Georgia is on the upswing of the nursing profession, and the state is committed to providing highly trained nurses to their patients. State employers are offering higher than average salaries, and leadership roles to individuals that possess their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). The annual salaries for this particular role averages $20,000 more than an individual with diploma only status. Patient-focused care is the future in Georgia and the state is fostering that philosophy with offering options to continue your education and potential.

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Cities in Georgia

Best RN Programs in Georgia

Selecting the best nursing school in Georgia can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Georgia by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 51 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

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

1.

980 S Cobb Dr, Marietta, GA 30060

Score: 98.22

Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta, Georgia is a respected provider of RN training in a bustling urban environment. Graduates of CTC's associate of science in nursing degree are highly sought after for their professional and practical skillsets.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (770) 528-4413
2.

1201 Bishop Farms Pkwy, Watkinsville, GA 30677

Score: 96.53

The University of North Georgia's acclaimed 4-year BSN program prepares students to become nurse generalists in a variety of healthcare settings. The comprehensive curriculum also includes clinical experiences at state-of-the-art medical facilities across the region.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (706) 864-1543
3.

1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Score: 96.47

Kennesaw State University's WellStar School of Nursing is the biggest nursing program in the northern half of the state of Georgia. Widely acclaimed for its BSN, graduate, and post-grad nursing programs, KSU produces graduates that outperform the national average for state licensure.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (470) 578-6000
4.

3001 E 1st St, Vidalia, GA 30474

Score: 96.33

Vidalia’s Southeastern Technical College offers an excellent ADN program which prepares students for a rewarding career in the nursing field. Enrolled students take courses in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and more to develop the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to find success as compassionate, caring registered nurses.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (912) 538-3100
5.

231 W Hancock St, Milledgeville, GA 31061

Score: 95.72

Georgia College is home to a highly competitive BSN program that's been educating nurses for over 25 years. The program strives to create RNs who are lifelong learners and utilize evidence-based practice to become leaders within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (800) 342-0471
6.

1704 S Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA 31701

Score: 95.13

Located in bustling Albany, Georgia, Albany Technical College is home to a widely acclaimed RN program. Experienced faculty help prepare students for nursing positions throughout the state and beyond.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (229) 430-3500
7.

5150 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Score: 94.79

Gwinnett Technical College’s Lawrenceville campus offers multiple ADN options, including a traditional pathway, an LPN bridge option, and a paramedic bridge option. This ACEN-accredited, board-approved program is the first step to a career in nursing, and prepares students to gain licensure through the NCLEX-RN examination.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (770) 962-7580
8.

7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, GA 30183

Score: 94.45

Reinhardt School located in Waleska prepares future nurses in both the science and art of nursing. Students are prepared to become both caring and compassionate while utilizing critical thinking and clinical reasoning as well as evidenced-based therapeutic interventions. Students will obtain the skills needed to meet the health care needs of culturally diverse populations along the continuum of health.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (770) 720-5600
9.

501 Varsity Rd, Griffin, GA 30223

Score: 94.45

The two-year associate-level Nursing program at Southern Crescent Technical College is a sequence of courses created to prepare students for positions in the nursing profession. Courses are designed to produce highly-trained, technically advanced, competent, and caring nurses who are prepared to practice professionally in a myriad of healthcare settings.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (770) 228-7348
10.

1 College Dr, Brunswick, GA 31520

Score: 93.30

The College of Coastal Georgia, located in Brunswick, offers multiple pathways to registered nursing, including an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree. The curriculum includes service-learning courses, community health-related education, and more to help students go beyond classroom-based learning and find success in the field.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
  • Phone: (912) 279-5700
11.

800 GSW State University Dr, Americus, GA 31709

Score: 93.07

Georgia Southwestern State University, located in Americus, offers a traditional BSN program that prepares students for successful employment in the nursing field. Enrolled students take courses in mathematics, sciences, language arts, social sciences, and more.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (229) 928-1273
12.

1000 University Center Ln, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Score: 92.68

Lawrenceville’s Georgia Gwinnett College offers a BSN degree pathway with an emphasis on faculty mentorships, innovative practices, and affordable tuition. Their modern facilities include a state-of-the-art simulation lab, health care setting lab equipment, and more.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (678) 407-5000
13.

100 W College Park Dr, Douglas, GA 31533

Score: 92.65

South Georgia State College's Associate of Science in Nursing program weaves together classroom learning and clinical experiences to give students a solid nursing foundation. Emphasis is placed on professional conduct, effective communication, and top-notch clinical skills.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (912) 260-4200
14.

