MSN Programs in Georgia

By EveryNurse Staff on January 16, 2023

In response to an increasing need for nurses to fill a wide range of positions within the field, those who obtain an MSN degree have a chance to take jobs centered on assuming the role of an administrator or educator. Other benefits associated with pursuing an advanced degree in nursing, such as attending an MSN program in Georgia, including expanding health care knowledge, taking more of a leadership role, and qualifying for higher-paying job positions.

Schools With MSN Programs in Georgia

Together, Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern University offer a collaborative online Master of Science in Nursing degree program that is CCNE accredited. Since the program involves two different schools, students will have access to resources available at both learning institutions. In an effort to prepare nurses to take on education and leadership positions, students may choose to concentrate on Nursing (which molds teachers who can develop a curriculum and evaluate the learning of others), Leadership (creating leaders in the nursing field), or Informatics (for careers that deal with health information technology). This program is generally completed within two academic years or four semesters of full time study of 9 credit hours per term.

In Statesboro, students at Georgia Southern University can pursue graduate studies that focus on earning a master’s degree in Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner, which is offered through online instruction. This program is CCNE accredited.

Students that attend Georgia State University will to receive a CCNE-accredited MSN degree after attending classes at the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions. The University offers several areas of specialty for nurses who are interested in earning a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner credential. Specialty areas of study include Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner Program, Child Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Fall applicants are only accepted into the following programs of study at Georgia State University: Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner or Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. There is also a non-clinical area of study only for fall applicants called Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Innovations, which includes a leadership/change core, as well as two areas of concentration.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Valdosta State University not only offers a CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing degree program, but also provides an RN to MSN Pathway for registered nurses looking to receive a graduate-level education. Applicants are accepted each summer during the fall, spring and summer. Nurses may pursue an education that focuses on Adult-Gerontology (Nurse Practitioner), Clinical Nurse Leader, or Family Psychiatric/Mental Health.

The NLNAC accredited degree program at Albany State University offers nurses a chance to pursue a higher level of education that prepares them for advanced placement as a Clinical Nurse Educator (NE) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – which is offered online. Those who choose the FNP concentration will complete 44 semester hours, while the NE concentration requires 36 semester hours. Both programs are designed to be completed within two calendar years.

South University offers a Master of Science in Nursing program at their Savannah, Georgia campus, where students may take online classes to earn a specialization as an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Educator. The CCNE accredited master’s degree program is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master’s Essentials and presents a curriculum that blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts. Applicants to the program must hold a current and unencumbered license in the state in which they are completing their program requirements. Everyone is also expected to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

Georgia MSN Checklist

Obtain a valid license in Georgia as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Complete prerequisites before applying to an MSN degree program.
Fulfill requirements regarding supervised clinical experience to earn an MSN degree.
Gain APRN authorization from the Georgia Board of Nursing (~$40 fee) as either an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) or an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), depending on specific specialties. The Board must receive official transcripts and program certificates with course descriptions.
Provide only one national certification body approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Pass Georgia’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Georgia MSN Salary & Job Outlook

Earning a Master of Science in Nursing in Georgia means that a nurse is able to qualify for jobs generally filled by Advanced Practice Nurses (APN). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses seeking employment in Georgia stand to earn the following median salaries (depending on his or her chosen occupation): medical and health service managers ($89,560), nursing instructors and teachers ($60,420),nurse practitioners ($84,930), and nurse midwives ($92,460).