Georgia Southern University Nursing School Review

Georgia Southern University (GSU) is a 4-year university based in Statesboro, Georgia. The Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Georgia Southern University. The university enrolls over 19,000 students and awards bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and certificates and was founded in 1906.

Students at Georgia Southern University can enjoy student life by walking around the scenic campus complete with ponds and a variety of plant life, participating one of several Division I sports teams or visiting nearby historic Savannah, Georgia.

Nursing Degree Programs

The Georgia Southern University School of Nursing is part of the College of Health and Professional Studies. Though a young program founded in 1995, the School of Nursing is a common choice among students seeking nursing education in Georgia. Philosophy of the School of Nursing includes accepting theory, evidence and research based practice, and using a student-centered approach. Georgia Southern University offers certificate through doctoral degree programs for students and nurses at all levels of their academic and professional career. Nursing programs at Georgia Southern University are approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The LPN program is also accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Georgia Southern University Undergraduate Nursing Programs

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Students interested in earning a BSN at Georgia Southern University must first apply to the nursing program and obtain acceptance to the program after completing program pre-requisites. Admission to the program is competitive and in order to be considered for admission students should attend an information session, complete the HESI A2 nursing entrance exam, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and earn a “C” or better in specified nursing courses. The program can normally be completed in 4 semesters. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, National Council for Licensure Certification Exam for Registered Nurses.

LPN-BSN Program (Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

The LPN to BSN program gives LPNs with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) with the opportunity to earn a BSN that builds on their previous health care knowledge and experience. Admission requirements for the program include an LPN qualification from a program in Georgia, Georgia RN license and a minimum of one year of experience as an LPN within the past five years.

RN-BSN Online Nursing Program (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Admission requirements to the RN to BSN program include an overall 3.0 GPA, proof of RN License, and fulfillment of requirements in the Georgia RN-BSN articulation model. Students with a 2.7 GPA may be accepted on a provisional basis, which requires them to earn a “B” or better in the first six hours of coursework to remain in the program. There are two deadlines for the program, so students should be mindful to submit applications by either date as late applications are not reviewed. The program can generally be completed in four semesters and is completely online. Students are not required to attend a clinical practicum in-person.

Georgia Southern University Graduate Nursing Programs

Graduate Nursing programs at Georgia Southern University have consistently ranked in the top 15 nursing programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

RN to MSN Online Program

The RN to MSN degree program earns nurses both a BSN and MSN degree. The program is completed partly online as the BSN is 100% online and portions of the MSN require on-site attendance. Students can choose from a concentration as an FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) or Community Health CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist).

Students complete all admission and course requirements for the RN-BSN. Upon meeting those requirements and taking the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or MAT (Miller Analogies Test), students apply for admission to the RN-MSN portion of the program.

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing Program)

The MSN program at Georgia Southern University is offered in two specializations, FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) and Community Health CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist). Both programs prepare the nurse to take a certification exam in their specialty area upon graduation. Admission requirements to the MSN program including a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body, Georgia RN license (other states are not accepted), interview and an undergraduate statistics course. The GPA requirement is 3.0, and students must take the MAT (Miller Analogies Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Exam) with a score of 44 and 450 on each section respectively. Students may be accepted to the program provisionally with a 2.7 GPA and scores of 36 and 350 on each section for the MAT and GRE respectively. Special accommodations may be made for students with an RN license who have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The MSN program does require some on-campus meetings. The MSN program may be completed in 2 to 3 years.

Post-MSN APRN Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The DNP program is designed for nurses who hold a MSN qualification and desire to work as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). In the future, students with a BSN, will be able to participate in the BSN to DNP program. The DNP program can be completed in 8 semesters (3 years) and is offered online. Admission criteria include a 3.0 GPA in the MSN program and evaluation of GRE or MAT scores.

Georgia Southern University Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate

Nurses with a masters degree who do not hold a specialization may earn a post-master’s certificate as a Community Health CNS or FNP. The program can be completed in 33 credits for the FNP specialization and 21 credits for the CNS specialization.

Georgia Southern University Nursing Study Abroad Programs

Nursing students who would like to gain international experience may participate in study abroad programs through MHIRT (Minority Health International Research Training) and in Costa Rica. The nursing program in Costa Rica is 2 weeks long, takes place in the summer and allows nurses to explore healthcare in Costa Rica through site visits and lectures. The MHIRT program offers a generous stipend to conduct research abroad with faculty in numerous countries including Germany, Thailand and England.

Contact:
Georgia Southern University
1332 Southern Drive Statesboro
GA 30458

[wpgmza id=”268″]