Comparing Top Online RN to BSN Programs in Georgia
To meet the rising demand for higher standards of patient care, Georgia colleges and universities have developed more accessible programs for RNs pursuing BSN degrees. EduMed’s guide discusses your RN to BSN program options in Georgia, including the best online or hybrid bridge programs in the state. Learn more about how a BSN can boost your earnings, career opportunities, and satisfaction at work.
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How They Work: Georgia Online RN to BSN Programs
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing can move your resume to the front of the line in an in-demand field. Whether you want to take more leadership responsibility as a nurse manager or become a clinical research nurse, a BSN can help you achieve your goals. Plus, if you’re already a licensed nurse, you can complete your BSN faster with a bridge program.
The three Georgia online RN to BSN programs below stand out in terms of flexibility, the percentage of the program that can be completed online, and academics. They also offer affordable tuition rates and access to online student support resources. Let’s take a closer look at how they work.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN Completion Track — Clayton State University
Clayton State University offers an RN to BSN completion track designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or nursing diploma.
The program is entirely online, providing flexibility and the opportunity to balance coursework with a full-time nursing role. Plus, online courses are offered asynchronously, meaning you can watch pre-recorded class lectures and complete assignments at times that work for you, not on set class schedules.
The program can be completed in as little as three semesters and prepares nurses for advanced roles in healthcare through courses in professional practice, research application, health assessment, community health, leadership, and management.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $174 per credit in-state | $647 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Unrestricted, active nursing license
- College GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Previous completion of at least 45 hours of nursing coursework
Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology for RNs (3 credits)
- Professional Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- Health Assessment (3 credits)
- Nursing Research Application (3 credits)
- Community Health Nursing (3 credits)
- Healthcare Communication (3 credits)
- Nursing Leadership and Management (3 credits)
- Nursing Practicum (3 credits)
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN — University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia offers an online RN to BSN program through the Tanner Health System School of Nursing. This program is designed for licensed RNs and can be completed in four consecutive semesters.
The program focuses on enhancing nursing practice, leadership, and professional development. The program emphasizes holistic care, critical thinking, and inter-professional collaboration, making it a great option for students who want to transition to a managerial nursing role.
All coursework is delivered online in an asynchronous format, making it easy to fit the program within a busy work schedule.
Duration: 4 semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $187 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- A minimum 2.5 GPA
- An associate degree in nursing
- An active RN license
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Scholarly Writing for Nurses (1 credit)
- Professional Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- Pathophysiology for Nurses (3 credits)
- Nursing Issues (3 credits)
- Nursing Research Methods (3 credits)
- Nursing Informatics (3 credits)
- Health Assessment (3 credits)
- Community Health Nursing (3 credits)
- Leadership and Management Practicum (8 credits)
RN to BSN Program — Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University offers a fully online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and career. The program can be completed in as few as two semesters, with flexibility to extend up to five years if needed.
The curriculum covers key areas such as health assessment, community health, leadership, and professional nursing practice. Students also receive 29 hours of proficiency credit upon successful completion of 6 credit hours of RN-BSN nursing courses, recognizing their prior learning and experience as registered nurses.
All coursework can be completed online and is designed to fit around a full-time nursing work schedule.
Duration: One to five years
Mode: Online
Cost: $5,610 per year
Admissions Requirements:
Curriculum:
- 42 credit hours of general education
- Foundations of Microbiology (4 Credit Hours)
- Lifespan Development (3 Credit Hours)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 Credit Hours)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 Credit Hours)
- Nutrition and Health (3 Credit Hours)
- Professional Nursing Practice (3 Credit Hours)
- Nursing Research Application (3 Credit Hours)
- Health Assessment (3 Credit Hours)
- Complementary Therapeutic Modalities (3 Credit Hours)
- Complex Nursing Concepts (3 Credit Hours)
- Critical Analysis of Nursing Concepts (3 Credit Hours)
- Community Health Nursing (5 Credit Hours)
- Leadership & Management (5 Credit Hours)
Georgia Online RN to BSN FAQs
While the school spotlights above are a great starting point, you may still have questions about RN to BSN bridge programs. To help you understand the financial obligations associated with these programs, what you can do with a BSN, and more, explore the FAQs below.
