[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Georgia is known for its friendly people, Southern hospitality, and low cost of living. It also offers great opportunities for nurses. [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm?AreaName=&AreaNameSelect%5B%5D=13&Name=&NameSelect%5B%5D=664&items_per_page=10″ target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link] projects a 18.1% increase in demand for registered nurses (RNs) by 2030, which is much higher than the national average.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide can help you decide if pursuing nursing education and a career in the Peach State is right for you. Explore how to get a state license, earning potential, and details about the top nursing schools in Georgia, including those that can prepare you for a career as a nurse practitioner (NP).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Georgia.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Georgia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Georgia is home to an array of nursing education options, such as large state universities, local community colleges, and private colleges of all sizes. To help you identify the ideal program for your needs and goals, we’ve compiled the following list of the best nursing schools in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Georgia, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Georgia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are dozens of nursing schools in Georgia, including some of the top-ranked programs in the country. However, you should consider several factors when choosing where to apply.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Look at program curriculum and length, the availability of both [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//in-person-vs-online-nursing-programs/”] in-person and online nursing school requirements[/hen-ui-link], and clinical details, such as available clinical placement assistance. Tuition and financial aid options are also important considerations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students may qualify for federal student aid. Georgia’s HOPE Programs offer scholarship and grant assistance to qualified students, but learners should look at [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]nursing financial aid options[/hen-ui-link] specific to the program as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a licensed nurse in Georgia, you must complete a program approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]Accreditation for nursing programs is important[/hen-ui-link] because it ensures that all nurses in the state have been trained to the same standards and that nursing programs adequately prepare graduates for safe, effective practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you choose a program not board approved, you will not qualify for a nursing license in Georgia.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Georgia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a nurse in Georgia offers many advantages. In addition to plenty of job opportunities and competitive salaries, Georgia has some policies that might make it attractive to nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, nurses do not have to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-union-pros-cons/”]join a nurses’ union[/hen-ui-link] to gain employment, as Georgia is a right-to-work state. Georgia also upholds the Family Care Act, also known as the Kin Care Law. This allows employees to use paid sick leave to care for immediate family members, not just themselves.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, meaning licensed nurses here are authorized to work in 30 other compact states. Nurses who wish to work in Georgia, but have licenses from noncompact states, can get a Georgia license by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Georgia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in Georgia earn an average salary of $71,510, slightly less than the national median earnings of $75,330, according to the BLS. Nurse practitioners also earn less than the national average in the Peach State, with an average salary of $106,620, compared to the national median of $111,670.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although RN pay ranks 29th in the nation, and NP pay comes in 40th, the cost of living here is also one of the lowest in the United States. Georgia ranks 48th on the cost-of-living index, and housing is among the most affordable in the nation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand for RNs between 2018 and 2028 is projected to increase by 22.5%, much higher than the national average of 9%. Demand for nurse practitioners should increase slower than the national average. However, at 41.4% projected growth, demand for NPs is still very high. The BLS projects a continued [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link] through 2030.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s no surprise that Georgia’s largest metropolitan area, Atlanta, is also its highest-paying city. Atlanta is home to five of the state’s highest-ranked hospitals, including two Magnet hospitals. However, [hen-ui-link href=”/state/georgia//rn-salary/”]Georgia nurses can also earn competitive salaries[/hen-ui-link] in smaller cities and rural regions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below details the top five highest-paying metro areas.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Georgia[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Atlanta — Sandy Springs — Roswell[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$80,760[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Athens — Clarke County[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$73,370[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Augusta — Richmond County[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$72,420[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rome[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,320[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hinesville[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$65,510[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Georgia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Georgia Board of Nursing oversees all nurse credentialing. The board also sets nursing regulations and education requirements. The following is an overview of the general processes for licensure as an RN or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As in [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]all states which have RN requirements[/hen-ui-link], nurses in Georgia are required to be licensed before practicing. Licensure requires completing an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) program and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]passing the National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Georgia allows nurses to apply for licensure online or by paper application. If you earn your degree from an out-of-state nursing school, you must submit a paper application. Graduates of in-state nursing programs can apply online without submitting transcripts, as those are automatically sent to the Georgia Board of Nursing by the school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before submitting your application, register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson Vue and COGENT (the state background check service). The application fee is $40. Most applications are processed in 15 days, but there may be a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]To become an APRN[/hen-ui-link] in Georgia, you’ll need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link]. The Georgia Board of Nursing requires applicants to hold a valid Georgia RN license and submit verification of active national certification in their specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’ve never been licensed as an APRN in any state, you’ll also need to submit transcripts showing a completed graduate program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re licensed in another state and seeking your first Georgia APRN license, you have the option to submit documentation of 500 hours of practice if you completed your graduate program more than four years ago.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To apply for an APRN license, submit a paper application; there is no online option. The fee is $75.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Georgia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse in Georgia?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the degree type (ADN or BSN), it takes 2-4 years to become a nurse in Georgia. Both degrees qualify you to take the NCLEX. However, some employers, including Magnet hospitals, require RNs to hold a BSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Georgia state good for nursing?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Overall, Georgia consistently ranks among the top states for nurses. The Department of Health and Human Services identifies Georgia as a state that will have a significant nursing shortage by 2030, so nurses can find many job options.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although salaries are moderate compared to other states, they are offset by the low cost of living. The pleasant climate, safe neighborhoods, and overall quality of life also make this an attractive place to live.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become a nurse in Georgia?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a nurse in Georgia, earn an ADN or a BSN degree and pass the NCLEX to qualify for a license issued by the Georgia Board of Nursing. If you already hold a license from a Nursing Compact state, you can apply for a license by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How often do you need to renew your nursing license in Georgia?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Georgia requires nurses to renew their licenses every two years. All licenses expire on January 31. For example, a license issued or renewed in 2021 will expire on January 31, 2023. Nurses must complete one of five [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education/competency options for nurses[/hen-ui-link] to qualify for renewal.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]