Best Georgia RN to BSN Programs

Current registered nurses (RNs) who want to earn a higher salary and assume more leadership and responsibility in their nursing roles are trending toward pursuing their baccalaureate degree via an RN to BSN bridge program. Georgia, in particular, is a great state in which to earn this degree, which caters to RNs who have completed an Associate's Degree in Nursing. If you are a working RN in Georgia looking to advance your career, there's an RN to BSN program in the state waiting for you.

2019 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Georgia

With many healthcare employers preferring to hire BSN-educated RNs, many nurses are considering going back to school to complete their baccalaureate education. RN to BSN programs are designed especially for ADN or diploma-holding RNs who want to achieve this goal. With flexible online options, nurses can often complete these programs on their terms. Finding the right online program can seem daunting; that's why we have ranked Georgia's top online RN to BSN programs. Find our rankings below to get started today.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

^#1

Dalton State College

Dalton, GA

Dalton State College offers an excellent RN to BSN program for current, licensed RNs looking to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. There are 2 plans of study based on the student's prior educational background: Plan A is designed for students who have completed most of the required core courses and all prerequisites, and Plan B is for students who have just completed the ASN courses required to graduate from DSC. Courses taken in both plan pathways include Health Assessment, Perspectives on the USA Health System, and Evidence-Based Practice, amongst others.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA to be eligible for enrollment in the program
• Fall and Spring cohorts available

^#2

Clayton State University

Morrow, GA

Clayton State University, based out of Morrow, offers an online RN to BSN completion program that gives students the flexibility to complete classes as they continue to work. This popular program can be completed in just one year, with full and part-time options available. The curriculum includes courses in Interactive Communication, Organizational Transitions, and more. Clayton State University also allows students to double major in Health Care Management, giving grads a huge advantage in the workforce.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Some grad programs offered online
• Program includes an individualized 90-hour clinical portion

^#3

Middle Georgia State University

Macon, GA

The RN to BSN completion program at Middle Georgia State University prepares nurses for higher level clinical care roles. Enrolled students move through an innovative and flexible online curriculum that includes core courses, lower division major requirements, and upper division nursing courses. Specific courses required include Nursing Care of Special Client Populations, Introduction to Nursing Research, and more.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Many grad programs offered online
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 required for admission to the program

^#4

University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, GA

RNs who hold an active nursing license and wish to expand their professional practice can enroll in the University of North Georgia's RN to BSN program. Offered online, students only need to come to campus for a mandatory orientation session, making the program very flexible. UNG also makes the clinical practicum easy, with an individualized approach which can include online experiences or hospital internships. Students can complete the program in just three semesters of study.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Some grad programs offered online
• 98% of program grads have found a job in the last 3 years

^#5

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA

Current RNs can earn their bachelor's degree online through Georgia Southern University's RN to BSN program. The program utilizes both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (recorded) formats to help students move through their studies efficiently. Most students can complete the coursework in 1-2 years (3-4 semesters), even while continuing to work. The curriculum includes courses such as Nursing Leadership, Complex Nursing Care, and others.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Part-time and full-time options
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.o required for admission (provisional admission available to those with a 2.70-2.99 GPA)

Admissions Requirements for Georgia RN to BSN Programs

As long as you are a current registered nurse, you shouldn't have a hard time meeting the qualifications for admission into a good RN to BSN program. Some programs, however, are competitive, so it's wise to exceed the minimum requirements. Below are typical entrance requirements for RN to BSN programs in Georgia:

• Unrestricted current nursing license in the U.S. or eligibility for licensure
• Minimum college GPA of 2.0
• Eligible for clearance on criminal background check and drug screening

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

Many RN to BSN programs require that you complete some core courses before you move on to the advanced nursing courses. Clayton State University in Georgia offers the following nursing courses as part of their program:

• NURS 3110: Interactive Communication
• NURS 4200: Research for Evidence-Based Practice
• NURS 4300: Nursing Leadership and Management for RNs
• NURS 4400: Community and Population-Focused Nursing Practice for RNs

Online RN to BSN Programs in Georgia

Schools have seen a jump in interest for online RN to BSN programs, which fit into the schedules of busy working RNs. These online programs offer the same rigorous academics of their in-person counterparts, but with the flexibility and comfort of being completed from a student's home. When researching RN to BSN programs in Georgia, don't forget to see if your school of choice offers an online option.

Featured Online School

Based out of Statesboro, Georgia Southern University offers an affordable, flexible, and individualized online RN to BSN program. Both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on your own time) formats are used in this program, which is CCNE-accredited. While most of the coursework is asynchronous, some components (such as course orientations, faculty office hours, and topic discussions) are scheduled in live sessions. Students can expect to develop collaborative partnerships to promote and maintain health, learn how to apply leadership principles, and demonstrate competence incorporating healthcare information and technology into their nursing practice.

Admissions and Program Length

Since RN to BSN programs are designed for employed RNs, they tend to offer some flexibility in length. Students who opt for full-time study will undoubtedly finish sooner than those who attend part-time. Generally speaking, it takes about 1.5 to 2 years to complete to program (or about 3-4 semesters), and roughly 28 credit hours are needed. Students usually begin the RN to BSN at the start of the Fall or Spring semesters, although some schools offer more frequent program start times.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Columbus State University, based out of Columbus, GA, estimates their RN to BSN program tuition at approximately $8,120. This does not include additional expenses such as application fees, tech fees, or a per-course instructional fee. Keep in mind that students are also responsible for course materials, like textbooks.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Nurses wanting to entertain career opportunities in oncology, surgery, pediatrics, or other specialties will find that most of these environments require a BSN degree or higher, making the RN to BSN program a worthwhile endeavor. The good news is that these higher-level jobs tend to come with even higher paychecks, along with numerous advancement opportunities.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Georgia

RN salaries are dependent on many factors: city size, employment location (hospital, private practice, care facility), and education level are just a few. That last factor is important; with Payscale reporting the salary range of an RN in Atlanta, Georgia between $45,969 and $79,481 annually, those wanting to earn more will need to pursue higher nursing education.

2019 List of RN to BSN Programs in Georgia

The American Association of Colleges of Nurses recognizes more than 20 RN to BSN programs in the state of Georgia, and because of the number of schools offering the program it has made it easier for nurses to access higher education. A BSN or greater degree program for nursing can have a greater impact on the number and quality of job opportunities that are being offered to nurses on a regular basis. BSN nurses in Georgia can look to earn approximately $20,000 more yearly than that of an ADN nurse. The higher the degree means your qualifications and responsibilities are greater as well, making you a more preferred standard of nurse.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Atlanta RN to BSN Programs

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