A message I got back from the GA board of nursing The Georgia Board of Nursing does not approve programs which do not lead to initial licensure. Applicants for authorization as an advanced practice nurse must have graduated from an approved nursing education program. O.C.G.A. 43-26-3(1.2) provides the following definition for approved nursing education programs: 'Approved nursing education program' located in this state means a nursing education program approved by the board as meeting criteria established by the board. An 'approved nursing education program' located outside this state means a nursing education program that the board has determined to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for nursing education programs located in this state. In order to be approved by the board, a nursing education program must be one that is offered by: (A) A unit of the University System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; (B) An institution of the Technical College System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; © A nonprofit postsecondary institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; or (D) A postsecondary institution of higher education that is not accredited in accordance with subparagraph © of this paragraph, but whose curriculum has been determined by the board to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for other approved nursing education programs. Thank you for your inquiry. Professional Licensing Boards