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.
Georgia
We've organized a comprehensive list of Georgia nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Georgia city.
Georgia school overviews
Georgia nursing programs and careers
City-specific information
An RN-to-BSN program allows an existing nurse with an associate's degree to attain baccalaureate education in nursing. RN-to-BSN programs are particularly appealing as employers increasingly preference registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree in their hiring decisions.
A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is a worthwhile investment, both for aspiring nurses entering the field and for existing nurses seeking career advancement. This is underscored by the recent marketplace shift towards BSN education, as healthcare employers place increasing value on registered nurses (RNs) who hold bachelor's degrees.
The associate's degree in nursing (ADN) program is an excellent option for those striving to become registered nurses. One major advantage of the ADN program is that it generally only takes two years to complete, making this a much speedier option than four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
Registered nurses (RNs) play a vital role in the healthcare system. They create individualized care plans for patients, support and advise patients and their family members, and manage a team of other nurses and healthcare workers. For aspiring RNs, there are several distinct educational options to consider.
In today’s healthcare system, all levels of nurses have significant responsibility. The role of licensed practical nurse (LPN) has certainly increased in prominence in recent years. In the past, LPNs were strictly focused on providing basic care for patients. However, LPNs today must wear many hats. These include providing care for patients, creating individualized plans for patient recovery, counseling and educating patients on healthy living, providing emotional support for patients and their families, and performing many other vital tasks.
Nursing assistants care directly for patients, assisting them with everyday needs like bathing, getting dressed, eating, and moving about. Nursing assistants also assist nurses with basic medical care, checking vital signs, administering medications, and reporting any changes in a patient’s condition.
The nursing profession never seems to diminish in demand, and Georgia is certainly no exception. There are over 130,000 individuals employed in nursing roles across the state, including 37,430 nursing assistants, 24,350 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), 66,080 registered nurses (RNs), and 4,300 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
When planning a nursing education path, prospective students often focus on the "here and now" and place cost at the top of their considerations. And while cost certainly is an important factor, we encourage nursing students to think of this education as an investment. In investing, the best strategies involve a long-term outlook. Nursing is no different. Though costs may be considerable in the short term, the return on investment can be considerable as well.
Entry-level nursing jobs can be achieved through a two-year (or less) course of study, while advanced nursing positions require an advanced degree. A two-year associate's degree program at a college or university provides students the opportunity to become a registered nurse; this in turn opens the door to continued training through a bachelor's degree program (BSN) or even a master’s degree and the title advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
If your sights are set on joining the nursing profession, you may benefit from attending a public institution. Georgia has numerous state-supported schools that offer a broad spectrum of nursing programs, including licensed practical nursing (LPN) certificate, registered nursing associate's degree (ADN), and registered nursing bachelor’s degree (BSN). Many public universities also confer the title of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) after completion of an additional two- to three-year master’s degree program.