12-Month ABSN Programs in Georgia: Accelerated Nursing Online
Several colleges and universities in Georgia offer accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees for students who want to fast-track their nursing careers.
To become a nurse, you need either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Although associate degrees are faster, bachelor's degrees can help you move your career further and prepare for graduate school.
Some schools offer fast track nursing programs online to help students accelerate the process of becoming a registered nurse (RN). Some take as little as one year. Keep reading to discover 12-month accelerated nursing programs in Georgia.
What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?
An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a program designed to help students finish their core nursing courses more quickly so they can become certified registered nurses faster. These are most commonly available to those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or students who have completed their general education courses.
There are several pathways students can take to complete the required education to become a registered nurse. Depending on where you're at in your education, a fast-track nursing program online may be the quickest way to become a nurse.
<h2 id="section---AreThereAnyOnlineABSNProgramsInGeorgia">Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in Georgia?</h2><p>No ABSN program is 100% online, as they all require some amount of in-person clinical experiences. However, there are a few programs in Georgia that offer courses online and only require students to appear in person at the clinical site for their hands-on practice.
</p><h2 id="section---TopAcceleratedBSNProgramsInGeorgia">Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Georgia</h2><p>A handful of colleges and universities in Georgia offer accelerated BSN programs. We've highlighted them below.
</p><h3 id="section---1.EmoryUniversity">1. Emory University</h3><p>Emory University is a private Methodist institution in Atlanta, GA. Its School of Nursing offers a distance-based, accelerated BSN for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree.
</p><p>This second-degree program offers small class sizes and only requires students to appear in person for clinical rotations. The program takes three semesters to complete, including a summer semester. Three start dates are available each year.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $64,280 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Three semesters
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Emory University accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.GeorgiaSouthernUniversity">2. Georgia Southern University</h3><p>At Georgia Southern University, students who already hold a bachelor's degree can complete a BSN in just three semesters. Coursework covers topics such as health assessment, community health, and mental health nursing.
</p><p>GSU, a public research institution, is located in Statesboro, GA. Most courses take place on campus at the Health Professions Academic Building in Savannah, GA, where students have access to the school's state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,022 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Three semesters
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> GSU offers institutional aid, including scholarships specifically for nursing students. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.MercerUniversity">3. Mercer University</h3><p>Mercer University offers an accelerated, second-degree BSN program in a hybrid format through its College of Nursing. Mercer University is a private Baptist research institution in Macon, GA.
</p><p>The program includes online classroom learning, as well as in-person skills labs and clinical practice. Students can finish in as little as three semesters or 12 months of consecutive study.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $61,773 total
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Three semesters
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Mercer University offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---4.AugustaUniversity">4. Augusta University</h3><p>The ABSN program at Augusta University allows students to graduate faster by offering an accelerated course format and summer semesters. This program is open to students who have completed their general education and prerequisite requirements.
</p><p>Augusta University, located in Augusta, GA, is a public research university. Its ABSN program is primarily on campus and takes four semesters of full-time study to complete.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $3,532 per semester
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Four semesters
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Augusta University accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---5.KennesawStateUniversity">5. Kennesaw State University</h3><p>Kennesaw State University is a public institution in Kennesaw, GA. It offers an accelerated BSN through its Wellstar School of Nursing.
</p><p>The on-campus program allows students who have completed all general education courses to finish their degree in just four semesters. The curriculum includes courses on topics such as community healthcare, professional nursing practice, and evidence-based patient care, as well as practicum experiences in clinical settings.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $2,850 per semester
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Four semesters
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Kennesaw State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---6.UniversityOfNorthGeorgia">6. University of North Georgia</h3><p>Students at the University of North Georgia can participate in the hybrid ABSN if they already hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a non-nursing subject. The program takes four consecutive semesters, or about 15 months, to complete.
</p><p>UNG, a public military school, is located in Dahlonega, GA. On-campus requirements for the ABSN are run through the campus in Gainesville.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $5,285 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Four semesters
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UNG offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---7.ValdostaStateUniversity">7. Valdosta State University</h3><p>Valdosta State University offers an accelerated BSN program for second-degree students. Valdosta State is a public university in Valdosta, GA.
</p><p>The program takes four consecutive semesters to complete, or roughly 15 months. The program is offered through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,124 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Four semesters
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Valdosta State offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>To choose the baccalaureate degrees on this list, we focused on:
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools are regionally accredited, and all nursing schools are programmatically accredited by the ACEN or CCNE and approved by the state Board of Nursing.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> In addition to only choosing accredited programs, we also focused on programs from public or private, nonprofit institutions to ensure high-quality nursing programs.
</li><li><b>Program cost:</b> We looked at schools that either offer low tuition rates, have comprehensive financial aid options, or accept need-based aid.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedOnlineABSNPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs</h2><p>Fast-tracking a nursing degree can feel overwhelming. We've answered some frequently asked questions about 1-year accelerated nursing programs and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> below.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineABSNProgramCostInGeorgia">How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Georgia?</h3><p>The cost of an ABSN program in Georgia will depend on a few factors. To start, it will depend on the school you choose. Public schools, like those in the University System of Georgia, are far less expensive than private ones.
</p><p>It will also depend on how many credits you need. If you've finished all general education and prerequisite science courses, you'll pay less than if you still have to complete those.
</p><p>The financial aid you qualify for also makes a huge difference. All students should fill out the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for need-based aid. There are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_georgia.html">accredited online colleges that accept financial aid</a> in Georgia.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_absn_programs.html">Cheapest Accelerated Nursing Programs</a>
</p><h3 id="section---WhoShouldConsiderA12MonthABSNProgram">Who Should Consider a 12-Month ABSN Program?</h3><p>For most 12-month ABSN programs, the target student is someone who has a bachelor's degree in another field but wants to make a career change and become a registered nurse. Note that these programs can be intense, so you may have to leave your current job to complete the degree.
</p><p>Students who have completed all prerequisites and want to fast-track their nursing courses are also good contenders for these programs. If you're unsure if an ABSN is right for you, speak with your advisor.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionsRequirementsForOnlineABSNPrograms">What Are the Admissions Requirements for Online ABSN Programs?</h3><p>Admissions requirements for ABSN programs vary between schools. However, there are some basic things that these programs require.
</p><p>If you're applying for a second-degree program, you'll need a bachelor's degree. If it's not a second-degree program, you'll still likely need to meet general education requirements and prerequisites. Common prerequisite courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and statistics.
</p><p>Other common requirements include:
</p><ul><li>a minimum GPA
</li><li>an entrance exam like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
</li><li>proof of vaccinations
</li><li>letters of recommendation
</li></ul><p>You can usually find a full list of requirements on the nursing program website.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/can_i_get_bsn_without_rn.html">Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?</a>
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>Start your journey toward your nursing career by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.</p>