Top ADN Programs in Georgia: Online & Campus
Explore the top associate nursing degrees in Georgia that are state-approved and can prepare you to become an RN in only two years.
ADN programs in Georgia offer a quick and affordable way to get the training you need to become a nursing professional. With plenty of opportunities for hands-on clinical work, these programs prepare you for employment in a range of medical settings, from doctor’s offices to emergency rooms.
Qualified nurses are in especially high demand right now. This guide highlights some of the best two-year nursing programs in Georgia, examines the key advantages, and answers popular questions about financial aid, earning potential, and online learning options. Read on to get started by taking a look at which schools made our list.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Gordon State College
Barnesville, Georgia
Public
Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
Public
Dalton State College
Dalton, Georgia
Public
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, Georgia
Public
Popular ADN Nursing Programs in Georgia
With dozens of ADN programs in Georgia, it’s important to know how to identify the standout schools that could give you a leg up on the competition as you launch your nursing career. In this section, we spotlight several two-year nursing programs in Georgia that stand out as great options for your studies.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s associate of science in nursing program boasts an NCLEX pass rate of nearly 90%. It holds accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and equips students for success as nursing generalists in evidence-based, patient-centered care. The program emphasizes key values such as cultural diversity and compassion and offers courses that build technical knowledge in subjects such as microbiology, psychology, and human development.
Most students finish this Georgia ADN nursing program in two years or less, completing at least 72 credits that also develop foundations in the humanities and social sciences. The program is competitive and offers several start times throughout the year. New students must attend a mandatory orientation session at the school’s Walker County campus.
South Georgia State College
Students enrolled in South Georgia State College’s associate of science in nursing program select from two tracks: a generic practice pathway and an LPN-RN bridge option. The school administers courses for both tracks from its Douglas and Waycross campuses and expects students to complete all program requirements within 2-3 years. Along the way, aspiring professionals receive NCLEX preparation and instruction in nursing fundamentals and clinical healthcare practice.
Courses for the 72-credit program cover a broad range of topics such as adult care and women’s health, healthcare management, and mental health nursing. Students also participate in a clinical experience near the end of the program, including hands-on skills labs and supervised work at select facilities in southern Georgia.
ADN Programs Approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing
The state board of nursing grants approval to a wide range of programs not limited to the ones listed above. Here’s a comprehensive list of ADN nursing programs in Georgia.
| School | Approval Status |
|---|---|
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Conditional |
| Albany State University | Conditional |
| Albany Technical College | Full |
| Andrew College | Conditional |
| Athens Technical College | Full |
| Atlanta Technical College | Full |
| Augusta Technical College | Full |
| Central Georgia Technical College | Full |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | Full |
| Coastal Pines Technical College | Full |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Full |
| Columbus Technical College | Full |
| Dalton State College | Full |
| Georgia Highlands College | Full |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Full |
| Georgia State University | Full |
| Gordon State College | Full |
| Gwinnett Technical College | Full |
| Lanier Technical College | Full |
| Middle Georgia State University | Full |
| North Georgia Technical College | Full |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Full |
| South Georgia State College | Full |
| Southern Crescent Technical College | Full |
| Southern Regional Technical College | Conditional |
| Southeastern Technical College | Full |
| West Georgia Technical College | Full |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Full |
Source: Georgia Board of Nursing; Latest information as of June 2024
4 Key Advantages of ADN Programs in Georgia
ADN nursing programs in Georgia offer several distinct benefits in comparison to other nursing options. Learn more about these key advantages below.
- It’s the fastest and most affordable way to become an RN in Georgia.
ADN nursing programs in Georgia get you trained and work-ready quickly for a fraction of the cost of other options. A traditional BSN takes almost twice as long and you’ll incur twice as many expenses. Programs like those at Chattahoochee Tech and College of Coastal Georgia typically last just two years and offer everything you need to get licensed and enter the workforce.
- You can earn significantly higher pay than other entry-level nursing careers.
