Online Nursing Programs in GA: Your Guide to the Best Schools
There are many options and types of online nursing programs in Georgia from accelerated entry-level programs to advanced degrees. This guide shows you everything that’s available including hybrid programs with classes available online. We also provided a list of school rankings, career and salary projections for nurses, and a breakdown of the licensing process for RNs in the state, so find which program is right for you in this EduMed guide.
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In-Depth Review of Online Nursing Programs in Georgia
Whether you’re hoping to become an RN by obtaining your bachelor’s degree or looking to break into the growing nursing profession for the first time, earning your degree from a Georgia nursing school with online classes offers a convenient and often more affordable academic option.
There are two main options if you want to have online classes as a part of your nursing education. There are 100% online courses, where all classroom work, and possibly some virtual lab work, take place from the convenience of your computer, phone, or device. More common is the hybrid option, a mix of online classes and in-person clinicals, or on-the-job learning.
The following list includes examples of undergraduate programs, graduate school courses, and ways to earn a doctorate. We also highlight the different types of bridge programs, where you are able to earn higher-level degrees on an accelerated timeframe.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs: Different Types Available in Georgia
From bridge programs to doctoral degrees, Georgia offers online and hybrid nursing programs that can meet the needs of students at all levels of their nursing career and education. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most common online nursing programs in Georgia that are currently available.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
The CNA programs teach the basics of direct patient care skills such as feeding, bathing, and transportation. You also learn CPR and are prepped for the CNA certification test. With CNA programs, you can either obtain a certificate or associate degree.
Example: OFTC Nurse Aide Program
- Cost: $1,962
- Length: Four months
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A practical nursing diploma/certificate/degree includes courses on medical surgical nursing, maternity nursing, and nursing leadership. Test prep for LPN licensure is usually a part of the program, which has a goal of teaching such skills as administering medications and collaborating with healthcare teams.
Example: Southeastern Technical College – Practical Nurse Diploma
- Cost: $6,000
- Length: 2.5 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Different courses that cover specialties such as pediatrics, women’s health and adult medical-surgical care are a part of the typical associate degree in nursing program. There is also usually instruction on psychiatric nursing, pharmacology, and microbiology in the curriculum. A capstone project is required before graduation with your degree.
Example: Albany State University – Hybrid Associate of Science in Nursing track
- Cost: $10,140
- Length: 2.5 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
BSN programs are typically four years in length and include a mix of general education courses, nursing curriculum, and in-person practicum. Classes include in-depth work on health assessment, mental health nursing, pharmacology, and chemistry, among other courses. BSN degrees are more in-depth, therefore more favorable in the eyes of employers since you are able to handle nursing and management responsibilities.
Example: Chamberlain University, Atlanta – BSN Degree Program
- Cost: $91,500
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Science programs feature online study with clinicals. Coursework includes BSN-level classes in population health, pediatric nursing, acute and chronic care, and clinical judgment. What makes these programs “accelerated” is that they allow students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to bypass the general education requirements and earn their BSN in two years instead of four.
Example: Emory University – Distance Accelerated BSN Program
- Cost: Tuition is $82,000
- Length: One Year
- Mode: Hybrid
Examples of Georgia’s Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
These programs are for nurses who are seeking more responsibility, and likely greater pay, with future roles in healthcare. They include master’s degrees, doctorates, and certificates that often have specialty or leadership curriculum. These programs focus on preparing students for potential career paths in research or education.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Classes for MSN programs at are fully online, with clinical rotations required as part of the hybrid format. There are many choices for concentrations to go with the degree, including as a family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, midwife, psychiatric nurse, and women’s health nurse.
Example: Georgia College & State University – Nursing MSN
- Cost: $8,910
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
The Doctorate of Nursing Practice program features mostly asynchronous online courses and are for nurses who are currently employed in healthcare. There are tracks for nursing education and executive leadership as part of the program, with informatics and research as just some of the core courses.
Example: University of North Georgia – DNP
- Cost: $14,592
- Length: 2.5 years full-time, four years part-time
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
After you’ve earned your MSN or DNP degree, you can obtain a certificate to further your nursing knowledge. They include options for adult-gerontology acute care, nurse practitioner/primary care, family nursing, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric mental health. The programs are mostly online, with on-campus testing and attendance required for some classes.
Example: Georgia State University – Nursing Post-Master’s Certificates
- Cost: $5,436
- Length: One to two years, depending on certificate type
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs: Georgia School Options for Students Like You
If you want to earn a more advanced degree in a shorter amount of time than the standard, bridge programs are what you want to complete. You can earn bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even doctorates through these types of programs, which utilize transfer credits and accelerated courses to speed things along.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPN to BSN hybrid bridge programs are set up specifically for working nurses to complete a bachelor’s degree while still maintaining their degree. Bridge programs teach nurses more advanced leadership, quality care, and population health skills that can help with career advancement and a broader practice scope.
