The University System of Georgia (USG) provides students with a diverse range of nursing programs across 21 institutions, offering options that range from traditional licensure pathways to flexible bridge programs that help launch and advance nursing careers. USG nursing programs provide students with quality affordable education and clinical experiences that will afford graduates opportunities in a high-demand field with competitive salaries.
When choosing a nursing degree, it is crucial to evaluate various factors to ensure the program aligns with your career aspirations. The initial step in your nursing journey involves selecting the appropriate degree program that will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve your professional goals.
| Program Name | Description | Median Salary in Georgia * | Most Common Employment Setting | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate of Science in Nursing Bridge | Bridge to ASN Program enables LPNs and/or Paramedics with a current Georgia license to earn an ASN degree in 4 to 6 semesters depending on the institution. Most ASN Bridge programs recognize prior work experience and/or offer a more flexible schedule. USG has one ASN Bridge program that recognizes prior work experience for Respiratory Therapists. The graduate will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN which is a requirement for obtaining an RN license. |
$70,000.00 |
Hospitals, outpatient care centers, surgical centers, insurance companies, school and corporate nursing. RNs can work in most healthcare settings; however, some hospitals require a BSN as a minimum degree requirement depending on the facility. Reference › |
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| Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Accelerated BSN Program is an intensive, fast-paced course of study, typically designed for students who already hold a degree. However, some programs accept students without a prior degree. Students who complete this program will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN which is a requirement for obtaining an RN license. |
$80,000.00 |
A BSN Registered Nurse can work in many healthcare settings in a large variety of roles, including hospitals, physicians' offices, government agencies, corporate care centers, leadership, academics, and travel agencies. Reference › |
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| Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN) | Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN) program is a 12-month program in which graduates will complete coursework and clinical experiences that train them to provide patient care while under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) in a variety of settings. Graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is a requirement for obtaining an LPN license. |
$55,090.00 |
Nursing care facilities, home health care services, retirement/assisted living communities, physician’s offices and hospital general medical and surgical services. Reference › |
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| Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) | Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is an RN program that can take three to four years to complete, including general education courses. The classroom and clinical experiences provide students with opportunities to gain an understanding of how to manage care across a patient’s lifespan. Graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is a requirement for obtaining an RN license.
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$70,000.00 |
Hospitals, outpatient care centers, surgical centers, insurance companies and school and corporate nursing. RNs can work in most healthcare settings; however, some hospitals require a BSN as a minimum degree requirement, depending on the facility. Reference › |
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| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are tailored to equip registered nurses with advanced education in specialized areas, including roles such as nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse anesthetists, nurse leaders, educators and other expanded fields. |
$121,000.00 |
Nurse practitioner, nursing education, mental health, maternal child, leadership, informatics and public health. There are a large variety of employment options with these degrees. Reference › |
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| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a traditional Registered Nurse program that typically takes four years to complete, including general education and nursing courses. The course work and clinical experiences combine theoretical concepts with critical thinking skills that enable the graduate to provide care for patients across the lifespan and in all varieties of healthcare settings. A BSN prepared nurse can advance to more advanced nursing roles and have many professional opportunities. The graduate will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN which is a requirement for obtaining an RN license. |
$80,000.00 |
A BSN Registered Nurse can work in many healthcare settings in a large variety of roles. Reference › |
* Salary varies based on region
Selecting the appropriate program is vital for the success of any nursing student. Below, you will find essential information outlining the basic admission criteria for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs within the University System of Georgia (USG). Additionally, the University System of Georgia offers a Licensed Practical Nursing program at our Dalton State campus in Dalton, Georgia.
Whether you are embarking on your nursing career or seeking alternative options after being denied entry to a program due to space limitations or other factors, this information will help you understand the various admission pathways available within USG. Explore these options to determine if you qualify for one of the many nursing programs offered.
ASN Nursing Program
| Institution | Campus | Minimum Test Score | Minimum GPA | Cohort Start Term - Fall | Cohort Start Term - Spring | Cohort Start Term - Summer | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Bainbridge | No Admission Testing Required | 2.5 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton | No Admission Testing Required | 2.5 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Albany State University | Albany | TEAS: 65 | 2.8 | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick | HESI: 75 in required sections | 2.5 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Dalton State College | Dalton | TEAS: 60 | 2.75 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Georgia Highlands College | Rome | TEAS: 70 | 2.5 | Yes | No | No | |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus | HESI: 65 | 2.5 | No | No | Yes | |
| Georgia State University | Clarkston | TEAS: 63 | 2.8 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville | HESI: No minimum score | 2.5 | No | Yes | No | |
| Middle Georgia State University | Dublin | TEAS: 64 | 2.5 | No | Yes | No | |
| Middle Georgia State University | Cockran | TEAS: 64 | 2.5 | Yes | No | No | |
| South Georgia State College | Douglas | TEAS: 75 | 2.5 | Yes | No | No | |
| South Georgia State College | Waycross | TEAS: 75 | 2.5 | Yes | No | No |
BSN Nursing Program
| Institution | Campus | Minimum Test Score | Minimum GPA | Cohort Start Term - Fall | Cohort Start Term - Spring | Cohort Start Term - Summer | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany State University | Albany | TEAS: 70 | 2.8 | Yes | No | No | |
| Augusta University | Augusta | TEAS: 75 | 3.0 | Yes | No | No | |
| Augusta University | Athens | TEAS: 75 | 3.0 | Yes | No | No | |
| Clayton State University | Morrow | KNAT: No Minimum | 2.8 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Clayton State University | Peachtree City | KNAT: No Minimum | 2.8 | Yes | No | No | |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick | HESI: 80 | 2.8 | Yes | No | No | |
| Columbus State University | Columbus | HESI: 75 | 3.0 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley | TEAS: Proficient level | 3.0 | Yes | No | No | |
| Georgia College and State University | Milledgeville | TEAS: 70 | 3.0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Georgia Gwinnett College | Gwinnett | TEAS: 70 | 2.5 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | HESI: 75 | 3.0 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Georgia Southern University | Armstrong | HESI: 75 | 3.0 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus | TEAS: 75 | 2.8 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta | TEAS: 63 with 68 in Math and Reading | 3.0 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville | TEAS: No Minimum | 2.75 | Yes | No | No | |
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | TEAS: 78 | 3.0 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Middle Georgia State University | Macon | TEAS: 68 | 3.0 | Yes | No | No | |
| Middle Georgia State University | Dublin | TEAS: 68 | 3.0 | Yes | No | No | |
| Middle Georgia State University | Warner Robins | TEAS: 68 | 3.0 | No | Yes | No | |
| University of North Georgia | Gainesville | HESI: 75 | 3.0 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| University of North Georgia | Dahlonega | HESI: 75 | 3.0 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| University of West Georgia | Carrollton | HESI: No Minimum | 2.75 | No | No | Yes | |
| University of West Georgia | Newnan | HESI: No Minimum | 2.75 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta | HESI: 75 | 2.8 | Yes | Yes | No |