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’ve also ranked top nursing programs in Georgia, included career and salary projections for nurses in the state, and outlined licensing process for Georgia RNs.
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NursingNursing Ed.In-Depth Review of Online Nursing Programs in Georgia
Earning a nursing degree from a Georgia school with online classes is a flexible and affordable way to start or advance your career. Whether you’re entering the field for the first time or pursuing your bachelor’s degree to become a registered nurse (RN), online and hybrid programs make it easier to balance education with work and personal responsibilities.
Students can choose from several online learning formats, depending on their goals and schedules:
- Fully online programs: All coursework (and sometimes lab simulations) is completed virtually.
- Hybrid programs: Combine online learning with in-person clinical training or on-the-job experience.
- Bridge programs: Accelerated pathways that help you move from one nursing level to the next—such as LPN to RN or RN to BSN.
Georgia nursing schools offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral options to help you grow at every stage of your nursing career. Let’s take a closer look at how they work.
Undergraduate Online Nursing Programs 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 mobility. 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
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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.
Expert Insight
If you’re torn between pursuing an ADN or BSN, consider that an employer may require ADN nurses to return to school for a BSN within a certain number of years of employment. This is something to think about when determining which degree option is best for you.
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
Graduate Online Nursing Programs in Georgia
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 can be 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, nurse 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 Programs for Georgia Nurses
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. 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 specialty certifications 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.
Expert Insight
Some direct-entry MSN programs are accelerated, meaning you’ll have a heavy course load. You’ll also be required to obtain a certain number of in-person clinical training hours at health care sites. If you plan to work while attending school, consider staying ahead of assignments and speaking to your manager about schedule flexibility. This can help you maintain a healthy work-school balance.
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 specialty certifications 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.
