Online Nursing Programs in Georgia

Becoming a Nurse in Georgia

Accredited online nursing programs in Georgia offer the chance for fast-tracked options and advanced degrees in various levels of nursing. Despite having more than 141,000 nurses, Georgia also has one of the most significant shortages in the country and it's expected to worsen through 2030. However, there are program options and licensure opportunities for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs to serve communities throughout Georgia and ease the burden of this shortage. Students graduating from these online nursing programs can choose from multiple licensing options through the Georgia Board of Nursing. Georgia is also part of the Nurse Licensure Compact which allows nurses in one NLC state to practice in another without obtaining additional licensure. There are currently 39 states that have enacted NLC.

How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Georgia

To become a Certified Nurse Aide, applicants must first complete a state-approved CNA training program. This coursework can often be completed within a few months and contains classroom and clinical training to prepare future nurse aides to work in healthcare settings. After completing the education requirement, aspiring CNAs have one year to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination through Credentia. Credentia allows up to three attempts to pass the written and practical portions. Applicants can add their name to the Georgia Nurse Aide/Medication Aide Registry and request a certification card once they pass.

Renewal for CNA certification in Georgia takes place every two years. CNAs must work a minimum of eight hours within the 24-month renewal period, otherwise they'll need to retest to remain on the Nurse Aide Registry.

CNAs are often needed to work in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to help patients complete everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. The job can be physically demanding as CNAs may also have to help lift and move patients. CNAs in Georgia earn a $26,530 annual median salary, as compared to the national median salary of $30,850.

How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Georgia

To get a Georgia LPN license, applicants must complete a state-approved nursing education program. Aspiring LPNs should register for and pass the NCLEX-PN, then apply for their Georgia nursing license. The application fee is $40, and applicants must also undergo a background check to disclose any potential criminal history. Georgia nursing education programs submit applicants' school histories directly to the Board of Nursing. However, those who studied in another state will need their official transcripts sent to the board.

A Georgia LPN license renewal is required every two years. During that time, LPNs must complete 20 hours of continuing education. This can be achieved in one of two ways. The first option is for LPNs to complete 20 hours of continuing education nursing courses by a provider approved by the Board of Nursing; the second option is to complete an accredited academic program within the professional nursing field.

Nursing and residential care facilities often hire LPNs to provide basic medical care under the supervision of RNs and doctors. In addition, LPNs may assist in patient care by monitoring and recording their health. Patients often turn to these professionals for comfort and to talk about their health concerns. LPNs in Georgia earn a median annual salary of $44,760, as compared to the national median annual salary of $48,820. Jobs in this field are projected to grow by 9% nationwide through 2030. While salary figures are lower, the cost of living in Georgia is 93.4, below the national average of 100.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Georgia

Students interested in pursuing a Georgia RN license must first graduate from a school approved by the Board of Nursing. They are then eligible to register to take the NCLEX-RN which must be done before applying for licensure. After passing the exam, prospective RNs can apply for Georgia nursing licensure through the board. Those who attend online RN programs in Georgia don't need a transcript sent to the board because the school will automatically send education information electronically. However, those who studied out of state must arrange to have their transcript sent. Licensing applicants will also need to pay a $40 application fee and complete a criminal background check.

Licensed RNs in Georgia collaborate within medical teams by assessing medical conditions, administering treatment, observing and recording health information, and operating medical equipment. They may also teach patients and families how to treat illnesses and injuries and often work in hospitals, schools, and care facilities. In Georgia, RNs earn an annual median salary of $69,630. Nationally, the annual median salary for RNs is $75,330 and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% job growth rate for this specialty.

How to Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Georgia

Before applying for a Georgia Advanced Practice Nursing License, applicants must first hold an active Georgia RN license. Aspiring APRNs must also have either a master's or doctoral degree from a board-approved program. Additional requirements include having accumulated 500 hours of APRN practice within the previous four years and holding an active national certification in their specialty. Once they meet all requirements, APRN program graduates may apply for their license with official college transcripts and a $75 fee. To renew an APRN license in the state of Georgia, licensees must provide verification of their national certification. To gain prescriptive authority, APRNs must obtain a nurse protocol agreement approved by the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

Those with a Georgia APRN license may practice as nurse anesthetists, registered nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners. These professionals help coordinate specialty and primary care for patients in physician's offices or hospitals. Salaries vary, but APRNs are generally the highest paid of nurses. Specifically, Georgia's nurse anesthetists earn an annual median salary of $181,520 — the most of all nurses and APRNs. Nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $104,090 in Georgia, while nurse midwives earn a median annual salary of $92,560. These salary figures are slightly below the U.S. median annual salary for these occupations but the BLS predicts a much higher than normal job growth rate of 45% nationally — more than five times the U.S. average growth rate of 8% for all occupations.