Top ADN Programs in Georgia: Online & Campus

Qualified nurses are in especially high demand right now. This guide highlights some of the best two-year nursing programs in Georgia, examines the key advantages, and answers popular questions about financial aid, earning potential, and online learning options.

Best ADN Nursing Programs in Georgia

With dozens of ADN programs in Georgia, it’s important to know how to identify the standout schools that could give you a leg up on the competition as you launch your nursing career. In this section we spotlight several two-year nursing programs in Georgia that meet key criteria related to accreditation, affordability, and student support in preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam. Learn which programs stand out in 2022.

Georgia State University – Perimeter College

Georgia State University offers an associate of science in nursing administered by its Perimeter College affiliates (similar to community colleges) throughout the Atlanta area. The two-year Georgia nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX exam and develops technical knowledge in fundamental nursing concepts with a focus on pediatrics and mental health. The program requires 71 credits, including general education instruction, academic nursing courses, and hands-on learning components.

Over 60% of Perimeter College students receive financial aid. Graduates of the program often go on to work in medical and surgical facilities, outpatient care, community nursing centers, and other healthcare settings. Those interested in further advancement can also explore Perimeter’s bridge program, which readies qualified ADNs for licensure at higher levels. While most classes are held in person, the school offers a few hybrid learning options.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s associate of science in nursing program boasts an NCLEX pass rate of nearly 90%. It holds accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and equips students for success as nursing generalists in evidence-based, patient-centered care. The program emphasizes key values such as cultural diversity and compassion and offers courses that build technical knowledge in subjects such as microbiology, psychology, and human development.

Most students finish this Georgia ADN nursing program in two years or less, completing at least 72 credits that also develop foundations in the humanities and social sciences. The program is competitive and offers several start times throughout the year. New students must attend a mandatory orientation session at the school’s Walker County campus.

South Georgia State College

Students enrolled in South Georgia State College’s associate of science in nursing program select from two tracks: a generic practice pathway and an LPN-RN bridge option. The school administers courses for both tracks from its Douglas and Waycross campuses and expects students to complete all program requirements within 2-3 years. Along the way, aspiring professionals receive NCLEX preparation and instruction in nursing fundamentals and clinical healthcare practice.

Courses for the 72-credit program cover a broad range of topics such as adult care and women’s health, healthcare management, and mental health nursing. Students also participate in a clinical experience near the end of the program, including hands-on skills labs and supervised work at select facilities in southern Georgia.

ADN Programs Approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing

The state board of nursing grants approval to a wide range of programs not limited to the ones listed above. Here’s a comprehensive list of ADN nursing programs in Georgia.

Source: Georgia Board of Nursing; Latest information as of Sept. 2021

4 Key Advantages of ADN Programs in Georgia

ADN nursing programs in Georgia offer several distinct benefits in comparison to other nursing options. Learn more about these key advantages below.

1. It’s the fastest and most affordable way to become an RN in Georgia.

ADN nursing programs in Georgia get you trained and work-ready quickly for a fraction of the cost of other options. A traditional BSN takes almost twice as long and you’ll incur twice as many expenses. Programs like those at Chattahoochee Tech and College of Coastal Georgia typically last just two years and offer everything you need to get licensed and enter the workforce.

2. You can earn significantly higher pay than other entry-level nursing careers.

Two-year nursing programs in Georgia give you an initial credential, but the employment opportunities available typically pay more than comparable positions. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia RNs are paid significantly higher wages than CNAs or LPNs. For example, RNs bring home more than double the yearly income of most CNAs and nearly 40% more than LPNs.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020

3. There continues to be high demand for registered nurses in Georgia.

The job outlook is especially bright for those who have completed two-year nursing programs in Georgia. In fact, the Peach State ranks among the top five states for RN employment across the U.S. With a projected growth rate of 22.5% (more than double the national average), RNs will remain in incredibly high demand through at least 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. By comparison, neighboring states like Alabama and South Carolina will see growth numbers around just 10%.

4. You can always move up the nursing education and career ladder in the future.

ADN nursing programs in Georgia not only offer a fast-track to RN licensure, but they also provide pathways for further education and career advancement. Many schools offer accelerated BSN or MSN options for students who have completed ADN nursing programs in Georgia. Some even have special bridge programs that require less time and less paperwork. Georgia State University and South Georgia State College both offer this option to students seeking an ADN. For more information on these career advancement options, see our guides to online RN to BSN and online RN to MSN programs.

Inside Look at Online ADN Programs in Georgia

At this time, there are no fully online two-year nursing programs in Georgia. This is because so many of the requirements involve hands-on components including skills labs and supervised clinical work. That said, while most ADN nursing programs in Georgia require significant in-person attendance, some are beginning to offer hybrid learning to accommodate more students.

Two-year nursing programs in Georgia like the ones at Perimeter College and Dalton State offer a good overview of what to expect. In both cases, students complete most requirements in person—including clinical placements—and offer hybrid options for some academic courses. Some schools have online or hybrid options for orientation sessions as well.

FAQs About ADN Programs in Georgia

How much do ADN programs cost in Georgia?

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 somewhat similar tuition rates. The table below offers a sense of what to expect. As you‘ll see, these Georgia ADN nursing programs offer an inexpensive way to launch your nursing career.

College of Coastal Georgia

Nursing, ASN

Total Credits: 70

$107/credit (in-state resident)

$395/credit (out-of-state resident)

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Associate of Science in Nursing

Total Credits: 65

$100/credit (in-state resident)

$200/credit (out-of-state resident)

Georgia Highlands College

Associate of Science in Nursing Program

Total Credits: 66

$95/credit (in-state resident)

$360/credit (out-of-state resident)

Other Entry-Level Nursing Programs in Georgia Worth Considering