1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322

Score: 92.42

Atlanta’s Emory University offers multiple BSN degree options for those wishing to become RNs. The curriculum allows students to learn in both clinical and classroom settings, and graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (404) 727-7980
15.

800 US Hwy 29 North, Athens, GA 30601

Score: 92.22

Athens Technical College offers an associate’s degree pathway for aspiring registered nurses. Through the program, students are given the knowledge and skills needed to practice as an entry-level nurse generalist in a variety of healthcare settings.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (706) 355-5000
16.

1500 Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville, GA 30523

Score: 91.89

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (706) 754-7700
17.

1189 Deepstep Rd, Sandersville, GA 31082

Score: 91.83

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (478) 553-2050
18.

1021 Central Ave, Demorest, GA 30535

Score: 91.74

Demorest, Georgia is a city with a small-town feel. Home to Piedmont College, nursing students enrolled in the 4-year traditional BSN program have the opportunity to learn and grow within their field and their community.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (706) 778-3000
19.

601 Broad St, LaGrange, GA 30240

Score: 90.72

LaGrange College serves students in the community by offering a BSN program for aspiring RNs. Enrolled students take courses in Nutrition and Health, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and much more. LaGrange also offers service opportunities and medical missions in international locations.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (706) 880-8000
20.

4089 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602

Score: 90.20

Located in Valdosta, the associate’s degree in science from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College fully prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and find gainful employment in the healthcare sector. This program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to practice as competent and safe nurses in the community.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (229) 333-2100

ADN Programs in Georgia

Becoming a nurse is a time-honored career choice that is made easy by lots of program options and a looming industry shortage. Students who are looking for the fastest path to RN licensure may wish to consider an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). Offered through many community colleges in Georgia, the ADN is usually two years in length, or four semesters, and students graduate eligible to sit the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Georgia has more than 20 colleges that offer nursing programs at the Associate’s degree level. Local programs mean education is accessible for all.

What to Look For in an ADN Program in Georgia

Considering which ADN program to pursue can be overwhelming for students. We’ve compiled a list of the few key factors to examine to make your decision-making process easier.

Accreditation

Colleges and programs use accrediting institutions to help them meet and achieve educational standards. Specific to nursing, students should ensure that ADN programs carry accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This information will be available on the nursing program webpage.

Licensing

Licensure is an important measure for your program of choice. The state is moving to a system wherein every school that offers an ADN program is required to be licensed, but at this time, students are encouraged to check via the school’s website or the Georgia Board of Nursing website as to valid licensure status. Over the past few years, the rate at which students graduate and subsequently pass the NCLEX exam is greater than 85% through Georgia’s nursing diploma programs.

Program Outcomes

Your college program’s outcomes could greatly influence whether you choose to attend or not. Below are some criteria that will help make the selection process easier:

  • Annual NCLEX-RN pass rates compared to the state and nationally
  • Student engagement data
  • Post-licensure hiring data
  • Graduates vs enrollments each year

Part of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is part of a strong network of local colleges. WGT’s program was designed to lead students toward an Associate Degree in Nursing, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and employment in the field as RNs.

ADN Program Admission Requirements in Georgia

To ensure the most qualified candidates from year to year, nursing programs do change their admissions criteria based on the year, labor demands, and faculty specialties. While each institution is unique, they do share some admission requirements:

  • Create an online account and complete the computer competency requirement
  • Have a grade of ‘C’ or better, depending on what is currently competitive for entry
  • Provide all official school transcripts via the Admissions office
  • Submit a personal statement
  • Show proof of current vaccination schedule
  • Confirm up-to-date CPR certification

Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in Georgia

In recent years, colleges have become adept at showing tuition and cost information so that students have a clear understanding of their financial commitment to education. While costs do vary from school to school, the same elements have a price for each program. Items like uniforms, equipment, housing, texts and other fees may be rolled in with tuition, or may be computed separately.

The College of Coastal Georgia has a per-credit hour tuition rate of about $100, with the average student enrolling in 12 credits per semester. Additional mandatory fees total almost $800 per semester. Books, uniforms and equipment can be purchased separately through recommended third-party suppliers.

Advantages of ADN Programs

One of the reasons for the ADN’s continuing popularity is that hands-on patient care learning is followed quickly by a job in the field. In about 2.5 years, students go from entry to RN. Additionally, local colleges are accessible to students in both urban and outlying communities, keeping housing costs and commuting costs reasonable when students are able to live at home.

