Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia: Top Schools
Are you a registered nurse in Georgia ready to move forward in your career? Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Master’s Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through an online nurse practitioner program can help you expand your clinical expertise and professional opportunities. Our in-depth guide breaks down what to expect from online and hybrid NP programs in Georgia, and answers common questions from nurses preparing to take the next step.
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Nursing Nursing Ed.Types of NP Programs in Georgia
Becoming a nurse practitioner in Georgia offers more than higher earning potential. Whether you’re an experienced RN seeking more independence or a career changer interested in patient-focused care, Georgia’s NP programs offer ultimate flexibility, with most featuring online coursework combined with in-person clinical training.
Here’s what to expect from nurse practitioner programs in Georgia:
- Multiple options for RNs, bridge students, and career-focused professionals
- Online and hybrid coursework covering advanced clinical and leadership topics
- Extensive clinical rotations, often requiring 500 or more supervised hours
- On-campus intensives or labs for hands-on skill development
- Preparation for licensure and certification in your chosen specialty
- Career-focused support aligned with Georgia’s healthcare workforce needs
For detailed information on licensing requirements, certification pathways, and top schools, explore EduMed’s guide to nurse practitioner programs in Georgia to find the option that best matches your professional 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
Expert Insight
If you’re undecided on an MSN specialty, consider that some schools may allow you to take foundational courses first, then specialty courses later. For the first two years of my MSN program, I took courses that applied to all MSN specialties, such as Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Health Assessment. My Nurse Educator specialty coursework, however, started in my final year. This gave me the option to change my specialty at the beginning of year three if desired.
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 (lecture) components specific to a chosen NP specialty area like family health, 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 other topics, such as:
- Leadership
- Evidence-based practice
- Healthcare policy
- Quality improvement
- Informatics
- Population health
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 to further 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 can 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?
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.
Expert Insight
Salary can also be impacted by where you live and how you work. For example, If you live in Georgia, but work as a travel NP in California, you can get paid a lot more, plus you get to keep your Georgia residency. This may result in even more money in your pocket after considering the cost of living in each state.
What are your specialization options as an NP?
As an NP, you can specialize in a wide array of options, including:
- Family Health
- Adult-Gerontology
- Acute Care
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Pediatrics
- Women’s Health
With these options available, you can shape your degree toward your interests and/or patient population. Additionally, many of the best online NP 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 are generally considered moderately expensive compared to other states. However, they vary in cost and you’ll likely discover that some online NP programs are more affordable than others. While some programs can represent a significant financial investment, they often provide good value given the strong career prospects.
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?
Ease of entry into an NP program depends on many factors, such as academic preparedness, specialty choice, and industry demand. For example, acceptance into a psychiatric mental health NP program may be easier for some nurses as there is a significantly increased demand for psychiatric NPs. This is most likely due to rising substance misuse and mental health concerns nationwide.
As a 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
Nurse Practitioners
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $99,160 | $129,430 | $166,060 |
| Albany, GA | $93,960 | $118,370 | $151,200 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $90,470 | $128,140 | $162,130 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $104,950 | $132,500 | $172,130 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $99,290 | $120,270 | $151,200 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $96,630 | $120,510 | $143,990 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $96,480 | $116,480 | $132,400 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $89,690 | $121,530 | $151,500 |
| Dalton, GA | $96,990 | $118,330 | $141,130 |
| Gainesville, GA | $100,270 | $126,120 | $181,620 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $99,020 | $115,860 | $140,970 |
| Rome, GA | $93,290 | $112,970 | $148,280 |
| Savannah, GA | $88,220 | $118,410 | $138,770 |
| Valdosta, GA | $88,910 | $117,400 | $134,850 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $96,380 | $121,540 | $159,440 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 15 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Nurse Practitioners
| 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
