Online Accelerated BSN Programs in Georgia: Key Details for Students
Make your move into nursing by enrolling in an accelerated nursing program in Georgia. Find top accredited ABSN options that can be completed in as little as one year.
Are you interested in a nursing career but feel unsure about the time and money it would take to earn another degree and don’t want to start your studies over again? You may want to consider looking at accelerated nursing bachelor’s degree programs in Georgia (ABSN). These programs allow you to apply general ed credits from your current bachelor’s degree, so you can focus on your nursing training and earn your BSN in only one or two years.
Continue reading to learn what you can expect from accelerated nursing programs in Georgia. Find schools near you that offer these programs, see which courses you can expect to take, learn where to find financial aid, and much more.
Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Georgia
Whether an accelerated BSN program is the right choice for you, it’s important to understand the training opportunities schools have to offer. In order to help you evaluate schools, we have put together a list of the best accelerated nursing programs in Georgia based on their curriculum, affordability, and the support students receive as they get their training. Continue reading to find out what schools were chosen for our list, as well as details about three standout nursing school options in Georgia.
Curriculum Components for Georgia Accelerated Nursing Programs
Although students who enroll in accelerated nursing programs in Georgia can complete their studies in less time than a traditional BSN program, they still receive a comprehensive education. This includes nursing coursework that familiarizes them with the tenets of the profession and clinical training where they are able to take what they learned and apply it to the workplace. In addition, students may be required to complete general education coursework, which is designed to round out their nursing education and give them additional skills they can use throughout their careers. The following is more information on how these programs work.
1.General Education Coursework and Prerequisites
Students in accelerated nursing programs in Georgia may be required to complete general ed classes as prerequisites to the nursing program or as part of the overall graduation requirements. These courses include chemistry, history, English composition, psychology, mathematics, and biology. You may be able to waive some of these requirements with credits you’ve earned in your previous bachelor’s degree program. Check with specific ABSN programs in Georgia you’re interested in for details.
2.Nursing Classes
During the required nursing classes, students become familiar with the fundamentals of nursing care, which includes topics like assessments, pharmacology, and health promotion through nutrition. Also, students may study how to provide care to different types of patients. For example, Augusta University’s ABSN program offers classes in geriatric, mental health, and adult health nursing, so students can learn how to provide specialized care for different patient demographics.
3.Clinical Training
During clinical training, ABSN students are able to apply what they learned at a medical facility approved by their nursing department. Students at Kennesaw State University can work in a variety of settings, including St. Joseph’s Hospital, Compassionate Care Hospice, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory Decatur Hospital. Also, when students complete their clinical training, they are able to learn different nursing specialties. For example, Mercer University provides nursing clinicals in several specialties, including adult health, acute, pediatric, long-term, mental health, and maternity care.
FAQs About Accelerated Nursing Programs in Georgia
How long is an accelerated nursing program in Georgia?
The exact time it takes to complete a BSN program in Georgia depends on the specific school, so it’s important for you to pay attention to this detail when you apply to nursing programs. Georgia students can typically expect to complete their accelerated BSN program in about one to two years. For example, students at Mercer University are able to complete the required 56 credit hours in about 12 months over three semesters, while Georgia State University students finish 123 semester hours in four semesters over two years.
How many of my current bachelor’s degree credits can be transferred to my Georgia accelerated nursing program?
The number of bachelor’s degree credits that can be transferred to your Georgia accelerated nursing program depends on the school you enroll in. However, you may be able to transfer all of your general education classes, up to 60 credits, if you have earned at least a 3.0 GPA in these courses. Be sure to consult with the schools that you’re interested in to find out whether the courses you completed in your bachelor’s degree program are eligible to be transferred.
How much do accelerated nursing programs in Georgia cost?
The cost for Georgia accelerated nursing programs varies depending on the school you enroll in, as well as whether you attend a private or public school. To give you an idea of what you may pay for a program, we have compiled some tuition costs for different nursing schools in the state.
Nursing, B.S., ACE (fast-track)
Total Credits: 123
$11,076/total tuition and fees per year
What are the admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in Georgia?
