Overview of Nursing Schools in Georgia
- There are 52 nursing schools in Georgia. The CCNE accredits 19 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 28 schools in Georgia.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Georgia is between 59.02% and 97.56%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Georgia is between 72.34% and 95.99%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Georgia can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Georgia
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The state of Georgia currently employs 73,230 Registered Nurses who are paid $72,765 annually on average. However, the pay greatly varies on experience level; recent graduates earn $51,270, and those with more than 20 years of experience make as much as $98,810. The pay also rises with the nurses' level of education as experienced Nurse Practitioners can earn as much as a whopping $143,090.
Like the rest of the country, Georgia will also experience a rise in the need for qualified RNs and NPs to meet the rising population and equally rising health problems. The number of RNs and NPs needed to meet the needs of the people in Georgia is expected to rise to 94,880 and 8,850, respectively, by 2028, which means that the state will have to create average annual openings for 6,340 RNs and 660 NPs annually.
The current 8,120 NPs operate on Restricted Practice throughout the state when it comes to practice authority. It means that the state practice and licensure laws restrict the ability of NPs to engage in at least one element of NP practice. These nurses are required to practice under career-long supervision, delegation, or team management by another health provider in order to provide patient care.
If you currently hold a nursing license in another state and want to practice in Georgia, then you are no longer required to obtain an additional state license in Georgia. Since Georgia is one of the states in the Nurse Licensure Compact, RNs and LPNs who hold a nursing license in another state can easily shift their practice to this state without too much hassle as a part of the eNLC. However, the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) is only for RNs and LPNs, so Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are required to hold an individual license in Georgia if they wish to practice here.
If you are a prospective nurse, then there are multiple highly ranked nursing colleges in Georgia that can provide you with quality education at an affordable price to help you become successful and competent nurses.
About Nursing Schools in Georgia
The nursing field continues to evolve with medical technology and healthcare reforms that change the influences it has on health and wellness. Nurses who wish to help influence the challenges of modern nursing care can add to their knowledge easily. Now is a better time than ever to pursue nursing programs to help fill gaps in clinical and academic settings through higher education. You can complete a program online, on campus, or a combination of both. It is best to seek out multiple nursing schools in Georgia to ensure you find the program that best fits your needs.
In our Georgia RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Georgia RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Georgia, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Georgia RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 21 | 32 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 87.25% | 87.86% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 59.02% to 97.56% | 72.34% to 95.99% |
Nursing Programs Offered by Georgia Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 51
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 14
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Nurse Educator: 3
- CNL: 3
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Nurse Practitioner: 2
- NAP: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Nurse Midwife: 1
- Nursing Administration: 1
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 1
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Direct Entry MSN: 1
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
Georgia Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Emory University: 9
- Augusta University: 8
- Georgia College and State University: 6
- Georgia State University: 6
- Valdosta State University: 6
- South University-Savannah: 4
- Albany State University: 3
- Piedmont College: 3
- University of North Georgia: 3
- Brenau University: 2
Best Ranked RN Programs in Georgia
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Georgia and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 19 ADN degree programs and 25 BSN degree programs in Georgia. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Georgia to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Best Nursing Schools in Georgia
- Kennesaw State University
- Georgia College and State University
- Chattahoochee Technical College
- University of North Georgia
- Kennesaw State University
- Gwinnett Technical College
- Georgia Southwestern State University
- Athens Technical College
- South Georgia State College
- College of Coastal Georgia
- Georgia Gwinnett College
- Albany Technical College
- Emory University
- Piedmont College
Kennesaw State University
Pass Rate
- 1000 Chastain Rd, , GA - 30144-5591
- 7704236000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.48%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Georgia College and State University
Pass Rate
- 231 W Hancock Street, , GA - 31061
- 4784452770
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.45%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Midwife, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Chattahoochee Technical College
Pass Rate
- 980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE, Marietta, GA - 30060
- (770) 528-4545
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 189
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,202
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,620
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 31%
University of North Georgia
Pass Rate
- 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, GA - 30597
- (706) 864-1400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.23%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 724
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,341
Book and Supplies: $1,460
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,539
Percent Admitted: 81%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 47%
Graduation Rate: 39%
Kennesaw State University
Pass Rate
- 1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, GA - 30144
- (470) 578-6000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.43%
- Programs:
- Award Levels:
University Information
Total Faculty: 1246
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,436
Book and Supplies: $1,500
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,144
Percent Admitted: 83%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 52%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Gwinnett Technical College
Pass Rate
- 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA - 30043-5702
- (770) 962-7580
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 135
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,236
Book and Supplies: $1,750
Percent Received Aid: 81%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,349
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 35%
