How To Become a Nurse in Georgia 2025

There are a few types of nurses in Georgia, but people most often use ''nurse'' to refer to a registered nurses (RN). Other levels of nursing include licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and various specialized advanced professional nursing roles.

RNs are a vital part of healthcare and patient experiences, providing essential support and services across a variety of settings. Continue reading to learn how to become a nurse.

What Does an RN Do?

An RN, or certified registered nurse, provides patient care and assistance in a variety of healthcare settings. The responsibilities of registered nurses can include:

• consulting with doctors
• evaluating patients and updating records
• conducting tests and assessing results
• educating patients
• administering medications
• overseeing nursing aids or practical nurses

Some nurses work in specific fields of healthcare, such as mental health services or pediatric care. Specific duties depend on the facility and role, but nurses often work alongside other providers and directly care for patients.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Georgia?

Traditional nursing programs take around two years to complete, although there are accelerated program options with varying admission requirements. Some schools offer accelerated nursing programs online. There are also accelerated options available for students who already hold college credits, allowing them to complete an RN program more quickly.

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Georgia

There are a couple of things that you need to do to become a licensed RN, including meeting educational requirements for nurses and applying for your license. Explore the five steps to becoming an RN below.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Before you can begin a nursing education program, you need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Your school of nursing nursing program will build upon concepts that you learn through your diploma/GED program. In addition, make every effort to earn above-average grades, as admission requirements for nursing programs usually have a GPA component.

Step 2: Complete a Nursing Education Program

You must complete a nursing education program approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. There are a few types of programs that you can choose from: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a bridge program leading to either of those.

The ASN or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are the standard RN preparation program but bachelor's degree programs are often designed to give you credit for previous coursework and allow you to finish sooner.

Step 3: Complete Practicum Experiences

Because nursing is a vital part of healthcare, obtaining licensure requires some hands-on nursing practice experience. Programs that are approved by the state board should already have these clinical experience hours built into your curriculum. Practicum components typically include learning experiences in a lab at your school as well as practice clinical hours at healthcare facilities.

Step 4: Take the NCLEX-RN

At the end of your nursing program, you will take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Approved nursing programs anticipate the exam and aim to have all students pass their NCLEX-RN exams. You can typically review recent exam pass rates on the websites of nursing programs, which indicate how well other students of those programs have done.

Step 5: Obtain Nursing Licensure

Once you have passed your NCLEX-RN, you can apply for nursing licensure through the Georgia Board of Nursing and begin your nursing career. You need to submit your exam scores, transcripts, application, fingerprints, and background check consent.

In addition, you need to include an explanation for any potential criminal history. Licenses must be renewed every two years through the licensure website. You can browse the Georgia Secretary of State RN checklist for these requirements.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Georgia

You can complete online nursing programs at various schools. Georgia is home to more than 50 RN programs across the state, so you can choose one that meets your scheduling and cost needs. Five of the best programs that are fully approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing are highlighted below.

1. South Georgia State College

South Georgia State College has three campuses and offers three on-campus RN programs: an ASN, LPN-RN, and RN-BSN program. Students with no nursing experience or credentials can complete the ASN program in four semesters, while existing LPNs can complete the ASN in one year. The RN-BSN program allows registered nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through online coursework in one year of full-time enrollment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $105 per credit (in-state); $411 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. North Georgia Technical College

North Georgia Technical College offers an ASN program with two different track options. The standard ASN is available at two campuses and takes five semesters to complete, while the LPN-entry option takes four semesters to finish. Students develop professional nursing skills and competencies and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure at the end of the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $107 per credit (in-state); $214 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACEN

3. Dalton State College

Dalton State College offers a four-semester ASN program on campus that prepares students for patient care in different healthcare settings. LPNs can alternatively complete a hybrid ASN program within three months, and RNs can complete a BSN degree in as few as two semesters. The nursing education programs provide students with support, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for community engagement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $109 per credit (in-state); $422 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACEN

4. Albany State University

Albany State University offers three nursing programs: the ASN, BSN, and the RN to BSN. The ASN and BSN programs lead to the NCLEX and RN licensure, while the RN to BSN track is for licensed nurses who want to broaden their nursing skills.

The ASN program can be completed in two years, although students with qualifying roles may be eligible for the accelerated track (such as paramedics). The BSN program provides a deeper exploration of nursing competencies and skills and offers an accelerated option for students with a prior degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $132 to $174 per credit (in-state); $510 to $816 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACEN

5. Clayton State University

Clayton State University has a BSN program that leads to RN licensure as well as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that prepares students to become family nurse practitioners (FNPs). The BSN program is offered at two campuses and runs in a cohort format across eight full-time semesters. Students take courses in health assessments, nursing research, organizational change, and illnesses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $174 per credit (in-state); $647 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Georgia

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 15% growth in RN positions in Georgia, adding close to 6,000 jobs per year on average. There are more than 190,000 annual job openings expected nationally as the need for nurses continues to grow.

Registered nurses had a national median salary of $93,600 in 2024, which is nearly twice the average salary across all jobs. RNs working in Georgia earn an average of $66,110 to $124,810.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Georgia

As you learn about the path to becoming an RN, there are a couple of important things that you should keep in mind. The top FAQs are answered below and should help you to decide your next steps.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Georgia?

The cost of your nursing degree depends on the hourly credit rate, credits required, and any other fees that your program involves. Associate programs usually require around 60 credits while BSN programs have around 120. To reduce your costs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and choose from online colleges that accept FAFSA. You can utilize a variety of financial aid resources to reduce the costs of your program.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Most nursing programs require you to have a high school diploma or an equivalent, but you can often transfer in some coursework to reduce the length of your program. You can complete some self-paced nursing prerequisites online and choose a program that lets you apply them towards your degree.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse depends on your previous education. If you have prior college coursework, a BSN might be your fastest route to becoming a nurse. If you do not have any college credits, ASN programs are typically the fastest programs for becoming an RN.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

The easiest nursing degree typically offers weekend clinicals and flexible class scheduling so that it works around your existing work and family responsibilities. Ask your candidate schools about enrollment and scheduling, as these significantly impact your experience. Also, consider getting the best laptop for nursing students to make your nursing program go more smoothly.

Find a Nursing Degree

Discover more about nursing programs and top schools on other Learn.org pages. Contact the schools that offer programs you are interested in.