Example: Georgia State University – LPN to BSN Bridge Program
- Cost: $4,776
- Length: 2.5 years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
Health promotion, research, community health, and leadership techniques are taught as part of RN-to-BSN programs. Clinical experiences are merged with online instruction — both synchronous and asynchronous — in RN to BSN bridge programs. There are typically core courses in health assessment and professional nursing practice, and you can use you RN experience to satisfy the clinical hours requirement.
Example: Gordon State College – RN-BSN Completion Program
- Cost: $3,230
- Length: 1.5 to 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to MSN
RN to MSN bridge programs can take place fully online and feature both education and nursing administration tracks. Although there are no practicums, students will still have some in-person requirements, including an internship. Coursework emphasizes empowered decision-making, problem-solving, care skills, and leadership theories and practices.
Example: Thomas University – RN-MSN Program
- Cost: $66,000
- Length: Two to three years
- Mode: Hybrid
BSN to DNP
Students can take synchronous online classes and campus courses to complete their BSN to DNP program. As with many bridge programs in this category, there are several specialties you can earn, including adult acute care, adult primary care, family care as a nurse practitioner, and psychiatric/mental health care.
Example: Mercer University – BSN to DNP
- Cost: $97,736
- Length: Three to four years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
A direct entry MSN program is for people with a non-nursing educational background who would like to change careers to nursing. MSN bridge programs center on advanced care, leadership, and research, students can take courses that are 100% online with flexible scheduling options.
Example: Herzing University – Online MSN Direct Entry
- Cost: $45,300 to $58,135, depending on transferable credits
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Online
Licensing Requirements for Registered Nurses: Georgia Edition
Understanding Georgia RN licensing can help determine if an academic program is right for you. The board of nursing in the state outlines the rules and regulations of state-specific license requirements. We’ve summarized the steps you’ll need to take to become an RN in Georgia below.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
Be sure that the program for which you are studying for a degree is a professional nursing program from an accredited institution. This will be essential when you apply for roles after you earn your degree. The most common accrediting bodies are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, both of which are approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
This exam is the standard for becoming an RN, and its questions are often covered as part of the curriculum of your college or university’s nursing program. Taking the NCLEX-RN exam in Georgia costs over $200, and having to retake the test can get expensive quickly. If you fail the exam, reexaminations can take place in 45 days. Free online study materials, classes, and guides for the NCLEX-RN exist and can be useful in preparation.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
After you have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN, the next step is to apply to the state board for your license. You must fully complete your notarized application and submit academic transcripts to show you graduated from an accredited school or university. Along with your certificate for passing the NCLEX, you’ll also need to give the Georgia nursing board a $75 fee.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Georgia nursing licenses expire every two years, usually in late January as an established rule unique to the state. The state’s board of nursing approves several continuing education options, including the completion of 30 hours of approved courses, completion of another accredited academic program, and employer certification of at least 500 hours of practice. Other options that are approved by the board include passing an approved nursing reentry program or nursing education program.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
If you want to take advantage of some career opportunities in the field of nursing, there are several specialties that you can earn after you get that bachelor, master, or doctorate degree. Among the most common ones are family nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife. Among the other certificates are for Certified Pediatric Nurse, Certified Nurse Educator, or Emergency Nurse Practitioner.
Compensation & Career Growth for Registered Nurses in Georgia
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $66,110 | $86,560 | $124,810 |
| Albany, GA | $65,120 | $86,560 | $109,280 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $66,820 | $79,940 | $97,620 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $69,100 | $96,370 | $129,340 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $64,500 | $84,130 | $115,030 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $68,050 | $84,690 | $95,060 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $62,620 | $79,360 | $97,030 |
| Dalton, GA | $63,790 | $80,120 | $99,980 |
| Hinesville, GA | $67,510 | $81,730 | $100,030 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $65,180 | $82,160 | $105,770 |
| Rome, GA | $66,910 | $83,420 | $99,090 |
| Savannah, GA | $63,770 | $83,720 | $106,620 |
| Valdosta, GA | $62,710 | $74,450 | $90,810 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $70,270 | $88,270 | $108,660 |
Source: Registered Nurses, 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 | 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.
Georgia’s Top-Rated Online Nursing Programs
The following online nursing programs represent the best Georgia has to offer. Schools were rated based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Among the attributes we consider are available financial aid from the institution, faculty-to-student ratios, percentage of students that take online courses, and tuition prices for full-time students. For more information on our ranking methodology, visit the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,083 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Thomas University
- Thomas University's nursing programs offer numerous scholarships, grants, and service-cancellable loans specifically for Registered Nurses pursuing the RN-BSN program.