Georgia Southwestern State University
Pass Rate
- 800 Georgia Southwestern State University Dr., Americus, GA - 31709-4693
- (877) 871-4594
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.72%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 116
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,464
Book and Supplies: $1,240
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,741
Percent Admitted: 73%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
Graduation Rate: 36%
Athens Technical College
Pass Rate
- 800 U.S. Hwy 29 North, Athens, GA - 30601
- (706) 355-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 98
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,062
Book and Supplies: $900
Percent Received Aid: 90%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,481
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 37%
South Georgia State College
South Georgia College-Waycross College Cooperative Nursing Program
Pass Rate
- 100 West College Park Drive, Douglas, GA - 31533
- (912) 260-4200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 63
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,310
Book and Supplies: $1,056
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,372
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 16%
College of Coastal Georgia
School of Education, Health Sciences, and Nursing
Pass Rate
- One College Drive, Brunswick, GA - 31520-3644
- (912) 279-5700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.09%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 102
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,933
Book and Supplies: $1,750
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,113
Percent Admitted: 96%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
Graduation Rate: 23%
Georgia Gwinnett College
School of Health Sciences Nursing Program
Pass Rate
- 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA - 30043
- (678) 407-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.67%
- Programs:
- Award Levels:
University Information
Total Faculty: 453
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,948
Book and Supplies: $1,470
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,620
Percent Admitted: 95%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 41%
Graduation Rate: 18%
Albany Technical College
Pass Rate
- 1704 South Slappey Boulevard, Albany, GA - 31701
- (229) 430-3500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 81
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,996
Book and Supplies: $410
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,311
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 46%
Emory University
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA - 30322
- (404) 727-6123
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.18%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 4012
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 58%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $41,159
Percent Admitted: 19%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Piedmont College
R. H. Daniel School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- 1021 Central Ave, Demorest, GA - 30535-0010
- (706) 778-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.62%
- Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 110
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,544
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,213
Percent Admitted: 70%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Additional List of Top Georgia Nursing Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Georgia Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
89.30 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | 9 | ADN |
88.90 | Dalton State College | 10 | ADN |
87.90 | Georgia Highlands College | 11 | ADN |
87.30 | Columbus Technical College | 13 | ADN |
87.10 | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | 15 | ADN |
87.10 | West Georgia Technical College | 12 | ADN |
86.70 | Atlanta Technical College | 14 | ADN |
84.10 | Gordon State College | 17 | ADN |
83.30 | Augusta Technical College | 16 | ADN |
80.70 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College | 18 | ADN |
78.70 | Albany State University | 19 | ADN |
89.31 | Chamberlain College of Nursing-Georgia | 14 | BSN |
89.03 | Augusta University | 15 | BSN |
86.42 | Brenau University | 16 | BSN |
85.80 | Georgia Southern University | 17 | BSN |
85.15 | Wesleyan College | 18 | BSN |
84.88 | Middle Georgia State University | 19 | BSN |
84.05 | Clayton State University | 21 | BSN |
83.83 | University of West Georgia | 20 | BSN |
81.75 | Shorter University | 22 | BSN |
75.38 | Columbus State University | 25 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Georgia
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Georgia
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Georgia offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn more about:
Online NP Programs Liked by Georgia Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Georgia RN Licensing Requirements
Georgia has strict guidelines that all candidates must follow in order to gain licensure. There are also strict guidelines that must be followed in order to renew a nursing license. As of January 31, 2016, all registered nurses will be require to complete continuing education requirements to meet the needs to the new licensure standards.
RN Licensure by Exam
Before a candidate can register for the NCLEX-RN exam, he/she must initiate a background check using the correct ORI number (GA922931Z). This process can be completed online. When this was completed, the candidate should register for the NCLEX exam through Pearson promptly. The Board can note that this was not done when the application is review and processing may be delayed. Candidates who apply by examination may also complete the application process online. In addition, the following should be submitted:
- Official transcripts
- Fingerprinting
- $40 fee made payable to the state of Georgia
- $200 fee paid to Pearson Vue for participating in the exam
It is worth noting that candidates must pass the exam within three years after graduation.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Candidates who are licensed in one of the other 50 states are able to apply for licensure through an endorsement. There are some requirements that need to be met:
- At least three months or 500 hours of work unless graduation occurred in the past four months
- Application and supplemental material which includes an email address to help track the application
- $60 fee to apply by endorsement
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates from countries outside of the United States are eligible for licensing but there are additional requirements. They must demonstrate a proficiency in the English language.
Georgia Board of Nursing
214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404.656.2881
RN Salaries in Georgia
Georgia offers one of the highest rates of RN employment in the United States. When you earn your Bachelor’s in nursing degree in Georgia, you will position yourself as a leader. This will help nurses prepare for challenges in their expanding roles in healthcare by pursuing higher education beyond the hospital.
Georgia Registered Nursing Salaries
RN Salaries in Georgia
The Atlanta-Sandy-Springs-Marietta, Georgia metropolitan area has the highest annual median wage as well as the largest amount of employees.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.