Careers As A Nurse Practitioner
In order to work as a nurse practitioner, you will need to have at least a masters degree. Your actual job position may be a nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, or even a nurse anesthetist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average nurse practitioner in the United States earns a median salary of $115,800 per year. The job outlook is also growing considerably faster with approximately 45% more jobs available in 2029 than there was in 2019.
Once you have the necessary education and experience, you may find yourself working in a variety of different environments. You may choose to work in private practice, hospitals, surgical centers, and elsewhere.
Doctor Of Nursing Practice
DNP programs are the doctorate level programs that prepare nurses to be NPs. In these programs you will be trained to provide nursing care at the expert level and will also be able to teach in most universities. DNP programs are becoming more popular as the entry pathway into becoming an NP. Program length varies from 3 to 5 years depending on whether or not you already have your masters. The eligibility requirements vary a little between the BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs.
BSN to DNP: These programs are for bachelors level trained nurses.
- You must be a licensed Georgia nurse and have had a GPA of at least 3.0 or better.
- The BSN to DNP programs will take about 5 years depending on the university.
- Your application will need to include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, previous transcripts, and more.
- You will need to complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical experiences.
- Some programs will require you to have nursing experience.
MSN to DNP: These programs take into account that you are already a nurse trained at the masters level. Depending on the program you may be required to already be an NP in Georgia.
The Best Nursing Programs In Georgia
Georgia Southern offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education. The four-year program prepares prelicensure nursing students with a curriculum that consists of clinical experience, simulation labs, and diligent academic education.
The BSN program at Georgia Southern requires 124 credit hours earned in person at the Armstrong and Statesboro campuses. Course requirements include skills and essentials of nursing practice, adult health, and pharmacology. Students must also pass two standardized exit exams to graduate.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Armstrong, Georgia and Statesboro, Georgia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education , Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $182 per credit for Georgia residents $643 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Must achieve a cumulative score of at least 75% on the HESI Admission Assessment Exam and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School Site:Tuition | Financial aid
One of the best nursing schools in Georgia, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory offers a CCNE-accredited bachelor of science in nursing program.
To apply, students must submit a plan for completing core requirements before the first day of class in the BSN program.
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Find Potential Nurse Practitioner Masters Programs In Georgia
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Becoming A Nurse Practitioner In Georgia

It takes a master’s in nursing degree or a doctor of nursing practice to become an NP in Georgia. As RNs advance to become NPs, they can expect a salary boost, greater responsibilities, and the chance to work in a specialty area, such as pediatrics or women’s health.
According to the BLS, Georgia employs approximately 8,120 NPs, 560 nurse anesthetists, and 420 nurse midwives. Most of these nurses work in Atlanta, where employers staff about 4,740 NPs, who earn a median annual salary of $106,220.
Georgia provides APRN authorization after nurses receive a national certification. APRNs, such as NPs, specialize in acute care, adult nursing, family practice, gerontology, pediatrics, women’s health, or neonatal nursing.
NP Program Requirements:
- Application Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA master’s degree and two reference letters
- Program Length: About two years for an MSN or a DNP hybrid programs may require less time
- Accrediting Bodies: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
Georgia APRN Authorization Requirements:
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Chamberlain College Of Nursingatlanta Ga
The Chamberlain College of Nursing offers both online and in-person options so that you can choose the option that is going to work best for you and for your particular needs as a student.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.2%
- Length of Program: the length of the program depends on the hours you have when you start the program as well as what program you choose.
- Admission Requirements: students must be accepted to the university and you must have the prerequisite courses to be admitted to the program.
- Tuition: $25,481
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Associations of Colleges and Schools
Msn To Np Certificate
If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can complete a certificate program to train you to be an NP. This may be the right path for you if you have your MSN in something like nursing education, nursing administration, or if you are a clinical nurse specialist. In general MSN to NP certificate programs take about one year and to enter and to complete your NP to Certificate program requires the following:
- You must be an RN in Georgia to be eligible to apply for these programs
- Typically you are not required to take the GRE again for these programs
- You will have to submit an application with your resume, references, past transcripts and more
- Complete 500 to 700 clinical hours depending on the school and your population focus
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How To Get A Licensed Practical Nurse License In Georgia
In order to get a Georgia LPN license, applicants must complete an approved nursing education program. Aspiring LPNs should register for the NCLEX-PN, then submit an application for their Georgia nursing license. The application fee is $40 and applicants must also undergo a background check to disclose any potential criminal history.
Georgia nursing education programs submit applicant’s school history directly to the Board of Nursing however, those who studied in another state will need to have their official transcripts sent to the board.
A Georgia LPN license renewal is required every two years. During that time, LPNs must complete 20 hours of continuing education. This can be achieved in one of two ways. The first option is for LPNs to complete 20 hours of continuing education course work by a provider approved by the Board of Nursing the second option is to complete an accredited academic program that is within the professional nursing field.
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Best Nursing Schools 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 53 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing , BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page .
See Our list of the Best Nursing Programs in Georgia
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 . 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.
For RN bridge programs visit:
Georgia Piedmont Technical Collegeclarkson Ga
Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers a practical nursing diploma that can be later applied to get your nursing degree.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.2%
- Length of Program: this program requires 57 credit hours and clinical rotations.
- Admission Requirements: the program does require special admission and it is required that you have prerequisite courses completed prior to the start of the program.
- Tuition: $7,234
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Career Options For Georgia Nurses
Georgia nursing salaries vary, just like they do pretty much everywhere else thats home to a variety of geographic and economic areas. A registered nurse in Savannah, for example, can expect to earn a median salary of $59,223, while the same nurse would earn around $66,000 in Atlanta. These medians reflect an overall salary range of $48,000 to nearly $80,000. All figures are from the BLS.
