruction in an intimate academic setting in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, Gordon State College also offers a variety of clubs, athletics, and extracurricular activities to help students grow into their potential.

The college also offers a variety of financial aid, scholarship, and grants, in addition to its affordable tuition to make education accessible for all.

Undergraduate Programs: Gordon State College's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program trains students to provide nursing services to a wide range of patients across multiple healthcare facilities.

The BSN course at Gordon State College has been designed to enable students to provide safe and quality care using sound clinical reasoning and research. The graduates of this course are well prepared to interact with the complex healthcare environment, maintain compassion, civility, and integrity, and provide care for individuals, families, and communities as a whole.

Similarly, an online RN-BSN bridge program offers RNs an opportunity to obtain their BSN degree through a curriculum that emphasizes professional development, research, health promotion, community health, and leadership.

The nursing department at Middle Georgia State University strives to provide quality evidence-based nursing education to a diverse population. The nursing programs prepare culturally sensitive graduates who are committed to providing safe and effective nursing care through health promotion and disease prevention.

Nursing students learn the core competencies of nursing practice, patient evaluation and treatment, and the basics of nursing leadership from highly qualified nursing educators. The students practice their skills in the laboratory and gain real-life experiences in clinical rotations in various healthcare institutions in the community. 

Middle Georgia State University deems itself a cornerstone of human growth, progress, and success, so it has a very strict non-discrimination policy. The university provides its students with a collaborative and safe environment where they can learn and thrive to serve the community.

Undergraduate Programs: The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that combines nursing and general education courses. There is also an RN-BSN Completion Program designed to provide Central Georgia Registered Nurses with the opportunity to complete their bachelors' degree. The course is delivered in a flexible schedule and is available via both traditional classroom delivery and online.

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree enables students to sit for the NCLEX examination and begin a career as a professional general healthcare provider.

Berry College nursing school is a private not-for-profit institution located in Mount Berry, Georgia. Its nursing programs are CCNE accredited. Berry College nursing school is best known for its associate degree in Nursing, which prepares students to become licensed as registered nurses.

Nursing students at Berry College are taught by expert faculty to develop compassion and character in a caring and supportive community. Berry College helps students integrate academic exploration, career preparation, professional development, and personal growth through focused reflection in order to achieve their life goals. 

At Berry College, students play an active role in their own education. Students are encouraged to speak their minds in classrooms, make positive contributions to society, get involved in extracurricular activities, and become actively engaged in idea-sharing. Students get to practice and perfect all kinds of clinical skills in the high-fidelity simulation labs that provide a safe-yet-realistic learning environment. They also get hands-on clinical experience from clinical rotations and internships at hospitals that are very near to the campus. On top of that, Berry College's nursing graduates have a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation.

Undergraduate Programs: Berry College offers a highly competitive BSN program that helps students make use of the head, heart, and hands while providing high-quality, evidence-based nursing care to patients of all backgrounds. The nursing students are required to take part in a Cross-Cultural Immersion program to advance their understanding of world cultures, uniqueness, and similarities.

The goal of the clinical component of the nursing program is to provide the student with basic nursing skills and to allow her/him to practice those skills in a variety of health care settings. Students will gain knowledge, attitude, and skills essential for successful employment as a nurse.

Students are able to gain hands-on experience by doing clinical rotations at a local hospital that is minutes away from campus. By volunteering in critical care and high intensity units, there will be more opportunities for students to help develop care plans while caring for patients who primarily speak Spanish.

Students will be able to develop their communication skills by providing care in outpatient and home health settings since they include patient education and community teaching abilities. Students can also experience time management, problem solving, decision making, and quality improvement through care

Berry College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and education-specialist degrees. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Berry College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.