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The state of Georgia currently has an estimated 73,330 active registered nurses (RNs). The mean hourly wage in the state is $31.13, which is $64,750/ year. With the increased demand for nurses in the state and the country in general, these figures may grow.
An estimated 16% new RN jobs will appear between 2014 and 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Many nursing schools are revamping their bachelor’s programs to aid in meeting a goal of 80% of RNs in the U.S. holding a BSN by 2020. This is the goal of an IOM (Institute of Medicine) initiative, where the starting point was 40% – a doubling. Many are also providing affordable online degrees that fit the busy American life
Recognized as a business and cultural hub of the southeast, Atlanta, Georgia is a destination for travelers and business professionals alike. Despite its rich heritage and diversity, the city is suffering from an acute nursing shortage according to Georgia Health News. Area colleges are in a rush to address the problem and are offering a slew of accessible, accredited nursing programs to transition nursing students to becoming working RNs. Registered Nurses (RNs) can earn a competitive salary and will find work in a number of healthcare settings from hospitals and medical centers to nursing homes and physicians’ offices.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
- Entry-Level Registered Nursing Programs
- RN to BSN/MSN Programs
- Nurse Practitioner & Advanced RN Programs
- Top Ranked Nursing Programs
Entry-Level ADN, BSN & MSN Programs in Atlanta, GA
Nursing is a vocation of the hands, heart, and head. For those who want to enter nursing with either a four- or two-year degree, Atlanta, Georgia is home to several admissions-friendly colleges. Many also offer bridge programs for those transitioning from a related LPN role.
LPN to RN Programs
LPNs have excellent people skills showing kindness and compassion to all the patients they interact with. Licensed Practical Nurses with an active license can do more to affect healthcare outcomes by passing their NCLEX and becoming an RN. Fully accredited, Chattahoochee Technical College outside of Atlanta, Georgia offers an LPN to RN bridge program that focuses on critical thinking and decision making as they pertain to the clinical nursing environment. Some courses can be completed both on-campus and online.
ADN Programs
Registered Nurses commonly begin their careers by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing at a junior or technical college. Such community college programs tend to be convenient and affordable so they are within reach of most ADN applicants. With a generalist focus that spans the humanities, hard sciences and nursing, the ADN program at Atlanta Technical College readies students to treat patients across the beginning of life to end-of-life spectrum. Program graduates are ready to sit for the NCLEX and become RNs.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Due to the large number of RN openings at hospitals, medical centers, and physicians’ offices, Atlanta colleges are offering a variety of bachelor-level nursing programs including traditional and accelerated ones. Many BSN programs have online components and are offered evenings and weekends for busy working nurses. Erudite Nursing Institute offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that gives students a well-rounded education in nursing. It focuses not just on the clinical experience but also on general skills such as inquiry and analysis, cultural and socio-economic considerations, ethics, and medical technology.
Find out more about Georgia Accelerated BSN Programs
Direct-Entry MSN Programs
For those who know they want to enter more advanced practice, accelerated MSN programs are a rare but worthwhile pathway. While a student does not need an RN degree to enter this program, they usually must hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject in order to be eligible. Emory University offers an Accelerated BSN + MSN program that allows students to earn a BSN in just 15 months and then immediately begin the MSN curriculum.
Find out more about Georgia Accelerated MSN Programs
Atlanta RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Atlanta | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Students Total | 1,591 | 4,513 |
| NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 1,462 | 4,100 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 91.9% | 90.8% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Atlanta
Listed below are the top nursing schools in Atlanta based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Georgia out of 53 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- Chattahoochee Technical College – #3
- Clayton State University – #20
- Emory University – #5
- Georgia Gwinnett College – #11
- Gwinnett Technical College – #6
- Kennesaw State University – #2
Top nursing schools in Georgia: Most expensive to least expensive
Georgia nursing schools: Most to least expensive
| School | Program | Length | Tuition & fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Lanier School of Massage | Nursing Assistant Certificate | 7 months | $11,500 |
| Omnitech Institute | Nursing Assistant Certificate | 2 months | $650 |
Top 10 Nursing Schools in Georgia
1. Georgia Southwestern State University
Annual In-State Tuition: $5,080| NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.28%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
There’s no denying that the in-state tuition for Georgia Southwestern State University is a huge draw for nursing students. But the variety of programs is also worth noting. Aside from a traditional four-year program, GSW offers an accelerated 2nd year BSN, and LPN-MSN and an online registered nurse RN-BSN program. The plentiful options, along with the impressive NCLEX pass rate, makes this a great destination for in-state students.
