Nursing is arranged in a hierarchy according to education and responsibility, just like many other professions.
The first level in the nursing hierarchy is the certified nursing assistant (CNA). CNAs provide basic quality-of-life care for patients. CNAs need a high school diploma / GED and a brief course of post-secondary training, after which they are required to pass a certification examination. CNAs in Georgia can expect an average salary of $21,910 per year.
The third level is the registered nurse (RN). RNs have a greater scope of responsibility than LPNs and consequently require more education. RNs must earn at least a hospital diploma or associate's degree, and many hold a four-year BSN degree. RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain their title. An RN in Georgia can expect an average annual salary of around $61,630.
The fourth level is the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). APRNs function more independently than RNs and often provide primary care. APRNs can further specialize in fields such as obstetrics, anesthesia, family health, and geriatrics. An APRN must earn a master’s degree, requiring 2-3 years of education beyond the traditional BSN. APRNs in Georgia can expect an average annual salary of around $88,840; some specialties (anesthesia) earn salaries in excess of $130,000 per year.
To help you get started in your nursing career, we’ve provided a list of accredited Georgia nursing schools below.