Best 2-Year Nursing Programs in Georgia (ASN & ADN Online)
Many colleges and universities in Georgia offer two-year nursing degree programs. These entry-level nursing degrees are typically called ADN or ASN programs.
So, you're considering a career in healthcare. Becoming a registered nurse (RN) can be a great way to get started and build a rewarding and potentially lucrative career. With this in mind, you'd like to learn more about the training programs available in your home state of Georgia; in particular, you're wondering about 2-year nursing degrees online and in-person.
Keep reading as we explore some top 2-year nursing programs available in Georgia. We'll also talk about what goes into this type of program and answer some questions you may have.
What Is a 2-Year Nursing Program?
There are different types of nursing degrees that meet the educational requirements for nurses. These include the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), each of which can be completed within two years.
Associate of Science in Nursing
An ASN program is a common nursing degree in Georgia. It is an associate degree program that can lead to RN licensure or transfer to more advanced nursing programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN).
On-campus and online ASN programs contain a blend of general education and nursing courses, hands-on skills practice in simulation labs, and real-world clinical experiences in healthcare facilities. They provide a well-rounded education for nursing students, regardless of their future career goals.
Associate Degree in Nursing
ADN is a general term that can refer to any associate-level nursing degree that leads to licensure. Common ADN degrees include the ASN, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing, and the Associate of Nursing (AN).
Generally speaking, these degree programs blend online or campus-based coursework with skills labs and clinical rotations, but each type of program may have a slightly different focus. AAS degrees, for example, prepare students to specialize in a particular field of nursing but don't always transfer seamlessly to BSN programs. ASN degrees are more transfer-friendly and may place a stronger emphasis on general education coursework as a result.
Are There Online 2-Year Nursing Degrees in Georgia?
Fully online ADN programs are not available; by their very nature, all pre-licensure nursing programs require in-person components such as skills labs and clinical experiences. However, some programs allow students to complete classroom-based coursework online, giving them added flexibility.
Several colleges throughout Georgia offer these types of hybrid-online ADN programs. We'll take a closer look at some top options in the following sections.
Best 2-Year ASN and ADN Programs in Georgia
If you're ready to enroll in a two-year nursing program, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top schools of nursing with two-year programs in Georgia, including some offering accredited online nursing degree programs.
1. Georgia State University - Perimeter College
Perimeter College is a community college affiliated with Georgia State University. The school offers a wide array of degree and certificate programs, including an ASN program.
Students can enroll in the traditional generic track or the advanced-placement option for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The school boasted 100% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) pass rates in 2024 and is known for providing high-quality education in two years or less.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,104 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
2. Albany State University
Albany State University is a public school located in Albany, GA. Learners at this school can pursue an ASN degree with several flexible options.
The school offers traditional and evening degree options as well as a bridge program for entry-level healthcare professionals and a hybrid program for online students. With so many options, students have greater control to complete their program in a way that works for them.
- Estimated tuition cost: $5,656 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3. Georgia Highlands College
Georgia Highlands College is a public school in Rome, GA. This school offers an ASN degree consisting of 66 credit hours and is designed for completion within two years.
This program is completed on campus, though students have the option to complete prerequisite coursework either online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Learners are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN or pursue further studies at the bachelor's or master's level.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,120 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4. Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a multi-campus school with two main campuses in Dublin and Sandersville. It offers an ADN program that LPNs can complete within a year, and students with no healthcare experience can complete it within two years.
The program features a mix of on-campus, blended, and online synchronous and asynchronous courses, providing maximum flexibility for busy students. The admissions process is competitive, but start dates are available in both fall and spring semesters, depending on the campus.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,380 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
5. Chattahoochee Technical College
Chattahoochee Technical College is a public school with campuses located in and around Atlanta. One of the programs available is an ASN degree.
Students in this program develop practical skills in nursing practice and patient care. Courses teach nursing theory, which students then learn to apply in clinical settings as they prepare to seek nursing licensure.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,540 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
6. Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University is a public school in Macon. It offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of areas. Students at this school can earn an associate degree in nursing.
The program can be completed within two years and consists of 67 credit hours. Nursing courses cover topics such as behavioral health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and more.
- Estimated tuition cost: $5,038 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
7. South Georgia State College
South Georgia State College is a public school with campuses in Waycross and Douglas. It provides an ASN degree with generic and LPN-to-RN tracks.
All courses are completed on campus, and students in the generic track typically graduate in two or three years. Students can transfer to a BSN program or begin working as an RN after completing the program.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,314 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
8. Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College is a public community college located in Alpharetta and Lawrenceville. It offers an ADN program for traditional learners as well as bridge options for LPNs, paramedics, and surgical technologists.
Students in the traditional program typically graduate within two years, while those in the bridge programs receive advanced standing and may finish sooner. The program provides exceptional opportunities for students to develop essential nursing care skills.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,524 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
9. Southeastern Technical College
Southeastern Technical College is a public school Vidalia, GA. Learners at this school can pursue an Associate of Science in nursing program.
Students typically complete the program within six semesters. In addition to nursing coursework, students complete general education courses and a practicum as part of the program.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,400 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
10. North Georgia Technical College
North Georgia Technical College is a public school with its main campus located in Clarkesville, GA. It offers an ASN degree designed for completion in five semesters.
The 72-credit program can be completed in two years with year-round study. The program is available on the Clarkesville and Blairsville campuses, with 50 total students being admitted to the program each year.
- Estimated tuition cost: $3,330 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
How We Rank Schools
We strive to provide information about top programs in our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the schools featured in this article:
- Accreditation: All of the schools maintain institutional accreditation and are approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and/or the Georgia Board of Nursing.
- Program length: Each associate degree program can be completed within two years of full-time study.
- Program reputation: Each college of nursing is known for providing high-quality education in patient care and preparing students to pass the NCLEX-RN.
FAQs About 2-Year Nursing Programs in Georgia
If you still have questions about pursuing two-year academic programs in nursing, you're not alone. Read on to find answers to some frequently asked questions.
How To Become a Nurse in 2 Years in Georgia?
To become a nurse in Georgia within two years, you'll want to enroll in a state-approved ADN or ASN program, such as any of the options featured above. Upon successful completion of the program, you'll sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and apply to the Georgia Board of Nursing for your RN license. After passing the exam and a background check and submitting all required documents, you'll receive your license and can begin looking for nursing jobs.
What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in Georgia?
LPN programs provide one of the fastest ways to become a nurse in Georgia � these programs can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months. However, if you want to become an RN, you'll need to complete at least an ADN or ASN program, which will take about two years. Alternatively, if you already have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing, you could enroll in an accelerated BSN program (ABSN). These degree programs can often be completed in as little as one year.
What Is the Easiest Nursing School in Georgia?
Students sometimes consider the nursing schools with the highest acceptance rates to be some of the easiest programs. However, there's no such thing as an ''easy nursing school.'' All state-approved programs provide the same challenging coursework and clinical experiences and require students to meet the same minimum standards to pursue licensure.
How Much Does a 2-Year Nursing Program Cost?
Tuition costs and related expenses vary depending on the school you plan to attend. Among the colleges featured in this article, average yearly tuition costs range from around $3,100 to $5,600.
What Are the Prerequisites for a 2-Year Nursing Program?
Nursing programs commonly require students to complete prerequisite courses before or during the admissions process. Common prerequisites include biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, psychology, and statistics.
Discover Nursing Programs
If you're ready to begin your professional nursing career, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges to find out more about their admission requirements and choose the best program for you.