Quickest Accelerated BSN Programs Near Atlanta, GA
- Fastest Atlanta-Area ABSN Programs in 2025
- Why Choose an Accelerated BSN in Atlanta?
- Typical Accelerated BSN Curriculum
- Admission Requirements (What Makes the Cut?)
- Career Pathways After an ABSN
- Salary & Job Outlook
- Paying for Your ABSN
- Work-Life-Study Balance Tips
- Accreditation & Clinical Quality
- Networking & Professional Development
- Choosing Your Quickest-Fit Program
- Ready to Fast-Track Your Nursing Career?
- Latest Articles & Guides
Peachtree Street traffic isn't the only thing moving fast in Atlanta. With Hartsfield-Jackson ranked the world's busiest airport and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) driving global health initiatives from its Midtown campus, the city thrives on speed and innovation—so it's no surprise Atlanta-area universities offer 12- to 16-month Accelerated BSN (ABSN) tracks that catapult career-changers into nursing at record pace. Whether you're pivoting from tech in Midtown or finishing a biology degree at Georgia State, an ABSN lets you earn a second bachelor's and sit for the NCLEX in about the time it takes to binge every season of Stranger Things.
If you're weighing your fastest path to the RN license, skim Accelerated Nursing Programs – Considering the Degree Levels & Options on RegisteredNursing.org for a national overview of program formats before zeroing in on Georgia schools.
Fastest Atlanta-Area ABSN Programs in 2025
Emory University
Atlanta, GA - Private 4-year - emory.edu
Bachelor's - Distance Accelerated BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emory University's Distance Accelerated BSN (DABSN) program is a one-year, hybrid pathway for individuals holding a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, blending online education with hands-on clinical rotations close to students' residences and mandatory on-campus immersions in Atlanta. The program stands out for its flexibility, offering three annual start dates, and prioritizes a personalized learning experience through small cohorts. It meticulously prepares students for the NCLEX-RN, focusing on enhancing clinical competencies and analytical thinking. Admission prerequisites include satisfactory completion of science and math courses. Notably, the program does not require an ACT or SAT for entry, catering to career changers seeking a swift transition into nursing.
- One-year accelerated program.
- Hybrid online and on-campus format.
- Three start dates annually.
- Small class sizes for individual attention.
- Clinical rotations near student homes.
- Intensive on-campus sessions in Atlanta.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Requires previous bachelor's degree.
- Prerequisites in sciences and math.
- Team-based learning community.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA - Public 4-Year - kennesaw.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated B.S. in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kennesaw State University offers an Accelerated B.S. in Nursing program tailored for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field, seeking a swift transition into nursing. This intensive four-semester program combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice across humanities, biological, and social sciences to prepare students for professional nursing roles. Admission prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA, completion of specific prerequisite courses, and passing the ATI TEAS test. Located in Kennesaw and Marietta, GA, the program is known for its rigorous curriculum and competitive admission process, offering a fast track to a rewarding nursing career without the need for ACT or SAT scores.
- Four-semester program.
- Requires prior bachelor's degree.
- 3.0 GPA for admission.
- ATI TEAS test required.
- Covers humanities and sciences.
- Blend of theory and clinical.
- Campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta.
- Competitive admission process.
- Prerequisite courses required.
- Rigorous curriculum.
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - Private 4-year - brenau.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brenau University offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program tailored for those holding a bachelor's or associate degree aiming to enter the nursing profession. Located in Gainesville, GA, this 16-month on-campus program emphasizes hands-on clinical training, leadership development, and foundational research skills. Students benefit from small class sizes and state-of-the-art simulation labs, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The program, spanning four semesters, involves class fees around $2,637 and demands a prior degree for admission. It's an intensive curriculum designed to equip graduates with the necessary competencies for thriving in the ever-evolving healthcare sector. Notably, the program is military-friendly, catering to veterans and active military personnel.
- 16-month duration
- On-campus program
- Located in Gainesville, GA
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Leadership skills training
- Research fundamentals
- Small classroom settings
- Modern nursing simulation facilities
- Total class fees $2,637
- Four-semester curriculum
Why Choose an Accelerated BSN in Atlanta?
- Job market momentum: Atlanta's healthcare hub—anchored by Emory Healthcare, Piedmont, Wellstar, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta—employs more than 150,000 healthcare workers. Employers routinely sign ABSN grads into residency programs months before graduation.
- Financial payoff: The average RN salary in Atlanta hit $77,700 in 2024, well above the state average of $75 K
- Speed to practice: Full-time ABSN cohorts at Mercer and Emory graduate in 12–15 months, shaving two years off a traditional BSN.
- Academic depth: Many Atlanta ABSN tracks share faculty and clinical sites with flagship MSN and DNP programs, so your credits align seamlessly if you choose graduate study later.
For campus comparisons across the state, read Nursing Schools in Atlanta, GA, and Best Nursing Schools in Georgia – ADN, BSN – Updated 2025.
