Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Georgia

The first step to becoming a nurse is getting an education, and the school where you earn your degree in nursing will have a big impact on your future nursing career.

Whether you’re looking to study in the South or are a local taking advantage of lower tuition, there are plenty of great nursing schools in Georgia. Each nursing school on this list adheres to the state’s standards for nursing, and earning an education in Georgia is the most straightforward way to end up with a nursing job in the state. 

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Georgia 

Nursing students should factor in both benefits and costs. While some schools seem more attractive at first glance, what matters, in the end, is whether you received your degree and are able to get a job. That being said, in-state students will have more choices and lower costs, so they can be a bit more choosy.

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,

• Reputation
• NCLEX pass rate
• Tuition
• Acceptance rate, when available
• Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible

Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

• Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
• Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
• Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN
• Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
• Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 

• As of 2021, Georgia employs 78,290 nurses, higher than most states.
• The annual mean wage for nurses in Georgia is $75,380, or $36.24/hr. While this is lower than the national average, Georgia has a lower cost of living than most other states. Pay for nurses may also be higher in denser urban areas like Atlanta.

One big advantage of studying in Georgia is the high demand for registered nurses. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs- Roswell metropolitan area is a top employer for registered nurses, according to the BLS.

 There are so many factors involved in getting hired for your first nursing job and the school you choose can help determine your future career. 

Next Steps

After you’ve reviewed the top nursing programs in Georgia, the next step is to start applying to different schools. You should always be prepared to apply to multiple schools, too, since you never know which school could offer you a scholarship.

1. Get in contact with an admission representative from each school. They know the ins and outs of that school’s application process, and they’ll tell you everything you need to know about the application process.
2. Make sure you are eligible to apply to the nursing program. It’s also important to know that acceptance into a school does not guarantee acceptance into a nursing program. Nursing programs often have additional, often stricter, requirements for entry. Be sure you meet these prior to applying to a school or find out if you can satisfy the additional requirements prior to applying to the nursing program.
3. Gather the required application materials and documents. It’s best to keep in contact with admissions representatives to ensure that you’re supplying everything that is needed. For example, many schools and nursing programs may require a minimum GPA of 2.75, and others require one or two letters of recommendation. Also, know that you typically apply to a nursing program a year into your college education, so some requirements can be completed after you’ve started your college career. 

Remember: if at any point in the application process you feel lost or confused, contact the school’s admission representatives. They’ll walk you through everything you need to do.

How to Choose a Nursing School

While a high NCLEX pass rate may seem attractive, it’s important to note that these pass rates typically only represent a recent graduating class. Just because 95% of students passed the NCLEX last year doesn’t guarantee the same results when you graduate in four years.

This is why students should consider multiple factors prior to choosing which school to attend. Factors to consider include:

• Size of the school
• Tuition cost
• The acceptance rate to the university
•  The acceptance rate to the nursing program
• NCLEX pass rate
• The school’s accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation  

Nursing students who complete their studies at a non-accredited university will not be able to sit for the NCLEX and are not eligible to become licensed in their state.

The two nursing program accrediting organizations are,

• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

These accrediting bodies ensure that all accredited nursing programs adhere to the same standard and criteria. 

You should never feel pressured to pick a school just because it seems like a “good enough” college. You’ll be spending four years here, along with thousands in tuition. Be sure that you’re making the best pick for your personal goals. 

Getting an RN License in Georgia

To become an RN in Georgia, you need to:

• Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
• Complete a criminal background check
• Complete the Georgia Board of Nursing application 

Compared to other states, Georgia doesn’t require as much from prospective nurses in terms of licensing requirements. However, if your goal is to become a nurse in Georgia, it’s still a smart decision to look at schools in the state. Faculty and staff often have local connections, and this type of networking can help you land your first nursing position!

Next Steps

Georgia is a top employer for nurses, and there’s a growing demand for new nurse graduates in the workplace. There are plenty of great schools in Georgia to choose from, too, and each can lead to a successful nursing career.

References:

BLS

Best Places – Georgia

Georgia Secretary of State Licensure as a Registered Nurse