Online ADN Programs in Georgia: Top School Comparison

Profiling Georgia’s Top ADN Programs

Did you know that Georgia ranks among the top states for RN employment? Georgia’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)programs — also referred to as Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) programs — offer a quick and affordable way to get the training you need to become a registered nurse in half the time of traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

With plenty of opportunities for hands-on clinical work, these programs prepare you for employment in various medical settings, from doctor’s offices to emergency rooms. Most programs are completed within two years, but there are also accelerated ADN programs where you can graduate in as little as 14 months.

While fully online ADN programs aren’t available in Georgia due to the hands-on nature of clinical training, hybrid models are growing in popularity. These programs combine in-person clinical placements with online coursework, offering flexibility for working students.

When looking for programs, you’ll want to find accredited options that prepare you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Any ADN program you choose should be approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing, and quality programs will have their NCLEX-RN pass rate proudly displayed on their school’s program page. With that said, let’s dive into some of Georgia’s premiere ADN programs.

Answering Online ADN Program FAQs

If you’re considering an ADN program, chances are you have more questions — like how much it will cost, what the admissions process looks like, and whether online options are a good fit. You’re not alone! Below, we’ve answered the most common questions people ask when starting this journey so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

What nursing knowledge and skills do you learn in ADN programs?

These programs prepare students for entry-level nursing work in various settings by building key skills in patient-centered, evidence-based care. A typical course of study, like at Dalton State College, blends academic, theory-based coursework with hands-on learning that reflects nurses’ daily conditions and real-world problems.

Like other healthcare professionals, nurses need an adequate background in the sciences, and most Georgia ADN programs begin by developing foundations in microbiology, physiology and anatomy, and psychology. You can also expect to gain skills in health assessment, mental health, surgical procedures, and medication administration.

How much do ADN programs cost in Georgia?

The total cost varies depending on program specifics, school, and individual circumstances (additional fees, course load per term, potential travel, etc.). That said, most two-year nursing programs in Georgia charge similar tuition rates. Tuition ranges from $95/credit for in-state tuition (Georgia Highlands College) to $395/credit for out-of-state tuition at College of Coastal Georgia.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my ADN program in Georgia?

Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid help reduce the overall cost of your education. ADN nursing programs in Georgia are already relatively inexpensive, but taking advantage of opportunities helps avoid paying extra or going into debt. Most schools offer financial aid to new and returning students; some may even set aside special scholarships for aspiring nurses.

Government entities like the Georgia Student Finance Commission also offer scholarships and other aid programs open to students attending two-year nursing programs in Georgia.

What are the advantages of graduating from an ADN program?

Compared to other nursing programs, ADN degrees offer a ton of benefits. First, they are the fastest and most affordable way to become an RN in Georgia. A traditional BSN takes almost twice as long (and incurs twice as many expenses). At the same time, programs like Chattahoochee Tech and College of Coastal Georgia typically last just two years and offer everything you need to get licensed and enter the workforce as an RN.

You’ll also earn significantly higher pay with an ADN than other entry-level nursing careers. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs are paid significantly higher wages than CNAs or LPNs. For example, RNs brought home $86,070 in 2023 — more than double the yearly income of most CNAs ($38,130) and nearly 44% more than LPNs ($59,730).

Is earning an ADN or ASN a good way to begin my nursing career?

Yes. ADN nursing programs in Georgia offer a fast track to RN licensure and pathways for further education and career advancement. Many schools in Georgia offer accelerated BSN or MSN options for students who have completed ADN nursing programs. Some even have special bridge programs — such as online RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs — that require less time and paperwork. For example, Georgia State University and South Georgia State College offer this option to students seeking an ADN.

ADN Career Outlook for Georgia’s Registered Nurses

ADN nurses in Georgia enjoy strong career prospects and competitive salaries, making this a popular pathway for aspiring RNs. While ADN graduates typically earn less than those with a BSN, the average salary for ADN nurses in Georgia is still impressive, ranging from $86,210 to $92,140. In-demand positions like surgical technicians and RNs in metropolitan areas like Atlanta can see earnings at the higher end of this range.

Typical roles for ADN nurses include staff nurse positions in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and outpatient centers. These roles emphasize patient care, medication administration, and teamwork in fast-paced environments. However, BSN-prepared nurses often secure higher-paying leadership or specialty positions, reflecting their advanced education.

ADN graduates looking to boost their earning potential and expand their career opportunities can pursue RN-to-BSN or accelerated BSN programs. Many of these programs are offered online, allowing working nurses to further their education while maintaining their current roles.

Although employers increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, ADN programs remain an affordable, efficient way to enter the nursing field.

Ranking the Top Online ADN Programs in Georgia