Two-year nursing programs in Georgia give you an initial credential, but the employment opportunities available typically pay more than comparable positions. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia RNs are paid significantly higher wages than CNAs or LPNs. For example, RNs bring home more than double the yearly income of most CNAs and nearly 40% more than LPNs.
| Mean Hourly Pay in Georgia | Mean Annual Pay in Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $43.27 | $90,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $26.49 | $55,090 |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $16.77 | $34,890 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
- There continues to be high demand for registered nurses in Georgia.
The job outlook is especially bright for those who have completed two-year nursing programs in Georgia. In fact, the Peach State ranks among the top five states for RN employment across the U.S. Between 2023 and 2025, there is projected to be 3,540 new jobs, a difference of 3.9%.
- You can always move up the nursing education and career ladder in the future.
ADN nursing programs in Georgia not only offer a fast-track to RN licensure, but they also provide pathways for further education and career advancement. Many schools offer accelerated BSN or MSN options for students who have completed ADN nursing programs in Georgia. Some even have special bridge programs that require less time and less paperwork. Georgia State University and South Georgia State College both offer this option to students seeking an ADN. For more information on these career advancement options, see our guides to online RN to BSN and online RN to MSN programs.
Inside Look at Online ADN Programs in Georgia
At this time, there are no fully online two-year nursing programs in Georgia. This is because so many of the requirements involve hands-on components including skills labs and supervised clinical work. That said, while most ADN nursing programs in Georgia require significant in-person attendance, some are beginning to offer hybrid learning to accommodate more students.
Two-year nursing programs in Georgia like the ones at Perimeter College and Dalton State offer a good overview of what to expect. In both cases, students complete most requirements in person—including clinical placements—and offer hybrid options for some academic courses. Some schools have online or hybrid options for orientation sessions as well.
FAQs About ADN Programs in Georgia
What nursing knowledge and skills do you learn in ADN programs in Georgia?
These programs prepare students for entry-level nursing work in a range of settings by building key skills in patient-centered, evidence-based care. A typical course of study, like at Dalton State College, blend academic, theory-based coursework with hands-on learning that reflects the conditions and real-world problems nurses face every day.
Like other healthcare professionals, nurses need adequate background in the sciences, and most ADN programs in Georgia begin by developing foundations in microbiology, physiology and anatomy, and psychology. Students can also expect to gain skills in health assessment, mental health, surgical procedures, and administration of medication.
How much do ADN programs cost in Georgia?
Total cost varies depending on program specifics, school, and individual circumstances (additional fees, course load per term, potential travel, etc.). That said, most two-year nursing programs in Georgia charge somewhat similar tuition rates. The table below offers a sense of what to expect. As you‘ll see, these Georgia ADN nursing programs offer an inexpensive way to launch your nursing career.
College of Coastal Georgia
Total Credits: 70
$107/credit (in-state resident)
$395/credit (out-of-state resident)
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Associate of Science in Nursing
Total Credits: 65
$100/credit (in-state resident)
$200/credit (out-of-state resident)
Georgia Highlands College
Associate of Science in Nursing Program
Total Credits: 66
$95/credit (in-state resident)
$360/credit (out-of-state resident)
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my ADN program in Georgia?
Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid help reduce the overall cost of your education. ADN nursing programs in Georgia are already relatively inexpensive, but taking advantage of opportunities helps you avoid paying extra or going into debt. Most schools offer financial aid to new and returning students, and some may even set aside special scholarships for aspiring nurses.
Government entities like the Georgia Student Finance Commission also offer scholarships and other aid programs open to students attending two-year nursing programs in Georgia. For more information, see our financial aid guide, our guide to nursing scholarships, and our resource on how to graduate from nursing school debt-free.
How long do ADN programs in Georgia take to complete?
Most schools expect students to complete their ADN nursing programs in Georgia within 2-3 years. Students who do so receive licensure almost immediately after passing the NCLEX exam. Some schools, like South Georgia State College, specify a maximum timeframe for completion (usually 24-36 months).
Several key factors can impact your path to completing a two-year nursing program in Georgia. Students with outside responsibilities and other commitments may opt to enroll on a part-time basis. This may extend your time to completion by nearly double. Similarly, schools that offer bridge pathways or advanced standing opportunities may reduce your timeframe for completing an ADN nursing program in Georgia. For an example, see the offerings at Georgia Highlands College.
