LPN Programs in Atlanta: Online and On-Campus Training
Both campus and online LPN programs in Atlanta give practical nursing students the chance to enter a top career field fast. Get the inside scoop on these two nursing education options and see which one is right for you.
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to enter the nursing field, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a great way to get your foot in the door. Often completed in less than two years, LPN programs provide the technical knowledge and hands-on experience you’ll need to secure your LPN license in Atlanta, Georgia.
In this guide, you’ll find several standout LPN programs in the Atlanta area, and learn how both on-campus and online LPN programs in Atlanta work. We also highlight financial aid options that can help pay for your degree and answer some common questions prospective students may have. Keep reading to learn more about this growing field and how it can jumpstart your nursing career.
College Spotlights: Best LPN Programs in Atlanta
The best LPN programs in Atlanta, GA, provide an accredited path for you to secure licensure. Commonly offered by public community and technical colleges, an LPN degree offers an accessible and affordable way to begin your nursing career. When considering the LPN degree that’s right for you, make sure the program is accredited and approved by Georgia’s nursing board.
We’ve spotlighted three LPN programs in Atlanta that can help jumpstart your nursing career. Keep reading to learn more about three standout options.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s practical nursing program provides the skills you need to provide competent care; it also offers a clear LPN licensure pathway. This program explores the foundational clinical techniques required for a career in nursing through both traditional classroom learning and clinical experience.
Before admission into this LPN program, you must complete five prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C. Courses include fundamentals of English, foundations of mathematics, and introductory psychology. Students are also required to complete preparatory courses in medical terminology and anatomy. Once admitted into the program, plan to take 48 credits of occupational classes covering topics such as nursing leadership, surgical nursing, and maternity nursing.
Besides completing prerequisite coursework, you must complete the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Applicants must submit academic transcripts, test score reports, and a student information packet. Before the clinical study, you must also pass a drug test and background check before working in a professional medical environment.
Chattahoochee Technical College
Chattahoochee Technical College’s LPN program offers quick and affordable technical training for students interested in entering the nursing field. Only taking three semesters to complete, this degree prepares you to provide compassionate care and treatment for various patients. Critical to many medical environments’ functioning, LPNs provide essential bedside care while assisting with administrative tasks and managing patient records.
Core academic requirements include English composition, intro to psychology, and mathematics foundations. Occupational courses include topics such as medical terminology, nursing fundamentals, and maternity nursing. You’ll also need to complete over 400 hours of in-person clinical work.
Graduates receive their practical nursing diploma and prepare to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) test. If successfully completed, students are granted Georgia state licensure and are ready to practice in the state.
South College
South College’s Atlanta campus offers an accredited LPN program that strives to prepare students with technical nursing skills through a career-focused curriculum. Graduates gain the tools they need to effectively manage patient information, provide patient care, and identify a broad spectrum of common health problems.
Besides prerequisite courses in English, math, and physiology, LPN students tackle nursing coursework that includes foundations of nursing, nursing leadership, and medical-surgical nursing. You will also need to complete several hundred hours of hands-on, clinical work. Instructors will also introduce you to the foundational ethics of nursing as they pertain to confidentiality and equitable treatment.
Prospective students must be in good academic standing and pass the ATI TEAS assessment as part of the application process. To be admitted into the program, students must take a drug test before the first day of class, submit to a criminal background check, and meet all of the school’s immunization requirements.
FAQs About LPN Programs in Atlanta
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Atlanta?
As LPN programs prepare students to complete the NCLEX-PN exam successfully, LPN programs in Atlanta, GA will look similar to programs in other places. In addition to prerequisite courses in math and English, students mainly focus on the nursing curriculum.
When enrolled, you’ll encounter classes such as introduction to pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and maternity nursing. The broad scope of nursing courses not only prepares you to take your licensing exam but also introduces you to the clinical fields you may encounter in your career. You’ll also gain critical hands-on experience through the hundreds of hours of clinical work in a professional medical setting.
How much do LPN programs cost in Atlanta?
LPN programs offered by public technical and community colleges are by far the cheapest and most accessible options. With the cost-per-credit sitting at about $100 for these public institutions, you won’t find a better choice for the price. Even as an out-of-state option, these public technical schools only charge $200 per credit. Private options like South College come with a significantly higher price tag. Below, we’ve highlighted both public and private options to give you an idea what your LPN degree might cost.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Atlanta?
