MSN Degree Programs in Georgia

If you're a nurse looking to increase the value of your resume, looking to pursue executive roles, or become a nurse practitioner, enrolling in a graduate-level nursing program is an essential step. When researching potential programs, many nurses in Georgia opt for a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) program due to their shorter length and somewhat affordable tuition. This is especially helpful when it comes to managing the busy schedule of a working nurse and saving money during this transformative stage in your career. In the sections below, we'll go over the basics of selecting an MSN program and how you can discover the cheapest and quickest MSN programs whether you're based in Atlanta, Athens, Macon, or somewhere else amongst the quaint communities across "The Peach State".

RN to MSN Programs in Georgia

The time it takes from enrollment to graduation tends to be around three or four years in an MSN program. This of course will take much longer if you don’t already have a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) degree, which is a requirement to apply to nursing graduate school. However, nurses who want to skip this requirement have the opportunity to do so through an RN to MSN program. These helpful bridge programs combine undergraduate and graduate coursework, enabling nurses to seamlessly transition into advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or healthcare administrators. Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

• Georgia RN license
• ADN or nursing diploma
• GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

If you’re ready to begin the RN to MSN application process but not sure where to look, you can find RN to MSN programs offered at Georgia State University (GSU) and South College (SC).

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Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Georgia

If you don’t qualify for an RN to MSN program, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to commit upwards of 4 years for an MSN degree program (following your BSN) or pay a fortune just for the ability to pursue higher-paying and more independent nursing roles. Below are some tips to find more affordable and faster MSN programs in Georgia and some examples of each.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

As mentioned, most MSN programs take between three or four years to complete. However, if you know where to look, there are several MSN programs that are located in Georgia that may potentially offer a much shorter time to graduation especially if you have transferable credits or you take advantage of flexible learning options such as online platforms or summer school. Take a look below and compare some of the fastest MSN programs located in the state:

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

While many students are concerned about the time commitment in regard to MSN programs, many more are concerned about how much debt they’ll be facing upon graduation. MSN programs can be surprisingly affordable due to their short length, but they can be especially so in states with a lower cost of living such as Georgia. You may even be able to cut the cost of tuition further if you’ve already established residency in Georgia because many MSN programs offer lower-cost in-state tuition. Here are some examples of the cheapest MSN programs in Georgia:

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) 

Not every nurse has chosen to pursue their career right out of high school; many decide to become nurses much later after they’ve already begun working in a different field. If this describes your experience, an Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program might be a viable option to save you both time and money in your pursuit of an MSN degree. These types of programs skip over requisite course that the student may have already completed and dive right into entry-level nursing courses. Here are the full range of admissions requirements typically requested of applicants:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
• GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
• Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
• Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
• Admissions interview

If you’re looking for a MENP program in Georgia, consider Emory University (EU) or Brenau University.

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

MSN programs also have an underlooked advantage beyond the low cost and fast timeline; one of the many reasons that nurses decide to go back to school and get their MSN in the first place is to seek specialized training in a particular area of nursing. Wherever they are offered, you can almost always find an MSN program that has a specialized track such as family nursing practice or nursing education. Here are a few examples in Georgia:

What is MSN Accreditation?

If you’re ready to start applying, there is one more important thing you’ll need to consider. While many MSN programs are available online or on campus, there are many that are unaccredited. MSN accreditation ensures that an MSN program meets quality standards set by accrediting bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). If a program is not accredited, that means that the students that graduate from them will not be eligible for licensure or certification. Always check to make sure that any of the MSN programs you apply to are accredited if you intend on seeking advanced nursing licensure or certification.

2024 List of MSN Programs in Georgia

Still looking for the right fit? There are many more MSN programs available in Georgia. See the full list below:

MSN Programs By City:

• Atlanta MSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.