Nurse Practitioner Schools in Georgia

For nurses interested in expanding their nursing career in the state of Georgia, becoming a Nurse Practitioner and obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a great option to further your education, increase your salary and enhance your career.

A MSN will allow a nurse to specialize in a specific field of nursing such as family practice, adult care, acute care, OB GYN, psychiatrics, geriatrics, or pediatrics. This is for students who hold a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or a bachelor's degree in another profession.

A DNP is an advanced degree that is the highest level of clinical practice offered to nurses. This is for students who hold an MSN or a BSN degree.

Choosing a Nurse Practitioner Program

Accreditation

When searching for nursing programs, select a program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both of these governing bodies ensure the program meets quality and integrity standards

Program Length

MSN program length is approximately two years. Programs offer full-time or part-time student status that will increase the program length. DNP program length averages 2 years for MSN-DNP and approximately 3-4 years for BSN-DNP

Program Cost and Credits

The average cost for MSN/DNP program is $450 per credit. The tuition is higher for those students from out of state though many programs offer some sort of financial assistance for qualified applicants

• MSN total credits: average 45 credits
• DNP total credits: average 36 credit hours after Master's degree completion

Online options

A handful of schools in Georgia have the option to complete coursework online with infrequent campus meeting with clinical sites local to the student. Some offer 100% of coursework online making it easily accessible to students.

Admission Requirements

To enter a MSN program in the state of Georgia, the requirements are as follows:

• BSN from accredited nursing program with GPA of 3.0
• Active, unrestricted RN license in the state of Georgia
• Minimum one to three years of RN experience (acute care preferred/required)
• GRE for Columbus State University, other programs either do not require GRE or allow for GRE to be waived if criteria are met
• Some require American Heart Association BLS Certification

To enter a DNP program in the state of Georgia, the requirements are as follows:

• BSN (for BSN-DNP program) or MSN (for MSN-DNP program)
• Active RN or MSN license in the state of Georgia
• GRE for BSN-DNP
• Minimum two years working as BSN or MSN

There are many specialties in MSN programs and DNP programs, some of which include:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will have to complete a thesis or capstone project and at least 500 hours of work as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and then can apply for authorization through the Georgia Composite Medical Board to obtain credentials and begin working as a Nurse Practitioner.

Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia

It is estimated that the demand for Advanced Practice Nurses nationwide will increase within the next five to ten years. There are many options within the state of Georgia that offer online classes as well as on campus coursework to support students deciding to enhance their nursing career!