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Top Georgia RN to BSN Programs

Today, close to half of the 3 million nurses currently practicing in the United States have BSN degrees. By 2020, however, 80 percent of nurses are going to be expected to hold BSNs, according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Nurses who are aware of this trend are headed back to school to earn BSN degrees so that they can make more money, stay competitive in the job market, enhance their future career prospects, or to set themselves up for a graduate degree in nursing down the road. Colleges and universities have responded to the growing demand for BSN-educated nurses by making it quicker and easier than ever before for ADN-educated nurses to earn their BSNs. These days, most nurses can earn a bachelor’s degree in just one to two years, from the comfort of their own home, through an RN to BSN bridge program. With increased options, however, sifting through all of the programs to find the very best one can be an arduous process. To lend a helping hand, we've put together a list of the top RN to BSN programs in Georgia.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Georgia

Choosing an RN to BSN program is a life-changing decision that should be taken seriously. On your quest to find Georgia's top RN to BSN programs, consider the following:

  • Program's cost of attendance
  • Program's retention/success rate
  • Class sizes
  • Program accreditation
  • Program's acceptance rate
  • Program's student satisfaction rate
  • Length of time the program has been operating for
  • Institution's partnership with local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment information)
  • Instructor experience
  • Cost of living in the immediate area

Testing and Certification

Before ADN graduates obtain nursing licenses they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Registered nurses who enroll in RN to BSN bridge programs aren't required to take the exam again after finishing.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Georgia

1. Dalton State College

Dalton State College is a public college in the city of Dalton that offers an online, 21 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed in just two to three semesters. The program is designed to further ADN-educated nurses' knowledge of evidence-based practice, ethics, disease processes, informatics, leadership, and much more. In addition to the program's online coursework, students will also be required to complete off-site clinical rotations at a local healthcare facility. Courses that students will take while enrolled in the program include Health Assessment and Perspectives on the USA Health Care System, just to name a couple. New cohorts are admitted every Fall and Spring semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Hamilton Medical Center
  • Wescott Outpatient Services
  • Whitfield Place
  • Anna Shaw Children's Institute

Tuition:

In-state students enrolled in Dalton State University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $11,886 in tuition plus additional fees. Out-of-state students can expect to pay about $17,934 plus additional fees.

2. Clayton State University

Clayton State University is a public university that's based out of the city of Morrow. CSU offers students an online, 23 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed in an online or part-time format. Students who are enrolled full-time can typically complete the entire program in about a year. In addition to the online coursework, students will be expected to complete a clinical practicum. Some topics covered throughout the program include Interactive Communication, Organizational Transitions, Research for Evidence-Based Practice, and more. Lastly, CSU gives RN to BSN students the opportunity to double major in Health Care Management, giving graduates a leg up on their future competitors.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • South Regional Medical Center
  • Kaiser Permanente Southwood Comprehensive Medical Center
  • Southern Crescent Hospital for Specialty Care

Tuition:

In-state students who enroll in Clayton State University's RN to BSN program will pay around $14,191 in tuition plus additional fees. Out-of-state students can expect to pay about $24,219 plus additional fees.

3. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a public university that has its primary campus operating out of the city of Macon. MGSU offers its students a 30 credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that can typically be completed in about a year. Students can opt to take the program in either an online or traditional classroom setting. Some courses that students can expect to take while enrolled in the program include Physical Assessment, Health Examination, and Documentation Practices for the Professional Nurse, among others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Coliseum Northside Hospital
  • Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital, Navicent Health
  • Albert Luce Jr. Heart institute

Tuition:

Middle Georgia State University's RN to BSN program costs around $15,810 in tuition plus additional fees for in-state students. Out-of-state students can expect to pay about $24,990 plus additional fees.

4. University of North Georgia

University of North Georgia is a public university with campuses operating throughout the state. UNG offers students a 27 semester credit hour, online RN to BSN bridge program that most students complete in roughly a year (three semesters). The program, which admits students once per year, boasts an 81 percent program completion rate and a 98 percent job placement rate. Aside from coursework, clinical hours can be gained via online activities or in-person at a hospital.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Northeast Georgia Medical Center
  • Mary's Hospital
  • Fannin Regional Hospital

Tuition:

Both in-state and out-of-state students can expect to pay roughly $9,531 in tuition plus additional fees.

5. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a public research university that has its flagship campus in the city of Statesboro. GSU offers an online, 29 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that students can finish in as little as one year. During the program, students will take courses like Professional Nursing, Pharmacology, Mental Health, and more. The cost of attendance at GSU is about half as much as other programs in the state.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • East Georgia Regional Medical Center
  • Statesboro Pediatric Clinic

Tuition:

In-state students can expect to pay roughly $5,394 in tuition plus additional fees.