Typical Accelerated BSN Curriculum
Accelerated tracks compress the final two nursing years of a traditional BSN into three to five intense semesters:
- Foundational Sciences (bridge)
- Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessment
- Core Nursing Blocks
- Adult & Gerontologic Care, Maternal/Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health
- Leadership & Community Health
- Population Health practicum in metro-Atlanta agencies
- Capstone Immersion
- 300-hour preceptorship at Emory University Hospital, Piedmont Atlanta, or a similar site
Graduates are immediately eligible for the NCLEX-RN Exam—Georgia's Board of Nursing posts first-time pass-rate data annually, so check each school's numbers when comparing options.
Admission Requirements (What Makes the Cut?)
While exact criteria vary, Atlanta ABSN seats are competitive (Emory reports <20 % acceptance). Expect to submit:
- Non-nursing bachelor's degree with ≥60 transferable credits
- Prerequisite GPA ≥ 3.0 (A&P I & II, Microbiology, Statistics, Human Growth & Development)
- Two academic/professional references
- Résumé and 500-word goal statement
- TEAS or HESI A2 scores (some waive with GPA >3.5)
- Background check, drug screen, and current immunizations
Ensure your target school is CCNE- or ACEN-approved; use the quality checklist in Nursing School Accreditation.
Career Pathways After an ABSN
An Atlanta ABSN sets you up for:
- Nurse Residency Programs at Emory Healthcare or Wellstar (1-year paid transition)
- Critical-care fellowships in Piedmont's Level I trauma ICU
- Public health field nurse roles at Fulton County Board of Health—ideal if you plan to pursue an MPH
- Graduate pathways (MSN, DNP) at Emory, Mercer, or 2025 Best RN to BSN Programs in Georgia Online – Fast & Affordable Options for ADN-prepared peers
Salary & Job Outlook
| Role | Atlanta Avg. Salary (2024) | Georgia Avg. | U.S. Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $77,700 | $75,040 | $93,600 |
| Nurse Practitioner (after MSN) | $115,750 | $113,980 | $132,050 |
Sources: BLS OEWS Metro tables and Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.govbls.gov
Paying for Your ABSN
- HOPE Career Grant & Zell Miller: Georgia residents with STEM credits can offset tuition at public schools.
- Hospital Sponsorships: Piedmont's "Earn-While-You-Learn" pays up to $10 K for a 2-year work commitment.
- Scholarships: Browse Nursing Scholarships & Grants—many target second-degree students.
- Federal Direct Loans & HRSA: Complete FAFSA; ABSN students may qualify for $12,500 in unsubsidized loans yearly, plus HRSA Nurse Corps loan repayment post-licensure.
Work-Life-Study Balance Tips
- Plan 40–50 study hours weekly. Students liken ABSN pace to "drinking from a fire hose."
- Leverage MARTA & podcasts. Review pharmacology flashcards on the Gold Line commute.
- Use employer flexibility. Many Atlanta tech firms offer leave for employees to pursue career pivots into healthcare.
- Join peer cohorts. Form study squads through Emory's Canvas shell or Mercer's Slack community.
Accreditation & Clinical Quality
The fastest route isn't always the safest—confirm that each ABSN carries CCNE or ACEN accreditation and meets Georgia Board of Nursing clinical-hour mandates. Review the checklist in Nursing School Accreditation and verify simulation versus direct-patient ratios.
Networking & Professional Development
Atlanta's vibrant nursing circles offer:
- Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) Metro Chapter monthly socials
- Emory Sigma Theta Tau (Epsilon Alpha) mentorship for second-degree students
- CDC Student Intern Days—competitive, but ABSN cohorts often land public-health internships
Choosing Your Quickest-Fit Program
- Length vs. life commitments: 12-month tracks demand 60-hour weeks; 16-month options allow part-time work.
- Clinical placement guarantees: Ask how many preceptor sites each school secures within 30 miles of home.
- NCLEX pass rates: Target ≥90 % first-attempt success; compare on state board site.
- Cost transparency: Factor in tuition, fees, relocation (if outside Atlanta), and lost wages.
- Graduate pipeline: Some schools reserve MSN seats for high-performing ABSN alumni, which is huge if you plan to study APRN.
Ready to Fast-Track Your Nursing Career?
Atlanta needs agile, tech-savvy nurses to keep pace with the city's booming healthcare system. An Accelerated BSN can launch you from bachelor's holder to bedside clinician in just over a year. Map your prerequisites, attend a virtual info session, and submit those applications—your RN license (and a host of job offers) could be only 54 weeks away.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. Registered Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook (updated May 2025).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurse Practitioners: Occupational Outlook Handbook (updated May 2025).
- Mercer University. Accelerated BSN Track Overview (accessed June 16 2025).
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Distance Accelerated BSN Program Details (accessed June 16 2025).
- Kennesaw State University Wellstar School of Nursing. Accelerated BSN Curriculum (accessed June 16 2025).
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