LPN Programs in Georgia: Online and On-Campus Training
Find schools with the best LPN training, learn what it takes to become a licensed practical nurse in GA, and see how much you could earn after graduation in this guide.
If you’re interested in joining the nursing profession, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Georgia is a great career path that can help you make a difference. Your first step is to earn your LPN credentials from an accredited, state-approved program. There are quite a few options out there—diploma programs, certificate programs, traditional on-campus instruction, community college offerings, and hybrid or partially online programs for additional flexibility.
This guide is designed to help you sort through the choices. You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to obtain your credentials and discover some of the best LPN programs in Georgia. You’ll also find out how online/hybrid classes work, the steps you’ll need to take to get licensed, and current trends and salaries in the Georgia LPN job market.
College Spotlights: Best LPN Programs in Georgia
Below are three stand-out LPN programs in GA. The programs made the short list based on the criteria that matter the most: curriculum, cost, and student support. In addition to accreditation and state-level approval, each program sets itself apart by offering the resources and programming you need to begin your LPN career. See which schools stand out in 2021.
FAQs About LPN Programs in Georgia
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Georgia?
LPN programs in Georgia build the skills and knowledge deemed mandatory by state regulators and the Georgia Board of Nursing. You will learn to provide basic bedside care, measure vital signs, dress wounds, and maintain sensitive patient records. You will also develop skills in helping patients with personal hygiene. Dalton State College and Chattahoochee Technical College both offer good examples of the main areas you’ll cover.
You’ll develop an array of important hard and soft skills along the way. These include communication, experience with technical instruments and equipment, analytical problem-solving, and excellent interpersonal skills.
How much do LPN programs cost in Georgia?
Program costs at different schools usually vary but, as you can see from the examples below, these LPN programs in Georgia charge the same rates. Tuition rates are subject to yearly changes based on demand and institutional budgets. Depending on the school, you may be able to lock in a rate when you enroll. Keep in mind that the number of credits required for completion affects the total cost of your LPN program in GA.
Savannah Technical College
Total Credits: 57
$100/credit (in-state residents)
$200/credit (out-of-state residents)
Southern Regional Technical College
Total Credits: 64
$100/credit (in-state residents)
$200/credit (out-of-state residents)
Central Georgia Technical College
Total Credits: 57
$100/credit (in-state residents)
$200/credit (out-of-state residents)
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Georgia?
Even the cheapest tuition rates can add up, so it’s important to understand your options before you enroll. Financial aid awards like scholarships and grants help reduce the cost of your education. Private organizations like the Georgia Health Care Association offer scholarships to prospective LPNs. Other stakeholders and potential employers may do the same. Many LPN programs in GA also strive to provide financial aid for incoming students. For more detailed information see the guide to financial aid and the scholarships guide for LPN students.
How long do LPN programs in Georgia take to finish?
Timeframes for completion depend on a variety of factors, including your work and family responsibilities. Programs can accommodate most circumstances, especially during the coursework portion of your studies.
Schools like North Georgia Technical College move students through classes in three terms or about 12 months. Once you’re ready for the clinical component things become even more individualized, depending on your preferences. If you have a specific site in mind where you’d like to do your clinicals, for example, you’ll need to work within their scheduling parameters. This could lengthen—or reduce—your time in school.
Inside Look at Online LPN Programs in Georgia
Most LPN programs in Georgia require significant on-campus attendance, but a few are beginning to move toward hybrid models with more flexibility. Under these models, some classes occur entirely online with clinical elements taking place in person. Others combine both elements—online and on-campus attendance—within a single course. Hybrid models offer quite a few benefits in terms of convenience and accommodation. Busy learners and working professionals alike find this useful because it means you can finish your training without completely restructuring your life.
North Georgia Technical College offers some prerequisite and core courses online and during the evenings; Chattahoochee Technical College has similar options but only for prerequisite courses. Central Georgia Technical College also administers practical nursing courses online and lists current offerings through its course search tool.
Common Questions About Online LPN Programs in Georgia
Will earning my credential from an online LPN program in Georgia impact my ability to get certified or licensed?
No. You will complete the same licensure requirements as anyone else, so online study has no impact on your standing as an LPN candidate. Like other regulators, the Georgia Board of Nursing does not differentiate between online or in-person students as long as you complete an approved program.
Do employers care if I take some of my LPN classes online?
Each employer is different, but most do not care what type of program you attend as long as you hold proper licensure and certification through the Georgia Board of Nursing. Online LPN programs in Georgia deliver the same programming and develop the same competencies as their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
Are online LPN programs more affordable than campus programs in Georgia?
Traditional and online LPN programs in Georgia tend to fall in the same ballpark as far as tuition expenses go. That said, you can still save money by attending an online program. For example, taking classes online means you won’t need to commute, so you’ll see savings on travel expenses.
Can I complete my LPN training in Georgia faster by taking classwork online?
Online LPN programs in GA offer a convenient way to complete the coursework component of your studies. They still function as hybrid programs, however, which means you will need to complete the same in-person requirements as any other program (clinical rotations, fieldwork placements, etc.). Depending on your program and circumstances, online classes could expedite things, but this isn’t guaranteed.
LPN Licensing Information and Requirements in Georgia
Once you graduate from your program you will need to obtain licensure from the Georgia Board of Nursing. This board approves qualified LPN programs in GA and specifies the requirements for licensure. This section takes a closer look at that process and details the steps you’ll need to complete to work as an LPN in Georgia.