LPN to RN Programs in Georgia

Many RNs begin as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). For these nurses, specialty continuation programs exist to help bridge the gap between practical and registered nursing. These programs are popular because they take into consideration the LPN’s prior education, making the total program shorter in length than a traditional RN program.

LPN to ADN/BSN Programs

Students have the choice to earn either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing through their LPN to RN program. The LPN to ADN is the fastest option, often taking just a few semesters of study to leave graduates eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination. Georgia Northwestern Technical College, for example, provides an LPN to ADN that takes just 3 semesters to complete.

With a little more time, students have the option to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing through an LPN to BSN program. Georgia Southwestern State College in Americus offers one such program, giving students a foundational general education alongside a rigorous nursing curriculum which culminates in a BSN degree.

All LPN to RN programs in Georgia will require a student to hold a current LPN license, be a graduate of an approved LPN program, and have completed any prerequisite courses with a passing grade, amongst other admissions requirements.

BSN Programs in Georgia

With an investment of two additional years of schooling beyond the ADN program, students can graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from one of Georgia’s more than 25 undergraduate nursing programs. Labor data show that RNs with a BSN degree are able to be more mobile and flexible with their role in patient care, and are frequently accepted to leadership or managerial positions.

What To Look For in a BSN Program in Georgia

BSN students look for a scientifically sound and culturally aware learning environment at their university. Faculty with leadership ability and deep experience in the field will help students access rich and collaborative learning opportunities both in the lab and throughout clinical rotation. As always, students are encouraged to make sure that the school is in good standing with accrediting bodies and that licensure after degree is an option.

Albany State University takes pride in grooming nursing students for positions of leadership throughout the United States. With a BSN program at the core of its offerings, Georgia is striving to meet patient care shortages through degree programs like this one.

BSN Program Length in Georgia

Typically, a BSN program is 4 years long, which allows students time to work through clinical and classroom blocks of study with some time to pursue work or volunteer interests in the summer. Each institution varies, however, and some offer accelerated programs or RN-to-BSN options to help bridge the gaps in RN education as the labor market requires.

BSN Program Admission Requirements in Georgia

Every school has its unique admission criteria to allow students into their programs; however, the following is a sampling of the most common admittance criteria:

  • Complete pre-requisites with a minimum grade of C or better
  • Submit a personal essay to be evaluated on structure, grammar and content
  • Provide evidence of updated vaccinations
  • Remain in good standing with the university
  • Provide a completed background inquiry and health history

Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in Georgia

Undergraduate degrees are not cheap, but some would argue that they’re good value, considering the range of jobs that are available once you have your degree. The total cost of attending school is sometimes hard to decipher, but schools advertise their tuition for in-state and out of state residents, and give estimates for housing, food, textbooks and nursing equipment. One example of tuition is Columbus State University where tuition per semester is about $4,000; other fees are calculated separately.

Advantages of BSN Programs

Students who earn their BSN degree have the advantage of providing more flexible career pathways that are only open to those who hold a BSN or higher. The trend in nursing is that as we age, we feel more equipped to move into administration or teaching and away from the hospital floor. This isn’t possible with only an ADN degree. RNs can also access the RN to BSN bridge program to facilitate career growth.

MSN Programs in Georgia

Determined to lead in your field? MSN or Master of Science in Nursing graduate degree programs are increasingly available to qualified nurses. While programs are highly selective, today’s MSN programs are guiding nurses toward tomorrow’s leadership, administrative and advance practice nursing. With roles in informatics management, nurse anesthesiology, pediatric nursing and other highly specialized roles, candidates that are interested in research, clinical care, administrative or teaching are welcome to apply to Georgia’s more than a dozen online and on-campus MSN offerings.

MSN Program Length in Georgia

About 4 semesters for full-time coursework, the MSN programs in Georgia are also available part-time. Students may choose to take some courses online as offerings allow.

MSN Admission Requirements in Georgia

Graduate level studies vary in their price range and admission requirements depending on the pathways a student chooses, demand, and space availability. There are some similarities in the core admissions criteria listed below.

  • Submit all required forms for admission to graduate studies
  • Provide transcripts of undergraduate studies
  • Submit a professional resume
  • Provide RN licensure information and indicate that you are ‘in good standing’ to practice as a nurse in Georgia
  • Have your colleagues and mentors submit letters of reference letters to your graduate Admissions officer
  • Conduct a professional interview with nursing faculty

Tuition and Costs of MSN Programs in Georgia

Tuition costs for MSN programs are much higher than their BSN counterparts with good reason. The quality and intensity of instruction is considerably more rigorous. For example, Clayton State University, located in Morrow, is about $600 per credit hour and students are expected to accrue a flexible amount of credit hours toward their degree depending on their specialty path.

