2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Georgia

Overview of Nursing Schools in Georgia

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

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

98.48% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1000 Chastain Rd, , GA - 30144-5591
• 
  7704236000

Nurse Admin: Yvonne Eaves,

Title: Chair of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.48%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN

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

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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

98.45% 3-Year
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

At Georgia College and State University College of Health Sciences, students learn courses that emphasize health education, promotion, maintenance and restoration. The university focuses on helping students develop into empowered leaders who are committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and global society. Students are committed to

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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

98.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE, Marietta, GA - 30060
• 
  (770) 528-4545

Nurse Admin: Quetina Howell,

Title: Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Graduates of Chattahoochee College School of Nursing strive to promote optimum health, alleviate suffering, and help their patients achieve the best quality of life. The highly competitive and rigorous education takes place in classrooms, laboratories, and clinical rotations. The nursing programs at Chattahoochee College have been consistently ranked as some

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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

Department of Nursing

97.23% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  82 College Circle, Dahlonega, GA - 30597
• 
  (706) 864-1400

Nurse Admin: Joanna Carrega, PhD, RN

Title: Interim Department Head

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.23%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

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

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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

WellStar School of Nursing

96.43% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, GA - 30144
• 
  (470) 578-6000

Nurse Admin: Susan MacLeod Dyess, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, NE-BC

Title: Director

• 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

95.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA - 30043-5702
• 
  (770) 962-7580

Nurse Admin: Marjorie Mclean-McCullough,

Title: Program Director, Medical Assisting

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Gwinnett Technical College educates its students in a greatly diverse, cooperative, and challenging community. The students receive high-quality education and experiences that prepare them to take on healthcare challenges in all kinds of healthcare facilities like community care facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals, home healthcare nursing, nursing care facilities,

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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

School of Nursing

93.72% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  800 Georgia Southwestern State University Dr., Americus, GA - 31709-4693
• 
  (877) 871-4594

Nurse Admin: Sandra D. Daniel, PhD, RN, PNP

Title: Dean and Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.72%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN

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

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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

93.70% 3-Year
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

Athens Technical College is located in Athens, Georgia.  Their nursing department offers an ASN degree and a bridge program, which is an LPN to RN program.  Their LPN to RN program allows the student to graduate in three semesters as opposed to four.

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

93.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  100 West College Park Drive, Douglas, GA - 31533
• 
  (912) 260-4200

Nurse Admin: Jaime Carter, EdD, MSN, RN

Title: Dean, School of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.20%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

South Georgia State College School of Nursing provides quality education that focuses on individual attention that is facilitated and enhanced by a rich clinical learning environment. South Georgia State College itself has a long history of serving the people of Georgia by providing them with skilled and professional graduates. Students

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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

93.09% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  One College Drive, Brunswick, GA - 31520-3644
• 
  (912) 279-5700

Nurse Admin: Lydia Watkins, DNP, RN, CPNP

Title: Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.09%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

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

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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

92.67% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA - 30043
• 
  (678) 407-5000

Nurse Admin: Diane E. White, PhD, RN

Title: Chief Nurse Administrator

• 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

92.60% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1704 South Slappey Boulevard, Albany, GA - 31701
• 
  (229) 430-3500

Nurse Admin: Latrona Lanier,

Title: Associate of Science Nursing Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.60%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Albany Technical College is located in Albany, Georgia.  Their RN nursing program is relatively new - it opened its doors in 2012.  They had an existing LPN nursing program in place.  Their nursing program has a traditional RN program and an LPN-RN bridge path.

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

92.18% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA - 30322
• 
  (404) 727-6123

Nurse Admin: Linda A. McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAOHN

Title: Dean and Professor

• 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

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

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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

91.62% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1021 Central Ave, Demorest, GA - 30535-0010
• 
  (706) 778-3000

Nurse Admin: Julia Behr, DNP, APRN-BC

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.62%
• Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

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

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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

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:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree

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.