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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Georgia involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered one of the best launching points.
Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for a BSN in Georgia, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.
Table of Contents
Best BSN Programs in Georgia
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.
1. University of North Georgia
At the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, the BSN program comes with an estimated annual cost of $10,623. Accredited by ACEN and showcasing an excellent NCLEX pass rate of 95%, this program equips students with essential skills for their nursing careers.
2. Gordon State College
Gordon State College in Barnesville offers a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $8,925. With ACEN accreditation and an NCLEX pass rate of 88%, this program provides students with a solid foundation for a successful nursing journey at an affordable cost.
3. Georgia Gwinnett College
Consider pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Georgia Gwinnett College located in Lawrenceville. The estimated annual cost for this program is $11,400. Accredited by ACEN and achieving an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 93%, it provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to succeed in the nursing field.
4. Middle Georgia State University
The BSN program at Middle Georgia State University in Macon offers an approximate annual cost of $10,295. This program holds ACEN accreditation and achieves an NCLEX pass rate of 87%, ensuring students receive quality nursing education.
5. Wesleyan College
Wesleyan College in Macon offers a BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $11,365. Accredited by ACEN and achieving an NCLEX pass rate of 85%, this program provides a good foundation for aspiring nurses to succeed in their nursing careers.
| Score | School | Program | City |
Estimated Cost(Annual)* |
NCLEX Pass Rates (Avg. 2018-2022) |
Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.94 | University of North Georgia | BSN | Dahlonega | $10,623 | 95% | Yes |
| 98.89 | Gordon State College | BSN | Barnesville | $8,925 | 88% | Yes |
| 98.11 | Georgia Gwinnett College | BSN | Lawrenceville | $11,400 | 93% | Yes |
| 96.78 | Middle Georgia State University | BSN | Macon | $10,295 | 87% | Yes |
| 94.60 | Wesleyan College | BSN | Macon | $11,365 | 85% | Yes |
| 93.54 | Valdosta State University | BSN | Valdosta | $13,336 | 88% | Yes |
| 92.70 | Georgia Southwestern State University | BSN | Americus | $12,567 | 93% | No |
| 92.36 | Augusta University | BSN | Augusta | $15,044 | 90% | Yes |
| 91.41 | College of Coastal Georgia | BSN | Brunswick | $13,258 | 92% | No |
| 90.74 | Kennesaw State University | BSN | Kennesaw | $18,212 | 95% | Yes |
| 90.59 | Clayton State University | BSN | Morrow | $10,635 | 83% | No |
| 89.16 | Georgia Southern University | BSN | Statesboro | $15,851 | 85% | Yes |
| 88.66 | Columbus State University | BSN | Columbus | $13,697 | 78% | Yes |
| 88.34 | Georgia College & State University | BSN | Milledgeville | $19,827 | 94% | Yes |
| 88.21 | Georgia State University | BSN | Atlanta | $17,738 | 88% | Yes |
| 88.09 | Albany State University | BSN | Albany | $14,904 | 89% | No |
| 87.76 | Shorter University | BSN | Rome | $16,638 | 84% | Yes |
| 86.91 | University of West Georgia | BSN | Carrollton | $16,239 | 81% | Yes |
| 85.23 | Piedmont University | BSN | Demorest | $19,827 | 87% | Yes |
| 82.33 | Truett McConnell University | BSN | Cleveland | $19,652 | 80% | Yes |
| 82.14 | Reinhardt University | BSN | Waleska | $23,843 | 91% | Yes |
| 81.22 | Brenau University | BSN | Gainesville | $22,771 | 86% | Yes |
| 80.39 | Mercer University | BSN | Macon | $20,884 | 88% | No |
| 80.23 | LaGrange College | BSN | Lagrange | $21,748 | 81% | Yes |
| 80.22 | Emory University | BSN | Atlanta | $25,424 | 91% | Yes |
| 80.16 |
Chamberlain University Georgia |
BSN | Sandy Springs | $21,537 | 87% | No |
*Costs as reported by Department of Education unless otherwise noted. Actual costs will vary based on scholarship, coursework, and other factors.
What Is a BSN?
A BSN is a step up from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSNs typically include more extensive study and coursework and offer a broader range of clinical experiences. Earning a BSN can provide nurses with more career opportunities beyond basic clinical care, including roles in:
- Administration
- Research
- Teaching
- Consulting
Many healthcare institutions today prefer BSN-prepared nurses to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements.
Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
BSN Coursework
Typical BSN coursework includes:
- Biology, including a lab and lecture course
- Chemistry, incorporating a lab and lecture course
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology, with a lab and lecture course
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
- Sociology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Mathematics, often statistics or at least an algebra course
- General Psychology
Can BSNs Be Taken Entirely Online?
Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, Pre-licensure BSN programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patent care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, many BSN programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those requiring more flexible schedules.
Where Do BSN-Prepared Nurses Work?
Nurses with a BSN have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Home Care Agencies
- Physician Office
- Educational Services
- Government Agencies
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Hospices
- Dialysis Centers
- Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings
BSN Prerequisites and Requirements
BSN programs generally require:
- Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
- Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
- CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
- Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.
BSN Salary Expectations in Georgia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Georgia in 2022 earned:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $40.95
- Annual Mean Wage: $85,180
Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an ADN-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.
RN salary in Georgia is 4% lower than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
- Annual Mean Wage: $89,010
With the highest-paying states being:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
The BLS collected the Georgia RN wage data from over 82,970 nurses.
How to Choose a Nursing School
Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.
Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Courses
Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that best fit them.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Georgia?
Georgia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states without additional steps. You do not have to transfer your license if moving from an NLC state.
Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Georgia?
Many schools in Georgia offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.
Q: Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?
While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.
Additionally, many healthcare institutions now require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and to achieve the prestige of Magnet status.