2. Emory University
Annual Tuition: $53,070 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.26%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: No
Yes, the cost of Emory University’s tuition is sure to make some eyes pop. But the quality of education this small liberal arts school offers may be the best all-around of any school on this list. Employers recognize this, too; according to Emory, 88% of the graduates of their traditional BSN program were employed within three months of finishing their degree. So, for students looking for private education at a small school, Emory is one of Georgia’s best options.
3. Georgia State University
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,948 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 85.50%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
One of Georgia State University’s main pillars is social change. Thanks to the school’s location in Atlanta, students have the opportunity to impact a large, vibrant community in a positive way. Social change also plays a role in the nursing curriculum, and students will have a chance to work with children at local schools. For students that want to continue their education, Georgia State also offers a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP), along with an RN-MS program for existing nurses.
4. Mercer University
Annual Tuition: $36,594 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.45%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
With three locations across Georgia, Mercer University is one of the widest-reaching schools, which is impressive for a private school. Prospective nursing students also get the benefits of a private school, including smaller class sizes and more personal education. The most popular undergraduate nursing program, the traditional BSN, boasts one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in Georgia. While the tuition may seem high, many of Mercer’s students receive some form of financial aid.
5. Augusta University
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,648 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 86.60%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Named after the city it’s based in, Augusta University is best known as a large, public research school. While public research is most likely going to attract nurses who are pursuing their MSN or DNP, Augusta also has a strong BSN program. The BSN program can be completed on either of Augusta’s campuses (they have an additional location in Athens), and there are various BSN tracks students can take. Overall, Augusta offers an affordable, comprehensive nursing education.
6. University of West Georgia
Annual In-State Tuition: $4,264 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.35%
In-Person: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
In terms of value and NCLEX pass rate of recent graduates, it’s tough to beat the University of West Georgia. While this school may not carry the same clout as other schools on this list, students interested in nursing are going to get everything they need to succeed. It’s also worth mentioning that UWG doesn’t have as many BSN tracks as other schools, although they do have a traditional BSN program. For the price and results, this should be on all Georgia residents’ list.
7. Columbus State University
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,334 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.68%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Where many schools on this list are chosen for their traditional program, Columbus State University’s strength lies in its non-traditional nursing programs. Yes, a traditional BSN program is offered and graduates boast an impressive NCLEX pass rate, but the online RN-BSN program is the real highlight. Grads of this online nursing program have a 100% employment rate, and the degree can be completed in just a year. Of course, this program depends on nurses already being registered.
8. Kennesaw State University
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,432 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.16%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
The most important thing to know about Kennesaw State University is that it’s among the 50 largest public institutions in the nation. In many ways, KSU feels more like a town of its own, something that prospective students should be aware of. Regardless of their size, the traditional BSN program is what future nurses are most interested in. KSU has one of the state’s highest NCLEX pass rates for grads and affordable tuition for any in-state students. If you’re looking for a big school with a great nursing program, Kennesaw State University may be the best choice.
9. Georgia College & State University
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,508 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.56%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Georgia College & State University began as an education center for women. Today, GCSU has some of the top programs in the state, including their nursing programs. The school offers just about every nursing program that a student could be interested in, from an online BSN to a DNP. Also, the NCLEX pass rate for grads is the highest of any school on this list. For a degree that mixes nursing education with liberal arts, this school is an excellent pick.
10. Georgia Southern University
Annual In-State Tuition: $5,464 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 75.56%
In-Person: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
No, Georgia Southern University doesn’t have the best NCLEX pass rate for grads, but the tuition is incredibly low. Georgia Southern also is considered one of the top schools in the area, something that’s sure to go a long way in getting graduates their first careers as nurses in Georgia. The first step to starting that career is the BSN program, available at multiple campuses across the state. Any nurses interested in continuing their education can do so at Georgia Southern, too.
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