How will an RN-to-BSN program in Georgia prepare me for more opportunities?
Georgia’s options for online RN to BSN education build on your existing skills to broaden and deepen your understanding of nursing science and leadership.
Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to deliver a higher standard of patient care and are qualified for management and leadership positions at healthcare institutions.
Typical RN to BSN coursework expands students’ knowledge of healthcare policy, organizational systems, and the application of clinical judgment. For example, courses at Mercer University include classes in leadership in nursing, methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice, and population and global health.
Expert Insight
If you’re not interested in leadership positions, you can remain a bedside RN and still benefit from earning a BSN. You may qualify for a transfer to another department within your work facility. For example, a hospital’s rehabilitation unit may hire nurses with an associate degree, but the critical care unit requires a BSN.
How long is an RN to BSN program in Georgia?
Completion timelines are often flexible because online RN to BSN programs in Georgia are for practicing registered nurses. Some programs can be completed in as little as one year, but most take three to four semesters.
The Columbus State University one-year RN to BSN program is ideal for those who want to complete a BSN in a short amount of time. If you choose the program at GSW, you can adjust the pace to fit your needs. While most students earn their BSN degree in one to two years, you can divide coursework over three years. Under exceptional circumstances, you could have up to five years to complete the required courses.
In Georgia, how much do RN to BSN programs cost?
The cost per credit hour of online RN to BSN programs in Georgia varies widely by school. When pursuing a BSN program, the price of tuition is a prominent factor in choosing which program to attend. Researching tuition costs and a BSN degree’s potential return on investment is vital to the decision-making process.
Another important step is to look at available financial aid options. Some schools, like Georgia Southern University, offer school-based scholarships like the Cathryn Barnett Shriver Presidential Scholarship for students in undergraduate nursing programs. The Georgia Nurses Foundation awards the Annie Lou Overton Scholarship annually to a student enrolled in an RN to BSN program.
Get started funding your BSN with our financial aid guide, or learn more about scholarship opportunities in our nursing scholarship guide.
What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Georgia?
With so many educational options for RN to BSN programs online and on-campus in Georgia, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. When considering options, evaluate how much flexibility and time you may need to achieve a BSN, primarily if you’re currently working as an RN.
High NCLEX-RN pass rates are a good indicator that the program prepares BSN students well for future careers in nursing. Before applying, ensure that a program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the CCNE and approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
How do I become an RN with a BSN in Georgia?
The path from RN to BSN in Georgia begins with meeting the initial requirements of registered nurse licensure, as defined by the state’s nursing board. Most programs require an active nursing license before starting an accredited RN to BSN program online or in person. A typical career path from RN to BSN progresses in this order:
- Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program
- Apply for, take, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse
- Apply to an accredited RN to BSN program in Georgia
- Complete required coursework and clinical rotations to obtain your BSN degree
RN vs. BSN Careers: Georgia Salary Insights
In Georgia, nurses who hold a BSN degree often qualify for higher-paying roles and expanded career opportunities compared to RNs with an associate degree alone. According to recent data from Salary.com, BSN-prepared registered nurses in Georgia earn an average annual salary of about $87,795, while ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for registered nurses in the state is approximately $72,245 per year.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that registered nurses nationwide earned a median annual salary of $93,600 as of May 2024. Georgia nurses earn slightly below the national median, with state-level BLS data showing a median annual salary of approximately $86,560. Entry-level nurses in Georgia earn around $66,110 annually, while top earners can make more than $124,810 per year.
As with many states, nursing salaries in Georgia vary by region, employer, and specialization. Nurses working in large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Roswell typically earn higher salaries than those employed in smaller rural communities.
Georgia’s Best Online RN to BSN Programs
The EduMed team regularly ranks different programs in Georgia, including the best RN to BSN bridge programs. To be included in these rankings, programs must be accredited, have at least one online component, and offer academic counseling and career placement services. Specific rankings were determined based on how a school performed in terms of academics, affordability, and the percentage of the program available online. To learn more about our ranking methodology, click the “About Our Rankings” pop-up below.