Entrance Requirements For A Georgia Accelerated Nursing Program

- Bachelors degree: You need to have your bachelors degree to be eligible for accelerated nursing programs, but it can be in any subject!
- GPA: You do not need to take a test for eligibility but most schools will require that you have a minimum GPA of 3.0. These can vary by school so check before applying!
- Complete pre-requisites: While your bachelors degree can be in anything, you may need to complete certain courses before you can apply to an accelerated nursing program. Usually these will be science courses such as biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and more.
- Letters of recommendation: Like any application you need letters of recommendation. Make sure to reach out ahead of time to the people you want to write your letters so that you are not scrambling at the last minute.
- Submit applications: You should look over the applications in advance so you know how much time you will need to complete them. In addition to demographics and basic questions, you may have essays to write. You will also need to collect past transcripts, submit and updated resume, and possibly additional paperwork.
- Interview: Most schools will not require an interview but it always helps to check!
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Georgia Gwinnett Collegelawrenceville Ga
Georgia Gwinnett College is a bit easier to get into with an average acceptance rate of nearly 100%. They do offer a very good campus and a great value for the money.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
- Length of Program: the length of the program does depend on the overall course you choose but the BSN program is four years.
- Admission Requirements: students must complete prerequisite courses prior to applying for the nursing program. It is also recommended that all courses be completed well in advance of applying for the program.
- Tuition: $12,348
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Becoming A Nurse In Georgia
Nursing programs in Georgia provide aspiring nurses with the opportunity to serve patients in healthcare settings across the state. With multiple licensing options available from the Georgia board of nursing, students from accredited programs can follow a clear path to implementing their nursing skills. Despite having more than 80,000 nurses throughout the state, Georgia has one of the worst nursing shortages in the country, meaning there is a huge demand for nurses that is estimated to continue growing through the year 2030. Nursing schools in Georgia are plentiful, offering the chance for fast-tracked options and advanced degrees. Students can explore program options and licensure opportunities for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and to find the best way to become a nurse and serve communities throughout Georgia. They can also discover the renewal process to understand the intensity of each nursing license and how to balance work and study throughout their careers.
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University Of West Georgia School Of Nursing
The School of Nursing at University of West Georgia offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree. There are two pathways available by which to earn an MSN degree at West Georgia: an RN to MSN pathway for diploma or Associates prepared Registered Nurses and a typical BSN to MSN for Bachelors prepared nurses.
Those entering an MSN program via the RN to MSN pathway must first apply to an be accepted to the RN to BSN program. The program can be completed in four semesters of full-time coursework. It can also be completed on a part-time basis extending the time required to complete.
MSN programs are offered in three roles/specializations:
- Health Systems Leadership: Leader/Manager
- Health Systems Leadership: Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nursing Education
Those applying to enter an MSN program via the RN to MSN pathway must hold an Associates degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program with a 2.5 or higher GPA on all core coursework previously completed that is applicable to a BSN degree at West Georgia. They must have completed or received credit for at least 36 semester hours of core. They must hold a Georgia license to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Growing Families/Nurse Educator
- Growing Families/Nurse Administrator
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Georgia Highlands Collegerome Ga
Georgia Highlands Colleges ASN program will train students to be competent, entry-level graduate nurses that can demonstrate excellent decision-making skills, teaching and learning capabilities, compassion, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. GHC offers both online classes and in-person classes and offers a range of different degree options.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.6%
- Length of Program: they offer an ASN program and do offer bridge programs as well
- Admission Requirements: students must be admitted to the college and must complete the prerequisite courses that are listed by the university.
- Tuition: $3,288 per year for Georgia residents and $9,485 for non-Georgia residents
- Accreditation: Georgia Board of Nursing
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Family Nurse Practitioner Programs In Georgia
As the role of APRNs continues to expand, the FNP programs of Georgia consistently evolve with the challenges of a growing field of advanced practice for nurses. Most programs offer flexible scheduling hours, non-traditional program tracks and part-time programs that conform to the busy schedule of working professionals. A registered nurse in Georgia must attend a state-approved graduate program that focuses on family health.
Degree track options for FNP programs may include:
- ADN to masters degree in FNP
- BSN to FNP graduate program
- MSN to postgraduate certificate or doctoral FNP program
- Non-nursing degree to FNP masters degree program
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Lanier Technical Collegeoakwood Ga
Lanier Technical College offers two nursing programs: Practical Nursing and Associate of Science Degree in Nursing . The LPN Program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses and give competent nursing care. Students learn a variety of techniques and go through several clinical experiences planned to prepare the student for a career in nursing. The RN Program is a two-year associate-level nursing program that is designed to prepare students for positions in the nursing profession. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN and licensure by the Georgia Board of Nursing, graduates are employable as registered nurses in a variety of settings.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%
- Length of Program: 5 semesters , 6 semesters
- Admission Requirements: Must be 18 years of age. High school diploma or GED is required prior to admission. Official transcripts or GED scores must be submitted from all colleges and/or high schools attended for credit. ACCUPLACER Testing, or submit SAT, ACT, COMPASS, or ASSET test scores.
- Additionally, the RN Program requires:
- Test of Essential Academic Skills composite score of 70 or higher
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completion of all general education core and biology coursework
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification for Healthcare Professionals
- Attendance at a program information session
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Masters Degree Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
This advanced practice nursing option focuses on the preparation of registered nurses who can function in the role of a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner. The curriculum emphasizes excellence in practice, research, critical thinking, inquiry, and leadership. The curriculum consists of a minimum of 48 semester hours of study. Full-time and part-time study may be selected. Each students program of study will be planned at the time of admission. Students will be advised of any curricular changes at that time. Graduates of the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner option are employed in a variety of clinical and ambulatory settings and are eligible for certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.