Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia

If you want to become a nurse practitioner in Georgia,  you're in the right place. You can join this rewarding and lucrative career in Georgia by attending one of 13 excellent universities offering nurse practitioner programs.  This guide explores the best nurse practitioner programs in Georgia, including accreditation, tuition, requirements, and more.  

 

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Georgia

You can become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Georgia by completing the following steps:

1. Attend an accredited BSN program
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN
3. Gain relevant experience working as an RN, if required
4. Apply to an accredited psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program
5. Graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program
6. Become board-certified by passing the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam
7. Get a job as a nurse practitioner

If you already have an NP degree, you can attend a post-graduate nurse practitioner certificate program instead of earning a separate degree.

 

Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia

The best nurse practitioner programs are organized based on our ranking methodology, which considers tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation. We also evaluate programs based on the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.

 

Georgia Nurse Practitioner Program Admission Requirements 

Admission requirements to Georgia nurse practitioner programs vary depending on the school and degree path. General admission requirements for all nurse practitioner programs include the following:

• A BSN from an accredited program
• A BSN GPA of at least 3.0
• Unencumbered RN license
• A basic statistics grade of 2.0 or better
• One year of relevant bedside nursing experience
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Personal statement
• CV/Resume
• Official application and fee
• Personal interview
• GRE scores, if applicable
• TOEFL score, if applicable

 

How Hard Are Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia?

Nurse practitioner programs, in Georgia or elsewhere, are challenging and require a significant amount of time and money. Coursework is intense and often involves a lot of time to prepare, study, and complete clinicals. 

Full-time nurse practitioner students won't have enough time for a job, and their family and social time may become more restricted. Considering these factors will help you understand whether a nurse practitioner program in Georgia is right for your nursing career.

 

How Long Are Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia?

The length of a nurse practitioner program depends on the degree. Most students can earn an MSN in just two years, while DNP programs take three to four years. 

Some schools also offer part-time options, allowing students up to six years to complete all requirements.  Part-time attendance is ideal for students who must work while attending the program or those with family obligations.

No matter the length, you can expect a Georgia nurse practitioner program to first consist of in-person or online didactic coursework. Clinicals correspond directly with the classwork, and students generally complete them toward the end of the program.

 

What to Expect Working as a Nurse Practitioner in Georgia

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Georgia

The average annual salary for a nurse practitioner in Georgia is $110,019 or $53 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the career outlook for NPs is excellent. Over the next ten years, the BLS predicts employment for NPs will grow by 40% (Much faster than average).

Where can you work? Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Georgia

Nurse practitioners can work in a variety of locations throughout Georgia. These include: 

• Academia
• Community Mental Health Centers (urban and rural)
• Consulting with businesses and communities
• Correctional Facilities
• Domestic Violence Shelters
• Government Agency
• Home Health Agencies
• Hospitals
• Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities
• Primary Healthcare Clinics
• Private Psychiatric Practices
• Psychopharmacology Clinic
• Psychiatric Consult Services
• Public health agencies
• Residential Substance Abuse Facilities
• Schools
• State Psychiatric Facilities
• Student Health Clinics
• Urban Nurse-Managed Clinic
• Veterans Administration Psychiatric Facilities

 

Next Steps for Becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Georgia

The first step for becoming a nurse practitioner in Georgia is finding a program that suits your needs. You can also attend a virtual information session at your prospective school or talk to a guidance counselor to learn more. The programs on this list are all excellent options to start with in looking at a psychiatric mental health NP career path. 

To choose a program that works best for you, you should consider several factors. Ask yourself:

• Do I want an MSN, a DNP degree, or a post-graduate certificate?
• Will I attend full or part-time?
• Do I need online options?
• Am I able to attend on-campus events and learning sessions as needed?
• What is my tuition budget? Am I eligible for financial aid?
• Is the program nearby? Am I willing to relocate?
• Do I meet the admission requirements? Can I complete them by the application deadline?
• Is the program accredited? 

If you have more questions, try contacting the program representative. Talking to a point of contact could help your application become noticed while addressing your concerns.

Depending on the program, you may also need to secure a preceptor and a clinical site. If your school doesn’t assign these, you should begin the search early, as the process can take time.

 

FAQs 

• How Many Nurse Practitioner Schools are in Georgia?

  • There are currently thirteen universities offering nurse practitioner programs in Georgia.

• How Much Does Nurse Practitioner School Cost in Georgia?

  • Nurse practitioner programs, including nurse practitioner schools in Georgia, range in price from $15,000 to $120,000. However, the ones we’ve featured range from $15,000-$55,000.

• How Many Nurse Practitioners are in Georgia?

  • The BLS reports that there are 10,580 nurse practitioners in California, making an average annual salary of $25,490.