Online NP Programs in Georgia: Top Schools & Degree Details
Are you an RN in Georgia interested in taking the next step in your career? If so, you could pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Masters Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through an online NP program, an option that can offer flexibility and accessibility regardless of location or schedule. Our comprehensive guide explores these continuing education options and answers a host of questions from prospective students just like you.
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Program Profiles: Types of NP Programs in Georgia
Becoming a nurse practitioner in Georgia isn’t just about advancing your career and gaining a better salary, although these are attractive benefits. For most, it’s also about stepping into a role they will enjoy, garnering a deeper understanding of the field, and bridging healthcare gaps in a state with a growing nursing shortage. Whether you’re an experienced RN looking for greater autonomy or a career changer drawn to patient-centered care, Georgia’s online NP programs offer multiple pathways to help you succeed.
While many NP programs in Georgia provide online coursework, few are entirely virtual. That’s because you’ll need to complete in-person clinical rotations, often requiring 500 or more hours in an approved healthcare setting. In addition, some programs include on-campus intensives for hands-on training. EduMed’s guide to NP programs in Georgia provides licensing and certification information as well as insights into some of the best schools to support your goals.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
A common path to becoming an NP is earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which provides comprehensive graduate-level education in advanced nursing practice. For RNs, these programs typically require two to three years of full-time study.
One of the key benefits of studying for a master’s level nursing degree is the ability to specialize. Most online schools with MSN programs have several concentrations to choose from, including psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration, nurse midwifery, women’s health, and more.
Georgia College & State University
Duration: 6 to 9 semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,578/year
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Post-Master’s Certificate
If you already hold an active MSN or DNP degree, earning a post-master’s NP certificate offers a condensed route to adding a new specialty credential. You’ll be able to expand your career opportunities through additional nursing specialty skills and expertise.
Online post-masters NP certificate programs concentrate on the clinical and didactic components specific to a chosen NP specialty area like family, adult-gerontology, and pediatrics. Certificate prerequisites include an active RN license and an MSN from an accredited program.
Duration: Up to 46 credit hours (based on prior coursework)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $20,511 (43 credit hours)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree represents the highest level of clinical nursing education. The curriculum for a DNP covers advanced nursing practice specialties while also emphasizing leadership, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, quality improvement, informatics, population health, and other competencies for clinical leadership roles. Given the variations between programs, finding the right online DNP program requires a bit of research.
DNP admission typically requires an active RN license along with either a BSN (for BSN to DNP programs) or an MSN degree (for post-master’s DNP programs). Many programs also require professional experience, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals.
Duration: 39 semester hours
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $45,616 (based on $13,240/12 credits)
Student Support: FAQs About Online NP Programs in Georgia
As a nurse looking into furthering your education to improve your career opportunities, you likely have many questions. Below, we’ve shared a few answers to commonly asked questions about online NP programs in Georgia. Armed with these answers, you’ll have a better understanding of NP programs and what a career as an NP might mean for you.
How much can you earn as an NP in Georgia?
Once you’ve completed your program and are qualified to work as a nurse practitioner in Georgia, it’s important to understand the potential salary expectations. As of 2025, Georgia NPs median annual salary ranges from $105,450 to $109,120.
Across the state, the median 2025 NP salary exceeds this range in large metropolitan areas. For example, The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area, which has one of the densest populations in Georgia, reports an average NP salary of $122,910. These figures highlight the lucrative opportunities available for nurse practitioners throughout Georgia.
What are your specialization options as an NP?
Many of the best online NP programs in Georgia feature a wide array of specialty options like family, adult-gerontology acute care, psychiatric/mental health, and more. This allows you to shape your degree toward your intended specialty and patient population interests from the start.
Additionally, many programs provide hybrid learning formats, strong faculty support, and structured clinical placements, making them an excellent choice for working nurses looking to advance their expertise while balancing professional and personal commitments.
Are NP Programs in Georgia expensive?
Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs in Georgia vary in cost, but they are generally considered moderately expensive compared to other states. While these programs represent a significant investment, they often provide good value given the strong career prospects. Plus, as you continue your research you’ll likely discover that some online NP programs are more affordable than others.
Students must consider additional expenses beyond tuition, including clinical placement fees, supplies, and insurance. However, multiple financial aid options are available, including federal loans, scholarships, and employer reimbursement programs.
What is the easiest NP program to get into?
For many people, the easiest NP program to get into specialty-wise is psychiatric mental health. This is because there is a significantly increased demand for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners caused by the rising substance misuse and mental health concerns nationwide.
As a mental psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you will assess, diagnose, and provide treatment plans for patients with mental health and substance use disorders. EduMed offers a comprehensive guide to online FNP to Psych NP Programs that explains some of the top degrees for this field.
What type of NP gets paid the most?
Typically, aesthetic nurse practitioners are paid the most. This nursing field focuses on appearance, anti-aging, and beauty, making it an in-demand field.
According to Glassdoor estimates, the average salary for an aesthetic NP is roughly $129,008, with the base salary being $110,323. If you pursue aesthetics, you’ll specialize in dermatological and cosmetic procedures and work in a med spa, dermatology clinic, or plastic surgery office.
However, it’s important to note that nurse practitioners specializing in aesthetics might not make as much in Georgia as in states like Maryland, Alaska, Oregon, and North Dakota.
Georgia Nurse Practitioners: Licensing and Certification
You must obtain Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure through the Georgia Board of Nursing to work as a nurse practitioner in Georgia. To qualify, you need to hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Georgia and complete an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Additionally, you must earn national certification in your chosen specialty from organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). While Georgia does not offer full practice authority, you can apply for prescriptive authority, allowing you to prescribe medications under a physician protocol agreement.
