Are you an RN in Georgia interested in taking the next step in your career? If so, you could pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Masters Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through an online NP program, an option that can offer flexibility and accessibility regardless of location or schedule. Our comprehensive guide explores these continuing education options and answers a host of questions from prospective students just like you. Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values. Jump To SectionOnline NP Programs in Georgia: Top Schools & Degree Details
Program Profiles: Types of NP Programs in Georgia
Becoming a nurse practitioner in Georgia isn’t just about advancing your career and gaining a better salary, although these are attractive benefits. For most, it’s also about stepping into a role they will enjoy, garnering a deeper understanding of the field, and bridging healthcare gaps in a state with a growing nursing shortage. Whether you’re an experienced RN looking for greater autonomy or a career changer drawn to patient-centered care, Georgia’s online NP programs offer multiple pathways to help you succeed.
While many NP programs in Georgia provide online coursework, few are entirely virtual. That’s because you’ll need to complete in-person clinical rotations, often requiring 500 or more hours in an approved healthcare setting. In addition, some programs include on-campus intensives for hands-on training. EduMed’s guide to NP programs in Georgia provides licensing and certification information as well as insights into some of the best schools to support your goals.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
A common path to becoming an NP is earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which provides comprehensive graduate-level education in advanced nursing practice. For RNs, these programs typically require two to three years of full-time study.
One of the key benefits of studying for a master’s level nursing degree is the ability to specialize. Most online schools with MSN programs have several concentrations to choose from, including psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration, nurse midwifery, women’s health, and more.
Georgia College & State University
Duration: 6 to 9 semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,578/year
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Post-Master’s Certificate
If you already hold an active MSN or DNP degree, earning a post-master’s NP certificate offers a condensed route to adding a new specialty credential. You’ll be able to expand your career opportunities through additional nursing specialty skills and expertise.
Online post-masters NP certificate programs concentrate on the clinical and didactic components specific to a chosen NP specialty area like family, adult-gerontology, and pediatrics. Certificate prerequisites include an active RN license and an MSN from an accredited program.
Duration: Up to 46 credit hours (based on prior coursework)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $20,511 (43 credit hours)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree represents the highest level of clinical nursing education. The curriculum for a DNP covers advanced nursing practice specialties while also emphasizing leadership, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, quality improvement, informatics, population health, and other competencies for clinical leadership roles. Given the variations between programs, finding the right online DNP program requires a bit of research.
DNP admission typically requires an active RN license along with either a BSN (for BSN to DNP programs) or an MSN degree (for post-master’s DNP programs). Many programs also require professional experience, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals.
Duration: 39 semester hours
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $45,616 (based on $13,240/12 credits)
Student Support: FAQs About Online NP Programs in Georgia
As a nurse looking into furthering your education to improve your career opportunities, you likely have many questions. Below, we’ve shared a few answers to commonly asked questions about online NP programs in Georgia. Armed with these answers, you’ll have a better understanding of NP programs and what a career as an NP might mean for you.
How much can you earn as an NP in Georgia?
Once you’ve completed your program and are qualified to work as a nurse practitioner in Georgia, it’s important to understand the potential salary expectations. As of 2025, Georgia NPs median annual salary ranges from $105,450 to $109,120.
Across the state, the median 2025 NP salary exceeds this range in large metropolitan areas. For example, The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area, which has one of the densest populations in Georgia, reports an average NP salary of $122,910. These figures highlight the lucrative opportunities available for nurse practitioners throughout Georgia.
What are your specialization options as an NP?
Many of the best online NP programs in Georgia feature a wide array of specialty options like family, adult-gerontology acute care, psychiatric/mental health, and more. This allows you to shape your degree toward your intended specialty and patient population interests from the start.
Additionally, many programs provide hybrid learning formats, strong faculty support, and structured clinical placements, making them an excellent choice for working nurses looking to advance their expertise while balancing professional and personal commitments.
Are NP Programs in Georgia expensive?
Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs in Georgia vary in cost, but they are generally considered moderately expensive compared to other states. While these programs represent a significant investment, they often provide good value given the strong career prospects. Plus, as you continue your research you’ll likely discover that some online NP programs are more affordable than others.
Students must consider additional expenses beyond tuition, including clinical placement fees, supplies, and insurance. However, multiple financial aid options are available, including federal loans, scholarships, and employer reimbursement programs.
What is the easiest NP program to get into?
For many people, the easiest NP program to get into specialty-wise is psychiatric mental health. This is because there is a significantly increased demand for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners caused by the rising substance misuse and mental health concerns nationwide.
As a mental psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you will assess, diagnose, and provide treatment plans for patients with mental health and substance use disorders. EduMed offers a comprehensive guide to online FNP to Psych NP Programs that explains some of the top degrees for this field.