To be accepted into an accelerated BSN program at a nursing school in Georgia, you will be expected to:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Earn at least a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses in math and science
- Earn at least a 3.0 overall GPA
- Write an essay describing why you want to be admitted into the program and how it will help you reach your career goals
- Submit a resume
- Earn a high score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) examination
- Participate in an admissions interview with the nursing department
How do I know if an accelerated Georgia BSN program is of high quality?
With so many choices of schools out there, it can be difficult to determine which ones offer the highest quality education. In order to spot an accelerated Georgia BSN program that is high quality, you should only be looking at schools that have been approved by the Georgia State Board of Nursing, as well as accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my accelerated nursing program in Georgia?
In order to help you alleviate some of the pressure of paying for your education, you should research what financial aid options are available to finance your education. You may be able to receive scholarships and grants from the specific school you attend, as well as state and federal financial assistance programs. For example, the HOPE Scholarship and the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program are provided for state residents to help them with their tuition costs. In addition, funding is also available specifically for nursing students through the Georgia Nurses Association and the Georgia Association for Nursing Education.
For more information about financial aid, log on to our nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide, where you can get a head start researching different options.
Inside Look at Online Accelerated Nursing Programs in Georgia
If you’re looking for an accelerated BSN nursing program in Georgia, you will have to decide if the on-campus experience is best for you or whether it would be better to enroll in an online, distance program.
If you’re working full-time as you earn your degree, online accelerated nursing programs in Georgia make it easier for you to get the education you need to enter the nursing field as you continue keeping up with your other obligations. These programs will give you the ability to take classes online and reinforce that learning with laboratory sessions provided on the school’s campus. Also, like traditional programs, online Georgia accelerated BSN programs give students the opportunity to get intensive, hands-on learning through clinical experiences.
To get an idea of what you can expect when you enroll in an online accelerated BSN program in Georgia, continue reading for descriptions of specific programs.
Examples of Quality Online Accelerated Nursing Programs in Georgia
What’s Next After Your Accelerated Nursing Program in Georgia
After completing an accelerated BSN program in Georgia, hopeful nurses must obtain a license from the state. The Georgia Board of Nursing requires the following steps:
- Submit an application
- Pay a $40 fee
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Pass the NCLEX examination
Career & Salary Outlook for BSN Nurses in Georgia
Following the above process, in as little as a year, you’ll be ready to start looking for a job as a registered nurse in George. When you do, you’ll find the job market for registered nurses highly favorable, with the state’s job market for RNs growing at a rate of more than 15% (compared to just 5.6% nationwide). With the right credentials, you should quickly find a position. Be sure, however, to choose a position that will offer you one of the state’s more favorable salaries. While overall the median RN salary in Georgia is $83,620 per year (with those in the 10th percentile making under $64,000 and those in the 90th percentile making more than $124,000), location greatly dictates salary. There’s nearly a $20,000 difference between the highest-paying cities (based on median salary) for registered nurses in Georgia and the lowest-paying cities, with the former, Atlanta, paying around $92,000 and the latter, Valdosta, paying around $74,000. Get more details in the tables below.
Job Outlook for Registered Nurses in Georgia
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Georgia | 81,800 | 94,310 | 12,510 | 15.30% | 5,990 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $63,450 | $83,620 | $124,330 |
| Albany, GA | $63,340 | $80,340 | $107,560 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $66,290 | $85,670 | $105,740 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $66,470 | $92,240 | $127,400 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $61,890 | $80,470 | $100,380 |
| Brunswick, GA | $64,980 | $81,210 | $82,840 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $56,470 | $74,550 | $90,920 |
| Dalton, GA | $60,470 | $76,800 | $124,400 |
| Hinesville, GA | $65,400 | $78,620 | $89,810 |
| Macon, GA | $62,430 | $78,980 | $101,970 |
| Rome, GA | $64,370 | $81,150 | $93,260 |
| Savannah, GA | $61,300 | $80,600 | $102,490 |
| Valdosta, GA | $61,510 | $74,310 | $99,200 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $63,510 | $82,410 | $104,530 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
