RN to BSN Programs in Georgia
By EveryNurse Staff on January 16, 2023
RN to BSN programs are a great option for registered nurses with an associate degree to gain the education they need to advance in their careers. Although the roles of an RN and a BSN are similar and interchangeable in many cases, a BSN-educated nurse is typically regarded as having a broader knowledge base from which to draw and is better equipped for leadership roles and management positions.
If you are an RN who is considering RN to BSN programs in Georgia, this article will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We will cover admission requirements, online program options, BSN salaries in Georgia, and the best RN to BSN programs in the state.
Best RN to BSN Programs in Georgia
Nurses report that the most important factors in choosing an RN to BSN program are cost, academic strength, proximity to home, affordability, and school reputation. Our list of the best RN to BSN programs in Georgia accounts for these factors by combining relevant data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and other credible third-party sources.
To appear on this list, a program must be: a public or private college or university in the state of Georgia, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
| RANK | SCHOOL NAME | LOCATION | WEBSITE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercer University | Atlanta, GA | nursing.mercer.edu |
| 2 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | lewis.gsu.edu |
| 3 | University of West Georgia | Douglasville, GA | westga.edu |
| 4 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA | online.mga.edu |
| 5 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | chp.georgiasouthern.edu |
| 6 | LaGrange College | LaGrange, GA | lagrange.edu |
| 7 | Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | nursing.columbusstate.edu |
| 8 | Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus, GA | gsw.edu |
| 9 | Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | clayton.edu |
| 10 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | ung.edu |
| 11 | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | abac.edu |
| 12 | College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | ccga.edu |
| 13 | Georgia Highlands College | Rome, GA | highlands.edu |
| 14 | Albany State University | Albany, GA | asurams.edu |
| 15 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | daltonstate.edu |
| 16 | Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | gordonstate.edu |
| 17 | South Georgia State College | Douglas, GA | sgsc.edu |
| 18 | Thomas University | Thomasville, GA | thomasu.edu |
| 19 | Chamberlain University College of Nursing | Atlanta, GA | chamberlain.edu |
Online RN to BSN Programs in Georgia
Online RN to BSN programs can be a great option for professional nurses who want to advance their careers but have a full-time job or other responsibilities that make going to school on a traditional college campus difficult. Online programs offer the same high-quality education as traditional programs, with an identical curriculum and cohort model that is utilized in a traditional classroom setting.
Blended and Hybrid Online Programs
Another popular option for RNs who want to earn their BSN is a blended or hybrid program. Blended and hybrid programs offer a mix of online instruction and face-to-face classroom sessions. This “blend” of online learning and traditional classroom education is popular because it offers the convenience of online learning with the added benefit of face-to-face interactions with instructors and other students.
Degree Guides
Georgia RN to BSN Program Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for RN to BSN programs vary by institution. However, most programs share common admission requirements, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a current RN license, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Many programs may also require a certain number of clinical hours and prerequisite courses. Applicants who do not meet the program’s minimum requirements may be accepted conditionally but must complete all admission requirements before they can begin the program.
The following list provides a general overview of the prerequisites for RN to BSN programs:
- Proof of graduation from an accredited ADN program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and a GPA of 2.75 or higher in prerequisite health science courses such as Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physiology, English, and Statistics.
- A current, unencumbered RN license in the state of Georgia
- A satisfactory health assessment and physical examination
- A criminal background check with no felonies or misdemeanors
- Evidence of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and proof of negative TB test results
- English language proficiency for students whose first language is not English
How Much Does a BSN Make in Georgia?
One of the main reasons nurses decide to pursue a BSN is the increased earning potential that comes with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Research consistently shows that BSN-educated nurses with no further postgraduate education make more money than their ADN-educated counterparts with the same amount of experience.
This trend of higher salaries for BSNs is especially pronounced in Georgia. According to ZipRecruiter, a BSN in Georgia earns an average annual salary of $76,237 whereas a nurse with an associate degree earns an average annual salary of $59,481.
Highest Paying Cities for BSN Nurses in Georgia
| CITY | ANNUAL SALARY * | HOURLY WAGE * |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy Springs | $85,400 | $41.06 |
| Atlanta | $85,236 | $40.98 |
| Macon | $82,918 | $39.86 |
| Roswell | $81,797 | $39.33 |
| Augusta | $76,117 | $36.59 |
| Warner Robins | $76,002 | $36.54 |
| Savannah | $74,037 | $35.59 |
| Athens | $73,517 | $35.34 |
| Gainesville | $71,590 | $34.42 |
| Columbus | $68,028 | $32.71 |
| * Zip Recruiter, BSN Salary in Georgia, November 2021 | ||
Additional Resources for Georgia Nursing Students
Georgia RN to BSN Program FAQ
Yes, you can earn a BSN without earning an ADN first. Many students pursue a BSN directly after high school or after earning a diploma in nursing. Either of these paths would meet the minimum education requirements for admission to most BSN programs. Regardless of the option you choose, be aware that BSN programs have prerequisite coursework that must be completed before you can apply.
Yes, RN to BSN programs are competitive. Applicants are typically evaluated on their GPA, their previous experience as a nurse, and their past performance in prerequisite courses (if applicable). Theoretically, higher grades and more experience will give you a better chance of being admitted to the program of your choice. However, keep in mind that admissions are based on more than just grades and experience – meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into a program.
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