Georgia Nursing Schools & Licensure
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“The future of Georgia’s health and well-being is intricately woven into the threads of nurses.”
Macy Mosher, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Mercer University
Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states and has some of the best nursing schools in the country. The Georgia Board of Nursing approves more than 60 accredited nursing programs in Georgia, including associate’s of science in nursing (ASN), bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), master’s of science in nursing (MSN), post-master’s certificates, and doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) degrees.
Nursing has multiple points of entry for every level of education. Starting with a high school diploma or GED, aspiring nurses can become licensed practical nurses (LVNs) with a year of training or enter a two-year or four-year nursing program. Those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees can apply to BSN programs to earn a registered nurse (RN) license. As for graduate-level education, applicants with BSN degrees and nursing experience are eligible for MSN, post-master’s certificates, and DNP programs to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which can lead to nurse leadership and research positions.
Nationally, nursing is growing faster than the national average at all levels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), from 2024 to 2034, the need for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow by 5 percent (the national average for all professions is 3 percent). This growth will create 116,100 new RN positions. By comparison, the need for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 35 percent in the same decade, adding 134,000 new jobs. Moreover, the BLS reports that Georgia, as well as the Atlanta metropolitan area, are among the top 10 employers for both licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).
With so many great options, it’s no wonder nursing is a popular career choice in the Peach State. Read on to learn more about accredited nursing schools in Georgia, including on-campus, hybrid, and online programs, nursing salaries, and how to earn a nursing license in Georgia.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Expert: Macy Mosher, PhD, RN, CCRN-K, CEN, CNE
Dr. Macy Mosher is an assistant professor of nursing at Mercer University. She earned her PhD in nursing from Georgia State University and both her master of science in nursing and bachelor of science in nursing from Georgia College & State University. Before joining Mercer, Dr. Mosher practiced as a registered nurse in leadership, critical care, and emergency nursing.
Dr. Mosher holds multiple certifications, including critical care, fundamentals of critical care support, emergency/trauma, and nursing education. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Her research interests focus on improving health outcomes in adults with chronic liver disease and developing strategies to enhance the success of critical care new-graduate nurse residencies.
NursingColleges.com: What do you wish people knew about nursing in Georgia?
Nurses in Georgia are uniquely positioned to make a drastic difference in the health and wellness of those directly in their community. Today, Georgia nurses are doing far more than providing basic care. They are directly responsible for essential decision-making, managing high acuity clinical situations, leading teams of other care providers, researching ideas to improve health outcomes, legislating for positive change in the healthcare arena, caring for those in rural communities and large urban settings, and working to bridge the gap of public health practice.
Nurses work every day to make our community a better place to live. The future of Georgia’s health and well-being is intricately woven into the threads of nurses.
NursingColleges.com: Do you have any advice for aspiring nurses?
The journey of nursing education can be tough, but remember that there is no other career quite like nursing. Remember your “why” for wanting to be a nurse. The work can be hard, but seeing the impact you will have on the quality of life of others is rewarding. A nursing career can have many paths, and it is ok to move around and do a variety of things. Stay current and make yourself relevant. It’s a decision that you will not regret, and a life of serving others will make a positive difference all around you.
NursingColleges.com: What does the future of nursing look like to you?
Hopefully, the future of nursing is one of progress with a focus on nursing autonomy. The culture of nursing is one of pride and compassion, which will hopefully continue to strengthen and positively inform the healthcare landscape. Innovative strategies to nursing staffing challenges and improvement of the workload of Georgia nurses is of utmost importance.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is likely going to revolutionize many parts of the healthcare system, and it is imperative that nurses have a front row seat at the table to ensure AI is structured, implemented, and evaluated in a way that will work for both nurses and the population of patients they serve.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Georgia
Mercer University (on-campus & hybrid)
Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing BSN program offers students multiple tracks to achieve their BSN degree. All three available tracks reach this goal, differentiating based on an applicant’s prior academic background and educational experience. The traditional pre-license track is designed for those who have just completed high school and are beginning their nursing education.
Students looking to expand upon prior nursing licenses can take the second-degree accelerated track, or registered nurses can choose the RN-to-BSN completion track. No matter the background, Mercer provides a BSN program that fits the student’s goals of graduate nurse education.
- Location: Multiple campuses in Macon, Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus, GA
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Emory University (on-campus & hybrid)
Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers an array of BSN programs for students of all backgrounds and experience levels. The school is ranked number one on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of best undergraduate nursing programs, and offers traditional BSN transfer and pre-licensure BSN options.