Education and Training
The first step is to attend a program approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and ideally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The Georgia Board of Nursing provides a directory of approved programs. LPN programs in Georgia must meet the basic requirements stipulated by the Rules and Regulations of Georgia. The programs should include at least 685 clock hours of theoretical nursing instruction and at least 485 clock hours of supervised clinical practice. These rules also specify content areas and clinical experience components that approved programs integrate into the curriculum.
Professional Nursing Examination
Once your studies in an approved program are complete you can move to the next major requirement for licensure, your nursing examination. Like other states, Georgia uses the NCLEX-PN exam provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The exam assesses core areas of competency required for entry-level nursing practice, and most LPN programs in GA provide preparation experiences as a regular part of their curriculum. You can also use resources provided by the NCSBN and the Georgia Board of Nursing to help prepare for the exam.
Completed Background Check and Additional Application Materials
After you pass the NCLEX-PN, you can move to the final stage of the process. The first part of this stage entails a successful criminal background check completed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Other items include a completed application for initial licensure, academic transcripts from an approved program, and other administrative forms required by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Initial applicants must also pay a $40 nonrefundable application fee and provide any additional information required by the board.
Licensure by Endorsement
If you reside in another state and have an active LPN license, you can seek licensure in Georgia through endorsement. A popular measure in many states, licensure by endorsement is a way of converting your credentials so you can work as an active LPN in Georgia. You’ll need to complete an application and background check, provide transcripts, and verify your licensure status in the other state. You’ll also need to submit evidence of at least 500 hours of professional nursing practice or proof of graduation from a nursing education program within the last four years.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
In Georgia, working LPNs must renew their license every other year. Applicants can submit renewals online using the Board of Nursing’s licensure portal (initial licenses must be done in hard copy). Each renewal applicant must satisfy the Georgia Board of Nursing’s continuing education requirements before obtaining a new active license. For LPNs, this means at least 20 hours of continuing education within a given licensure period. These hours must be completed through an approved provider and must cover key areas of competency.
Salary and Job Outlook for LPNs in Georgia
After obtaining your license to practice as a nurse in Georgia, you might wonder about your salary expectations. The job outlook is also crucial for graduates. Fortunately, Georgia is a leader in the occupational outlook, with a 12% growth rate for LPN positions, which is much higher than the national average growth of 5.3%. This translates into 2,130 new job openings each year through 2032.
LPNs in Georgia will also enjoy a solid income. The median annual wage for LPNs in the state is $54,770. Those living in urban areas where their work is in higher demand will see higher wages, such as $58,200 in the Atlanta area and $55,200 in the Augusta area. Those who build experience in the profession can look forward to earning in the 90th percentile in the state, which would be about $69,220 for licensed practical nurses in the Peach State. The data below provides more in-depth information.
Job Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in Georgia
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Georgia | 23,160 | 25,940 | 2,780 | 12.00% | 2,130 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Annual Earnings for Licensed Practical Nurses in Georgia
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $41,350 | $54,770 | $69,220 |
| Albany, GA | $40,890 | $50,630 | $70,480 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $43,900 | $54,150 | $64,900 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $47,840 | $58,200 | $71,770 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $45,130 | $55,280 | $69,350 |
| Brunswick, GA | $39,800 | $50,650 | $59,500 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $41,320 | $49,340 | $58,760 |
| Dalton, GA | $40,200 | $47,630 | $57,990 |
| Gainesville, GA | $37,790 | $57,050 | $65,690 |
| Hinesville, GA | $40,510 | $48,940 | $58,640 |
| Macon, GA | $42,000 | $51,390 | $63,430 |
| Rome, GA | $37,500 | $53,720 | $62,200 |
| Savannah, GA | $45,770 | $55,470 | $62,730 |
| Valdosta, GA | $38,250 | $47,980 | $58,550 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $40,150 | $49,740 | $59,480 |
Source: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Georgia LPN Student and Professional Resources
- Georgia Board of Nursing This organization establishes education standards for Georgia LPNs and oversees the licensure and certification process. It also provides active practical nurses with resources for continuing education and professional development.
- Georgia Health Care AssociationThe Georgia Health Care Association focuses on elder care and has promoted professional success in the field since 1953. It offers financial aid to aspiring professionals, hosts local events, and engages in legislative advocacy efforts.
- Georgia Nurses Association This association supports Georgia nursing professionals at every level of practice. It offers educational tools and career advancement resources. It also provides employment services, hosts webinars, and supports new publications in the field.
- Georgia Nursing Leadership CoalitionThe Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition works to build industry leaders through training and advocacy. It hosts regular events for working professionals, aggregates healthcare tools and resources, and publishes education reports.
- National Black Nurses AssociationWith chapters in Atlanta, College Park, Columbus, Dublin, Martinez, Savannah, and Waycross, the National Black Nurses Association works to improve healthcare for all Americans and offers scholarships, nurse of the year awards, an under 40 award, and more.
- Scholarships and Online Resources for LPN/LVN Students Our guide details a number of scholarships and online resources available to LPN students in Georgia and elsewhere. It looks at school-based awards along with prominent national and regional scholarships. It also lists advice for landing financial aid as an LPN student.