What type of NP gets paid the most?
Typically, aesthetic nurse practitioners are paid the most. This nursing field focuses on appearance, anti-aging, and beauty, making it an in-demand field.
According to Glassdoor estimates, the average salary for an aesthetic NP is roughly $129,008, with the base salary being $110,323. If you pursue aesthetics, you’ll specialize in dermatological and cosmetic procedures and work in a med spa, dermatology clinic, or plastic surgery office.
However, it’s important to note that nurse practitioners specializing in aesthetics might not make as much in Georgia as in states like Maryland, Alaska, Oregon, and North Dakota.
Georgia Nurse Practitioners: Licensing and Certification
Accreditation is one of the most important aspects of any nursing program. For online programs, proper accreditation from recognized bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensures that your program meets high-quality standards. Graduating from an accredited NP program is also typically required to qualify for national certification exams.
You must obtain Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure through the Georgia Board of Nursing to work as a nurse practitioner in Georgia. To qualify, you need to hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Georgia and complete an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Additionally, you must earn national certification in your chosen specialty from organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). While Georgia does not offer full practice authority, you can apply for prescriptive authority, allowing you to prescribe medications under a physician protocol agreement.
What to Expect as a Nurse Practitioner in Georgia
Once you've completed your program and are qualified to work as a nurse practitioner in Georgia, you'll be interested to know what to expect regarding job opportunities and potential salary. The market for NPs is projected to grow rapidly, at a rate of 44.8% nationally over the next ten years. As you can see below, Georgia's rate is projected to be even faster, at 58.2% over the next decade. Regarding salary, the table below shows that Georgia NPs can expect to earn an excellent living, with a statewide median salary of $119,490 as of 2023. Across the state, the median 2023 NP salary was above six figures in a wide range of metro areas, with the highest average NP salaries in the Greater Atlanta area, which also has some of the densest populations in the state.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $91,770 | $119,490 | $165,140 |
| Albany, GA | $96,990 | $107,110 | $132,970 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $83,060 | $113,040 | $142,910 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $99,730 | $123,870 | $165,720 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $88,900 | $116,020 | $148,990 |
| Brunswick, GA | $82,380 | $115,250 | $159,560 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $86,640 | $101,070 | $144,380 |
| Dalton, GA | $83,010 | $104,840 | $133,350 |
| Gainesville, GA | $63,130 | $121,240 | $168,710 |
| Macon, GA | $98,400 | $116,650 | $138,310 |
| Rome, GA | $81,510 | $102,130 | $137,350 |
| Savannah, GA | $92,210 | $111,100 | $131,750 |
| Valdosta, GA | $82,790 | $103,380 | $143,730 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $94,940 | $106,300 | $141,680 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Georgia | 7,900 | 12,500 | 4,600 | 58.20% | 910 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia
EduMed’s rankings for online Nurse Practitioner programs in Georgia provide prospective students with valuable insights based on comprehensive data analysis. The evaluation system weighs multiple factors including accreditation status, affordability, academic quality, and student support services. Each program receives a score based on these criteria, helping students make informed decisions about their education investment.
For detailed information about the ranking process, refer to EduMed’s methodology section, which transparently outlines the evaluation criteria and scoring system. This systematic approach ensures that rankings reflect both educational quality and value for aspiring nurse practitioners.
Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
Why We Selected Brenau University:
- Brenau's FNP program offers hands-on clinical training with 624 hours of practical experience.
- The program provides learning opportunities under the guidance of actively practicing nurse practitioners.
- Brenau's hybrid format combines online coursework with monthly on-campus classes for flexible learning.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$31,000
- Average Institutional Aid$16,253
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
- % of Students Receiving an Award45%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia
Why We Selected Columbus State University:
- The program offers 100% online asynchronous courses, allowing flexible learning without campus visits.
- Columbus State University provides access to a range of financial aid options, including federal loans and employer reimbursement.
- The program features highly qualified faculty with diverse nursing backgrounds, enhancing student learning experiences.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,371
- Average Institutional Aid$6,516
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course68%
- % of Students Receiving an Award36%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Why We Selected Georgia College & State University:
- The program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experiences in diverse settings.
- The Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares students for primary care roles in rural and underserved areas.
- Students benefit from mandatory immersion experiences and international study opportunities to enhance their professional network.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,508
- Average Institutional Aid$2,962
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course22%
- % of Students Receiving an Award63%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Why We Selected Kennesaw State University:
- The program offers a welcoming learning environment with small classes and expert faculty.
- Kennesaw State University's FNP program is one of the shortest in Georgia, enhancing career advancement speed.
- Many local healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement for graduate study in this program.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,450
- Average Institutional Aid$5,253
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course57%
- % of Students Receiving an Award45%
- Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