In addition to the BSN pre-licensure program, the school provides distance-based BSN programs with entry-to-practice master’s in nursing and doctoral degree options. For example, the Distance-Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN) program enables distant learners holding a bachelor’s degree to attain their BSN credentials within 12 months (three semesters). Finally, those pursuing higher education beyond the BSN level can utilize the university’s available MSN, DNP, or PhD programs.
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Georgia Southern University (on-campus & online)
Georgia Southern University offers BSN programs ranging from pre-licensure, accelerated, and advanced placement tracks for LVN-to-BSN to an online RN-to-BSN program for applicants with associate degrees. In addition, students can choose their desired timeline, whether 12 months or up to four years.
Through the School of Nursing and Waters College of Health Professions, students can also find MSN programs and post-master’s certificate programs to specialize in adult-gerontology, family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and an MSN-to-DNP program is available. With multiple BSN programs uniquely designed for each individual’s needs, Georgia Southern University is an excellent location on campus and online to start an educational journey in nursing.
- Location: Savannah, GA
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Augusta University (on-campus)
Augusta University BSN program offers students an intensive traditional BSN program, which students can complete within four years. The curriculum prepares competent practice-oriented professionals to succeed in the healthcare field. The program blends didactic knowledge and clinical experiences with opportunities for hands-on learning through local healthcare facilities. Comprehensive labs and simulations allow students to develop their skills as professional nurses.
Graduates of this BSN program are eligible to take the NCLEX exam to become eligible for RN licensure in U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. BSN will also provide a robust foundation for those who plan to further their education at the graduate level.
- Location: Campuses in Augusta and Athens, GA
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Albany State University (on-campus & hybrid)
Albany State University offers a unique BSN program available both on-campus and hybrid. With this baccalaureate degree, students can benefit from the flexibility of studying at their convenience while obtaining a comprehensive nursing education. Through this program, students can learn about several aspects of the nursing profession, including women’s health, pediatrics, adult medical-surgical, and more.
Upon completing the BSN degree requirements, graduates are prepared to take the state licensing exam and become registered nurses. This program is designed for high school, transfer, and change-of-major students who want to pursue a BSN degree affordably.
- Location: Albany, GA
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Georgia
Brenau University (hybrid)
Brenau University’s DNP program, offered through the Ivester College of Health Sciences, is designed to prepare professional nurses for clinical practice and advanced roles. With an emphasis on inquiry, leadership, and scholarship, graduates of the DNP program will have invaluable expertise in all aspects of nursing. Through two different DNP pods, advanced practice nurse and leadership and management, applicants are open to various study options depending on their career goals.
To be eligible for these DNP programs, applicants must have an MSN degree, possess a valid nursing license, and exhibit at least one year of experience as an advanced practice nurse or in a nursing management role. In addition, those interested in applying should gather transcripts from prior schooling institutions, a current resume, and two professional references before applying. In some cases, candidates may also be requested to do an interview.
- Location: North Atlanta, GA
- Duration: Three to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Georgia College & State University (hybrid)
Georgia College and State University School of Nursing offer an MSN program taught in an engaging hybrid format. With minimal on-campus requirements, this MSN degree allows nurses to further their career prospects nationwide.
This MSN degree provides concentrations in critical areas such as family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP) and nurse educator (NE), and nurse-midwifery. Furthermore, post-master certificates specializing in these concentrations are also available to MSN-prepared applicants.
- Location: Milledgeville, GA
- Duration: Two to seven years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of North Georgia (hybrid)
The University of North Georgia (UNG) offers a comprehensive MSN program with a concentration in nursing education that allows students to learn through both asynchronous online classes and optional synchronous sessions for specific courses. Students can join new cohorts that begin every June.
Admission requires a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and other qualifications such as a grade point average of 3.0 and relevant clinical experience. The MSN program at UNG also provides foundational support should the student wish to pursue further doctoral education or even earn extra post-master’s certificates or a doctorate in nursing practices.
- Location: Multiple campuses in Georgia
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Georgia State University (on-campus & hybrid)
Georgia State University’s Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions offers DNP students an array of programs and areas to study, ranging from entry-level associate or bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees or doctor of nursing practice or PhD degrees.
In addition, DNP students in their programs benefit from working full-time while preparing for various career pathways, including healthcare administration, professional nursing organizations, higher education, and many practice settings throughout Georgia.
Additionally, the DNP program offers a hybrid program combining online (web-facilitated) classes with a limited number of on-campus sessions each year. DNP students will attend one day at the beginning of each fall semester for on-campus sessions and then participate in real-time and on-demand courses that support the 1,000 clinical hours required for DNP completion. New cohorts begin every fall semester.