Whether through scholarships, grants, or work-study programs, there are many ways you can offset the cost of your LPN program. When considering your Atlanta-based LPN program, make sure to check out the Georgia Student Finance Commission’s website. This organization promotes access to higher education in Georgia—the website is a one-stop-shop for all your financial aid needs. This site is a handy resource and highlights everything from federal and state loans to local grants and scholarships.
Make sure to check out our LPN scholarships guide as well as our helpful financial aid page.
How long do LPN programs in Atlanta take to finish?
Most online LPN programs only take a few semesters to complete. This equates to about 15 months of coursework and field-based clinical work. For full-time students, Chattahoochee Technical College’s program takes three semesters to complete. That said, enrolling as a part-time student can significantly increase the amount of time it takes to secure your diploma.
As courses are typically offered sequentially, accelerated options aren’t often available for this degree. Ensuring that all of your prerequisite courses are successfully completed can help prevent delays in being admitted into your LPN program of choice.
Inside Look at Online LPN Programs in Atlanta
There’s a lot of hands-on practical experience you’ll gain from your LPN degree, and most of your coursework will require you to attend in-person. That said, many programs allow you to complete your general education prerequisites online. Schools like South College and Chattahoochee Technical College offer some online options that meet general education requirements. Some of these online classes include topics like English composition, college algebra, and general psychology.
In addition to the nursing courses that make up the bulk of your LPN curriculum, you’ll also encounter a series of clinical courses that act as a real-world introduction to the nursing field. Students complete around 400 hours of in-person clinical work before graduation. Areas of clinical work include medical/surgical, maternal, pediatric, and mental health. Students also explore topics in health management and maintenance, biomechanics, and prevention of illness.
Common Questions About Online LPN Programs in Atlanta
Will earning my credential from an online LPN program in Atlanta impact my ability to get certified or licensed?
Your ability to get certified as an LPN is based entirely on securing your diploma and completing the NCLEX-PN exam. Any online components that may be offered won’t impact your ability to get certified. If you take an online class, make sure that you’re comfortable with completing coursework without supervision.
Will employers care if I took some of my LPN classes online?
It’s safe to assume that all an employer will care about is your LPN licensure. Securing your LPN certification means that you’ve completed the required coursework and passed the NCLEX-PN test. You need an LPN license to practice, and with that licensure any employer can make confident hiring decisions knowing that you’ve completed the requirements to earn your state certification.
Are online LPN programs more affordable than campus programs in Atlanta?
Online and on-campus options offered by technical and community colleges are going to cost the same. These public options provide the most accessible and affordable LPN options and typically cost around $100 per credit. That said, if an online option is available, you can more easily accommodate a job and also save some money on gas.
Can I complete my LPN training in Atlanta faster by taking classwork online?
While these degrees are traditionally pretty structured, with nursing core classes offered in sequence, prerequisite classes are often available online. Completing these online options can prevent delays in your admission to competitive LPN programs.
LPN Licensing Information and Requirements in Atlanta
Your LPN program acts as a path to securing licensure in Georgia. Once you receive your diploma from a Georgia Board of Nursing-approved school, you’re eligible to apply for licensure. In-state applicants can complete this process online and register for the NCLEX-PN exam. Graduates from a Georgia Board of Nursing approved school automatically have their transcripts submitted to the nursing board. Here are some standard requirements for Georgia’s LPN licensure process:
- Register with both Pearson Vue and COGENT Systems before submitting your application
- Complete application
- Pay a $40 non-refundable application fee
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Transfer transcripts from your school to the Georgia Board of Nursing
- Schedule your NCLEX-PN exam
The state of Georgia typically takes less than 15 days to review your LPN licensure application. If you have any additional questions, check out the Georgia Board of Nursing website and don’t hesitate to reach out.
How Much You Can Earn as an LPN in Atlanta
Securing your LPN is a relatively quick and inexpensive way to get into the nursing field. Working LPNs in Georgia earn a median salary of around $42,000, with this number varying slightly around the state. Over the next decade, LPN jobs are expected to grow by 9%. With experience, you can earn upwards of $57,000 per year in Georgia. If you find that nursing is the career for you, there are many online and in-person LPN-BSN programs. Registered nurses earn a median salary of over $73,000 per year.
Annual Earnings for Licensed Practical Nurses in Atlanta
| 10th Percentile | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile | |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $33,020 | $42,200 | $57,240 |
| Georgia | $31,390 | $42,390 | $56,240 |
| United States | $34,560 | $47,480 | $63,360 |
| Savannah, GA | $33,420 | $43,420 | $54,430 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $31,370 | $45,160 | $59,280 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $32,410 | $38,380 | $53,700 |
| Dalton, GA | $33,310 | $45,950 | $58,930 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019
