DEGREES

Top ABSN Programs in Georgia in 2024

Written By: Chaunie Brusie

BSN, RN

11 Min Read Published August 23, 2024

How to Earn an ABSN in Georgia
ABSN Programs in Georgia
What to Expect
Working as a Nurse in Georgia
Next Steps
FAQs

If you’re an aspiring nurse in Georgia with a bachelor's degree, an accelerated BSN might be the right path for you. This guide to ABSN programs in Georgia lays out all your program options in the Peach State.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

How to Earn an ABSN in Georgia

To earn your ABSN in Georgia, you must first have a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field. Then, you’ll have to apply to an accelerated nursing program. Some schools may also have certain prerequisites you need to have before applying, like recent math or chemistry classes.

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ABSN Programs in Georgia

Georgia is a well-respected state for nursing education in general and offers several ABSN programs for anyone looking to add nursing as a second career. Plus, Georgia has many benefits for school in general, like sunny weather and lots of outdoor activities when you’re ready for a break from studying.

We’ve selected 5 of the best ABSN programs in Georgia, including an option at Emory University that lets students graduate in only one year online with the option to complete clinicals near their home. One thing to note about attending school in Georgia is that all ABSN students must complete U.S. and Georgia History and Constitution prerequisite courses per the University System of Georgia.

1. Albany State University

Location: Albany, Georgia
Program Cost: $169.33 per credit hour
Program Length: 5 semesters
School Type: Public
Online Options Available? Hybrid

If you are interested in Albany State University’s ABSN program, the nursing school recommends that you apply to the university as a general applicant at least one month before applying to the ABSN program.

The 5-semester program officially starts in the fall semester, and students take on-campus classes at Albany State University’s East and West Campuses. The school does state there may be online and hybrid classes offered, but there are no guarantees.

Clinicals take place at on-campus clinical labs, the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and other areas as needed. As a bonus, if you’re looking to continue your career and education, many students can go directly into graduate programs through Albany after finishing their ABSN.

2. Emory University

Location: Emory, Georgia
Program Cost: $1,706 per credit hour
Program Length: 3 semesters
School Type: Private
Online Options Available? Hybrid

Emory University might just boast one of the fastest ABSN programs around, with admitted students able to finish their ABSN in only one year (three semesters) of study. Part of the reason the fast ABSN program works is because they only admit 30 students per class. Another major benefit? The entire program is online, and you can complete clinicals at chosen sites near your home or through Emory’s site partners. There are three program start times: August, May, and January.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

3. Georgia Southwestern State University

Location: Americus, Georgia
Program Cost: $194 per credit hour
Program Length: 18 months
School Type: Public
Online Options Available? Hybrid

There are quite a few prerequisites at Georgia Southwestern State University, including specific grades you will need on pre-courses, so you may want to double-check you have all the admission requirements before you apply. Applicants must also have taken the HESI Admission Assessment A2 with a minimum score of 75% (and only two attempts within two years are allowed). The application deadline for fall admission is February 15th, while the spring admission deadline is October 15th.

4. Kennesaw State University

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
Program Cost:
- In-state: $270 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $975 per credit hour
Program Length: 4 semesters
School Type: Public
Online Options Available? Hybrid

This program is four semesters long, yet still includes humanities and social sciences as well as theoretical instruction to prepare professionals in the nursing field. The ABSN at Kennesaw provides the same groundwork as the BSN track, but on a faster timeline. The ABSN has to be completed in 4 semesters with no summer breaks, instead of 6 semesters spread over 2 years with summer breaks. The program has both spring and fall start times.

5. Valdosta State University

Location: Valdosta, Georgia
Program Cost:
- In-state: $182.13 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $642.73 per credit hour
Program Length: 15 months
School Type: Public
Online Options Available? Hybrid

Valdosta State University’s ABSN program is four semesters long (about 15 months), starting in May and graduating the following July. Students find out if they’ve been accepted about 8 to 10 weeks after applying. Program sizes are on the smaller end, ranging from 17 to 32 students, which allows for an individualized and focused educational experience.

What to Expect in an ABSN Program in Georgia

Like other ABSN programs in the country, Georgia's programs are competitive and fast-paced. However, all the programs are hybrid, and some are extremely accelerated, which is good for students with busy schedules who want to enter the workforce quickly.

Georgia ABSN Tuition

Tuition for ABSN programs in Georgia cost between $169-$1700 per credit hour. Your tuition will vary depending on the program’s location, public vs. private school status, and in-person vs. online attendance.

Admission Requirements

Each university has its own specific admissions standards. However, every ABSN program in Georgia requires a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Other common admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in Georgia include:

Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Prerequisites (e.g., Statistics or Anatomy & Physiology)
Personal statement
TEAS examination
Letter(s) of recommendation
Transcripts
Application fee
Admissions interview
Resume/CV

How Hard Are Georgia ABSN Programs?

The Peach State boasts some of the top ABSN programs nationwide. Admission to these schools is incredibly competitive, and the curriculums are challenging, sometimes requiring up to 80 hours a week of learning. ABSN programs have smaller class sizes, so admission to these schools is competitive. It will be important to devote your full effort and attention to your studies.

Despite the challenges, earning an ABSN in Georgia has its perks. Seventeen hospitals in North Carolina made the US News best hospitals rankings list, providing good environments for learning and working.

How Long is an Accelerated BSN Program in Georgia?

Accelerated BSN programs in Georgia typically take 12 to 18 months to complete. These programs have a set progression plan that students must follow to graduate.

Working as a Nurse in Georgia

BSN Salary in Georgia

The median annual RN salary nationwide is $94,480 or $45.42 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). RNs in Georgia earn well above this average, bringing in $95,000 annually or $45.67 an hour.

ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for BSN nurses is $62 an hour, while ADNs earn $31 an hour.

Career Outlook

Georgia is home to 154,505 registered nurses. The BLS reports that all RN jobs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2023, faster than the average for all other occupations. This growth equates to 177,400 openings for registered nurses each year.

BSN Jobs in Georgia

Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals. Other possible job locations include:

Ambulatory healthcare services
Government agencies
Academia
Medical and aesthetic spas
Outpatient clinics
Long-term care facilities
Private practice
Surgery centers
Urgent care centers
Retirement facilities
Mental health facilities

Next Steps

With a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can achieve your dream nursing career with a timely and affordable ABSN program in Georgia. These degrees allow qualified non-nurses to enter the workforce in 12-18 months at a fraction of the cost of traditional BSNs.

Accelerated nursing programs in Georgia offer in-person and hybrid options, multiple start dates, and hands-on practice in clinical settings. If you're ready to become a nurse in the Peach State, these programs may be exactly what you need.

For more information on earning an ABSN, check out these resources:

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

FAQs

How many ABSN programs are in Georgia?
- There are currently five accredited ABSN programs in Georgia.
How much do ABSN programs in Georgia cost?
- ABSN programs range in price from roughly $169 to $1,700 per credit hour, depending on the program.
How long are ABSN programs in Georgia?
- ABSN programs in George range from 12-18 months.
How many nurses are in Georgia?
- Currently, there are 154,505 registered nurses employed in Georgia.
How much do nurses in Georgia make?
- ABSNs in Georgia make around $95,000 annually.