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Duration: Three to seven years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Middle Georgia State University (online)
The MSN in adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) program at Middle Georgia State University is a 45-credit graduate curriculum that prepares experienced nurses for advanced practice in acute and sub-acute settings. Designed to equip students to care for a broad patient population, the program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management of acute and complex conditions.
The program is offered fully online, with two full-day immersions per semester. Graduates emerge ready to deliver advanced nursing care in a range of high-acuity environments, including emergency departments, intensive and trauma care units, specialty clinics, long-term care facilities, and advanced diagnostic settings.
- Location: Warner Robins, GA
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing accreditation evaluates nursing schools to ensure they provide quality nursing care in compliance with standards set by nursing-educational organizations.
Accreditation comes in two forms: programmatic and institutional. Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific nursing degree programs. The following organizations award accreditation to nursing schools:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Graduating from an accredited nursing program is required to be eligible to take the NCLEX licensure exam and become a registered nurse. The process for obtaining nursing accreditation involves an extensive review that may include an analysis of educational missions, operational plans, nursing curricula, faculty qualifications, resources, and other criteria related to nursing education.
By comparison, institutional accreditation is at an organizational level and evaluates entire colleges or universities by region. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the following accrediting bodies:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation enables nursing schools and other educational institutions to validate their commitment to excellence and high standards of education.
Lastly, when considering an online or hybrid program, students must also research their eligibility for state authorization. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) oversees regulations concerning student residency and professional program eligibility. Not double-checking a school’s NC-SARA status can leave students without access to the necessary credentials and state licensing tests – making it all the more essential for prospective students to consider NC-SARA’s guidelines as part of their due diligence.
How Much Do Nurses in Georgia Make?
Georgia nurses can earn salaries significantly higher than the national average for all occupations.
The tables below show the granular salary figures and the number of employed licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the United States and Georgia. All data is sourced from May 2024 figures from the BLS’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics—the latest data available as of October 2025.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 20,800 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $58,090 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $44,500 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $58,490 |
| 90th percentile | $80,950 | $73,040 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,010 | 97,410 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $91,960 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $66,110 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $86,560 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $124,810 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | 1,160 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $219,130 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $184,040 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | $221,190 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | >$239,200 per year |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | 380 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | $124,760 |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | $97,760 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $128,790 | $125,830 |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | $159,250 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 10,580 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $125,490 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $99,920 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $126,060 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $163,970 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Georgia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Board of Nursing | LPN license applicants in Georgia must:
| Renewals for LPN licenses in Georgia are due by March 31st of odd-numbered years. To renew, candidates must:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Georgia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Board of Nursing |
Georgian RN license applicants must:
|
Georgia RN licenses must be renewed by January 31st of odd-numbered years. To renew, candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:
Pay the renewal fee. |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Georgia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
In the state of Georgia, CNS applicants are required to submit the following:
If the applicant is not licensed as an RN in the state of Georgia, they must also submit verification of multi-state license and a declaration of primary state of residency. | CNS licenses in Georgia must be renewed on the 31st of January on the year they expire. Renewal can be completed online through the Georgia online licensing site and requires payment of a fee. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Georgia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
In the state of Georgia, CNM license applicants are required to submit the following:
If the applicant is not licensed as an RN in the state of Georgia, they must also submit verification of Multi-State License and a Declaration of Primary State of Residency. | CNM licenses renew on the 31st of January in the year it expires. Renewal can be completed online through the Georgia licensing site and requires payment of a fee. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Georgia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Board of Nursing | Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP) applicants in Georgia, are required to submit the following:
If the applicant is not licensed as an RN in the state of Georgia, they must also submit verification of Multi-State License and a Declaration of Primary State of Residency. |
|
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Georgia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
In the state of Georgia, CRNA applicants are required to submit the following:
If the applicant is not licensed as an RN in the state of Georgia, they must also submit verification of multi-state license and a declaration of primary state of residency. | CRNA licenses in Georgia must be renewed on the 31st of January in the year it expires. Renewal can be completed online through the Georgia licensing site and requires payment of a fee. |
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the modern nursing workforce, conducting hundreds of interviews with nurse leaders, nurse educators, and nurse advocates to explore the issues that matter to them most. His Advocates to Know series focuses on nurse practitioners (NPs) who go above and beyond in changing policy and practice in important areas like veteran’s care, human trafficking prevention, and telehealth access. He regularly collaborates with subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to elevate issues that empower nurses everywhere.
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.