- The RN-BSN program can be completed fully online in as little as 12 months, designed to accommodate working professionals balancing education with career and family.
- Strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers enable relevant clinical experiences scheduled flexibly for students and clinical preceptors.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,083 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $48,648 Avg. Aid Amount
- 90% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Emory University
- Emory's Nursing program offers a distance-based accelerated BSN that allows students to earn their nursing degree in just one year, with small cohorts ensuring personalized attention.
- The MSN program provides flexible part-time study options designed for working nurses, including online learning with on-campus intensives, accommodating diverse schedules.
- Emory Nursing is nationally recognized, ranked No. 1 among graduate nursing schools in 2024-2025 by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting faculty expertise and program quality.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $48,648 Avg. Aid Amount
- 90% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $8,553 Avg. Aid Amount
- 18% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Andrew College
- Andrew College's nursing program offers an updated curriculum that enables students to graduate in five semesters, accelerating their path to licensure and employment.
- The program upholds core NLN values including caring, integrity, diversity, and excellence, creating a nurturing academic environment focused on ethical, culturally sensitive nursing practice.
- Andrew College maintains articulation agreements with nearby universities, facilitating seamless transfer options and expanding students’ educational and career opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $8,553 Avg. Aid Amount
- 18% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $25,578 Avg. Aid Amount
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mercer University
- Mercer University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) offers three start dates per year with an intensive 12-month curriculum blending online coursework and in-person clinical labs, enabling fast-track completion of the nursing degree.
- The Traditional Prelicensure BSN track provides hands-on clinical practice and simulation labs using hospital-grade equipment to build real-world nursing skills, coming soon to Mercer’s Macon campus for added accessibility.
- Mercer’s nursing program participates in the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Model, facilitating seamless progression and credit transfer for registered nurses pursuing BSN completion, enhancing career advancement opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $25,578 Avg. Aid Amount
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,367 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 24/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Georgia Southern University
- Georgia Southern's Nursing program features an accelerated BSN option allowing degree completion in three semesters for students with prior bachelor's degrees.
- Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art high-fidelity simulation labs combined with diverse clinical experiences in hospitals, including a US Army community hospital and tertiary care facilities.
- The program provides dedicated, individualized academic and career advising from nursing advisors, enhancing student support and professional development.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,367 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 24/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $8,251 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Augusta University
- Augusta University's Nursing program features a state-of-the-art simulation center that provides highly realistic, hands-on clinical training scenarios, preparing students effectively for real-world healthcare environments.
- The program offers an accelerated BSN track that allows qualified students to complete their nursing degree in as little as 16 months, enabling a faster transition into the workforce.
- Students benefit from engaged, accessible faculty who provide personalized mentorship and advisement throughout their education, fostering professionalism and skill development for high-quality patient care.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $8,251 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $17,866 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Piedmont University
- The Piedmont University Nursing program offers specialized career tracks and hands-on clinical experiences through diverse healthcare settings, enhancing practical skills and job readiness.
- Students benefit from strong employer partnerships and networking opportunities that support high clinical placement rates and potential employment connections.
- The program provides tuition discounts and scholarship opportunities designed to make nursing education more affordable for prospective students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $17,866 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $13,094 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Georgia State University
- Georgia State’s online nursing programs offer accelerated R.N. to M.S. pathways that enable experienced registered nurses to earn a master’s degree with specialization efficiently.
- Students benefit from clinical experiences integrated into specialized concentrations, such as 180 hours of focused clinical work in adult-gerontology or family nurse practitioner tracks, enhancing practical skills tied to career goals.
- As part of Georgia State, students have access to the state's only nursing college providing the full educational spectrum from associate to doctoral degrees, facilitating seamless academic progression and collaboration with diverse healthcare organizations.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $13,094 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $12,657 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Reinhardt University
- Reinhardt’s Nursing program bases admissions on holistic criteria beyond test scores, fostering strong student relationships that contribute to an NCLEX pass rate above state and national averages.
- The Master of Science in Nursing programs offer flexible enrollment every 8 weeks and allow course sequencing without prerequisites, enabling completion in as little as one year full-time or two years part-time.
- Nursing students access multiple scholarship opportunities including AACN, F.A. Davis, HRSA, and Piedmont Nursing Scholars, making tuition more affordable alongside personalized real-world experience.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $12,657 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,198 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected LaGrange College
- LaGrange College’s nursing program achieved a 96.4% job placement rate within 6-12 months of graduation in 2023, highlighting strong employment outcomes for graduates.
- The program provides state-of-the-art clinical knowledge paired with hands-on practical experience, ensuring students are well-prepared with cutting-edge skills and patient-centered care.
- Students benefit from enriching service opportunities and transformative May Away trips, fostering compassionate healthcare leadership beyond the classroom.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,198 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 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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