Georgia’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. Georgia is projected to have a nursing shortage of 21% by 2035, which is the second highest in the nation. If you’re thinking about pursuing nursing as your career, Georgia has a lot to offer.
Georgia has many thriving cities and charming towns, beautiful white sandy beaches, and a warmer climate that offers all four seasons. The nice weather found in Georgia is ideal for outdoor activities. Georgia also offers top-tier comfort and soul food from restaurants and diners nationwide. In addition, their increasing cultural centers have allowed them to increase the authentic ethnic foods served from around the world.
The below-average housing, low taxes, and low cost of food, energy, and commuting make Georgia an affordable place to live. Its economy is thriving due to its growth and lower cost of living, allowing families to grow and prosper. Being the second-highest state with the largest shortage of nurses makes Georgia the ideal state to find your dream nursing job.
The Best Nursing Schools in Georgia
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Georgia to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Georgia based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Georgia Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Georgia ADN Nursing Program
Augusta Technical College
Augusta Technical College, located in Augusta, GA, offers an ADN program that can be completed in six terms. Their ADN program is designed to prepare students for practice in a variety of settings. Graduates learn to apply their knowledge to the nursing process and are able to think critically to make appropriate clinical decisions. Augusta Technical College’s ADN program bases student learning on ongoing developments in nursing, medical science, and technology to prepare their graduates for a commitment to lifelong learning and career development.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,232
Out-of-State: $5,632
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,232 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,632 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
44.7% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,237 |
| Institution Type |
Public College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
49% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Georgia ADN Nursing Program
Chattahoochee Technical College
Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta, Georgia, offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program that can be completed in four semesters. This highly competitive and rigorous program involves time spent in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting. The program teaches students the practical application of concepts and facts learned in the classroom, labs, and clinical settings, preparing them to work as RNs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,202
Out-of-State: $5,602
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,202 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,602 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2018 |
66% |
| Job Placement |
58% |
| Students Enrolled |
8,980 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
80% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Georgia ADN Nursing Program
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers an ASN degree that provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice safely and competently as a new nurse in a variety of settings. To be admitted to the program, students must complete their prerequisite courses and the nursing entrance exam with a critical thinking conversion score of 20% and a cumulative score of 40%.
The mission of the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s ASN Program is to pursue academic excellence in teaching to develop highly trained, technologically competent, professional nurses who provide caring, patient-centered, holistic care within a collaborative interdisciplinary environment serving the diverse needs of the citizens, businesses, and industry in South Georgia.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,152
Out-of-State: $5,552
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,152 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,552 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2017-2018 |
55% |
| Job Placement 2017-2018 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,773 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Georgia BSN Nursing Program
Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia Gwinnett College, located in Lawrenceville, GA, offers a BSN program that is competitive and dynamic in preparing students for the wide variety of nursing opportunities in healthcare.
It offers a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory with wireless audio-visual technology and a 15-bed nursing skills laboratory with functioning wall units, patient simulators, and monitors. This high-tech classroom design facilitates interactive learning to prepare graduates to enter the workforce immediately after completing the program. Graduates will be able to function collaboratively and autonomously within professional standards and use their learned knowledge to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,948
Out-of-State: $13,734
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,948 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$13,734 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94.74% |
| Admission Rate |
94% |
| Retention Rate |
65% |
| Students Enrolled |
11,030 |
| Institution Type |
Public College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
86.14% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Georgia BSN Nursing Program
Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University in Macon, GA, offers an ASN, BSN, and RN to BSN program. To be considered for admission into their program, you must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and maintain this in all nursing core courses, have completed all of the general education courses and legislative requirements, and complete the entrance exam with a score at the level of a 68 or higher. The curriculum combines nursing and general education courses to prepare their nurses to be RNs in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,042
Out-of-State: $11,389
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,042 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,389 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.18% |
| Admission Rate |
99% |
| Retention Rate |
55% |
| Students Enrolled |
7,843 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
25.62% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Georgia BSN Nursing Program
South College
South College in Atlanta, GA, offers an ASN, BSN, and RN to BSN program. Their BSN program is designed to promote a strong academic and clinical foundation that includes fundamental skills required of a new nurse. The prepared graduates will be able to deliver the basics of medical care, apply critical thinking and interpersonal skills, and have the technical competence required when taking the NCLEX-RN exam.
Average Tuition
In-State: $17,335
Out-of-State: $17,335
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$17,335 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$17,335 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
89.47% |
| Admission Rate |
100% |
| Retention Rate |
64% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,175 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
52% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Georgia
When choosing a nursing program in Georgia, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs that consistently have a high NCLEX-RN rate show that they provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept programs that are accredited. If you are considering continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program. Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Georgia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Georgia is expected to have a nursing shortage of 21% by 2023, meaning there will be many job opportunities for RNs.
Georgia has a thriving healthcare market that offers plenty of opportunities for placement and advancement for nurses. The current nursing population in Georgia is aging, with 43% of the state’s total nursing workforce over 50. This means additional nurses are needed to replace the aging nurses preparing to retire.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Georgia earn an average annual salary of $85,180. While this is lower than the national average, Georgia’s lower cost of living allows your dollar to stretch further. Georgia has a wealth of RN job openings, making it an ideal location for those seeking employment in the field.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Georgia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Georgia is $85,180, and it employs 82,970 nurses. Georgia also employs 8,110 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $115,440.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Georgia Cities for RNs |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA |
$90,270 |
| Dalton, GA |
$89,910 |
| Savannah, GA |
$84,060 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Georgia
Candidates can take multiple steps and paths to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Each candidate must complete a program approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Georgia has 27 fully approved ADN programs and 29 BSN programs. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses decide to return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Georgia, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Georgia:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Georgia, you will have to renew it every two years. The state of Georgia requires 30 continuing education hours every two years. Georgia law provides five options to choose from to satisfy the continuing education requirements. All continuing education documentation must be submitted to the CE broker before license renewal.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Georgia:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Georgia.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- License renewal occurs every two years and requires 30 continuing education hours by a board-approved provider. All continuing education documentation must be submitted to the CE broker before license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Georgia
Is Georgia a good place for nurses to work?
Georgia is a great place to work. The low cost of living, mild climate, and thriving economy make it a great place to live and work. The growing shortage of nurses in the state means that nurses will have many opportunities for growth and advancement in their nursing careers.
Is Georgia a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Georgia is a compact state for nursing. This means that you can practice nursing with your Georgia nursing compact license in any other compact state.
What are the requirements for RNs in Georgia?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years. Nurses are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education from a board-approved provider. All continuing education documentation should be submitted to the CE broker prior to license renewal.
How much does a Georgia RN license cost?
The application fee for first-time nurses is $40 plus a $10 processing fee. The NCLEX-RN fee is $200. RNs in Georgia will need to renew their license every two years. The fee for license renewal is $65.
