Comparing Top Online RN to BSN Programs in Georgia

Georgia’s Best Online RN to BSN Programs

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.

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.

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN

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

Metro Atlanta's hospital systems, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont, and WellStar among them, have been expanding for years and now write a bachelor's degree into most of their specialty and leadership job postings, which tends to pull pay closer to the top of this range. Head south into rural Georgia and the calculus flips. Hospitals there need nurses badly enough that an associate degree still opens doors fast, though typically at the lower end of the scale.

Several of Georgia's larger systems also run tuition-assistance programs for staff RNs finishing a BSN while they work, which narrows the gap over time.