What to Expect as a Nurse Practitioner in Georgia
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| Georgia | $99,920 | $126,060 | $163,970 |
| Albany, GA | $92,460 | $111,350 | $148,270 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $95,930 | $123,250 | $156,290 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $102,800 | $128,640 | $168,430 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $75,500 | $110,410 | $157,210 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $88,420 | $118,620 | $134,730 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $90,620 | $118,680 | $138,810 |
| Dalton, GA | $93,730 | $114,130 | $135,760 |
| Gainesville, GA | $96,390 | $127,100 | $175,260 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $100,440 | $109,170 | $132,810 |
| Rome, GA | $87,290 | $105,500 | $143,710 |
| Savannah, GA | $92,990 | $112,000 | $142,340 |
| Valdosta, GA | $83,680 | $113,380 | $130,130 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $92,370 | $114,750 | $153,700 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Georgia | 7,900 | 12,500 | 4,600 | 58.20% | 910 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia
EduMed’s rankings for online Nurse Practitioner programs in Georgia give you valuable insight based on comprehensive data analysis. The evaluation system weighs multiple factors, including accreditation status, affordability, academic quality, and student support services. Each program receives a score based on these criteria, helping students make informed decisions about their education investment.
For detailed information about the ranking process, refer to EduMed’s methodology section. This systematic approach ensures that rankings reflect both educational quality and value for aspiring nurse practitioners.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Georgia College & State University
- The Nurse Practitioner program at Georgia College & State University offers a convenient online format with limited, well-planned on-campus immersion experiences, providing flexibility while fostering strong faculty and peer connections.
- Students receive personalized assistance from a Clinical Coordinator to secure preceptors and clinical placements mostly within their home communities in Georgia, enhancing practical experience and local professional networking.
- The program features distinct curricular pathways including BSN to DNP and post-master’s DNP tracks that prepare students for multiple specialty certifications, supporting advanced practice and leadership roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mercer University
- The Nurse Practitioner program at Mercer University offers a comprehensive 780 clinical practicum hours ensuring extensive hands-on experience for students.
- The program includes specialized tracks such as Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, allowing students to tailor their advanced practice to specific healthcare fields.
- Students benefit from a strong faculty mentorship and leadership focus embedded in courses like Interprofessional Leadership & Practice Excellence for the APRN, enhancing professional growth and networking opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Augusta University
- The Augusta University DNP program offers a fully 100% online MSN to DNP option with asynchronous courses and minimal campus visits, allowing flexibility to work while studying.
- Their specialized Nurse Practitioner concentrations, such as Adult Gerontology Acute Care and Psychiatric Mental Health, have had consistently high board pass rates ranging from 80% to 100% over recent years.
- The program requires students to reside in Georgia or South Carolina due to clinical instructor visits, ensuring high-quality, localized clinical placements and hands-on mentorship opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 24/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Georgia Southern University
- The Nurse Practitioner program includes a fully online format with immersive, mandatory on-campus sessions that build skills and foster faculty-student connections.
- Students benefit from a 99% certification exam pass rate, reflecting the high quality and effectiveness of the program’s academic and clinical training.
- The program requires students to secure clinical preceptors within 250 miles of the Statesboro campus, providing diverse, practical community-based healthcare placement opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 24/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Georgia
- The University of North Georgia’s Nurse Practitioner program offers three distinct DNP tracks, including Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive Leader, enabling specialized career paths online with flexible asynchronous learning.
- Students complete a culminating DNP Project focused on practical improvements such as quality enhancement, policy development, or legislative initiatives, ensuring applied leadership impact in healthcare.
- The program requires a minimum of two years RN experience and current healthcare employment, promoting clinically experienced cohorts and enhancing professional networking and job readiness.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Georgia State University
- 1. The Nurse Practitioner program offers convenient online coursework specifically designed for busy working professionals, with optional part-time enrollment to enhance flexibility.
- 2. The program includes structured in-person immersion experiences that provide intensive hands-on clinical training and direct faculty interaction, strengthening practical skills and community connection.
- 3. Graduates are eligible for national certification by recognized boards like the American Nurses Credentialing Center, boosting professional credibility and broad employment opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw State’s Nurse Practitioner program is highly affordable compared to private and for-profit programs, with many local healthcare employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate study.
- The program features a hybrid class schedule with either 100% online courses or sessions on campus just one weekend per month, making it one of the shortest Family Nurse Practitioner programs in Georgia.
- Students benefit from extensive hands-on practicum experiences through established relationships with a broad array of clinical preceptor sites in north Georgia, enhancing real-world training and professional networking opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Clayton State University
- The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program at Clayton State University offers a fully online coursework format with no campus visits required, providing flexibility for working professionals.
- Students benefit from personalized clinical placement assistance within the state of Georgia, ensuring hands-on experience supervised by licensed local providers.
- The program is designed for both full-time and part-time progression options, allowing students to accelerate degree completion based on their scheduling needs.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Brenau University
- Brenau’s MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program offers accelerated online coursework allowing completion in as few as 20 months, ideal for part-time students seeking a fast track to practice.
- Students benefit from direct instruction and mentorship by actively practicing nurse practitioners, ensuring current clinical relevance and real-world perspectives in their training.
- The program includes monthly Saturday hybrid classes at the Norcross campus, providing convenient access to in-person learning and networking opportunities without extensive weekday disruptions.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Columbus State University
- The Nurse Practitioner program offers 100% online asynchronous courses with clinical hours completed locally, enabling students to continue working without commuting to campus.
- Students can complete the program in as little as two years full-time, providing an accelerated path to advance their nursing careers efficiently.
- The program is taught by highly qualified faculty with diverse nursing backgrounds who actively facilitate student learning and clinical skill development.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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