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Getting a Georgia Nursing License

Georgia requirements for nursing licensure by examination or endorsement are as follows:

Application process must include a completed application form and fees paid, as well as this supporting documentation:

  • Criminal background check
  • Registration for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Register with COGENT - Live Scan fingerprint

Apply for endorsement of licensure can be done by providing the following information:

  • Completed application and fees paid
  • Completed criminal background check
  • Official transcripts
  • Verification of original licensure by examination
  • Verification of current state license
  • Proof of one of the following: verification of employment, proof of graduation within the last 4 years, completion of Georgia approved reentry program
  • Register with COGENT

Accelerated Nursing Programs in Georgia

If you are looking for more career advancement opportunities or a wider scope of options upon graduation, then you should look at accelerated degree programs. The state of Georgia has at least six known programs across the state. Accelerated programs have varying eligibility requirements, as some will require specific courses to be completed before entrance. These eligibility requirements could have an impact on the overall cost of the program, as most programs have a designated rate per course credit. Accelerated programs in the state are full-time commitments, but can be completed in as little as 15 to 24 months.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Georgia

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
21.
Atlanta, GA 30341 | Phone: (800) 551-8835
Programs: BSN
90.16
22.
Augusta, GA 30912 | Phone: (706) 721-0211
Programs: BSN, MSN
89.75
23.
Mount Berry, GA 30149 | Phone: (706) 232-5374
Programs: BSN
89.33
24.
Atlanta, GA 30302 | Phone: (404) 413-2000
Programs: BSN
89.31
25.
Valdosta, GA 31698 | Phone: (229) 333-5800
Programs: BSN
88.93
26.
Dalton, GA 30720 | Phone: (706) 272-4436
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.45
27.
Rome, GA 30161 | Phone: (706) 802-5000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.09
28.
Barnesville, GA 30204 | Phone: (678) 359-5555
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
87.82
29.
Tifton, GA 31793 | Phone: (229) 391-5001
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.42
30.
Macon, GA 31206 | Phone: (478) 471-2700
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
87.31
31.
Columbus, GA 31904 | Phone: (706) 649-1800
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.20
32.
Franklin, GA 30217 | Phone: (706) 948-0250
Programs: Associate in Nursing
86.35
33.
Macon, GA 31210 | Phone: (478) 477-1110
Programs: BSN
86.31
34.
Macon, GA 31206 | Phone: (478) 757-3400
Programs: Associate in Nursing
85.95
35.
Gainesville, GA 30501 | Phone: (770) 534-6299
Programs: BSN
85.70
36.
Statesboro, GA 30458 | Phone: (912) 478-4636
Programs: BSN
85.64
37.
Atlanta, GA 30310 | Phone: (404) 225-4461
Programs: Associate in Nursing
85.57
38.
Augusta, GA 30906 | Phone: (706) 771-4000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
85.40
39.
Morrow, GA 30260 | Phone: (678) 466-4000
Programs: BSN
84.24
40.
Carrollton, GA 30118 | Phone: (678) 839-5000
Programs: BSN
83.86
41.
Thomasville, GA 31792 | Phone: (888) 205-3449
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.50
42.
Atlanta, GA 30342 | Phone: (877) 751-5783
Programs: BSN
81.71
43.
Rock Spring, GA 30739 | Phone: (706) 764-3584
Programs: Associate in Nursing
81.17
44.
Rome, GA 30165 | Phone: (706) 291-2121
Programs: BSN
80.84
45.
Albany, GA 31705 | Phone: (229) 430-4600
Programs: Associate in Nursing
78.95
46.
Cleveland, GA 30528 | Phone: (706) 865-2134
Programs: BSN
78.65
47.
Columbus, GA 31907 | Phone: (706) 507-8800
Programs: BSN
75.04
48.
Cuthbert, GA 39840 | Phone: (800) 664-3850
Programs: Associate in Nursing
42.78
49.
Atlanta, GA 30345 | Phone: (470) 322-1200
Programs: BSN
-
50.
Waycross, GA 31503 | Phone: (912) 287-6584
Programs: Associate in Nursing
-
51.
Gainesville, GA 30507 | Phone: (770) 533-7000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
-

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

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