Georgia MSN Programs
Albany State University: RN to BSN Program Review
Albany State University, 504College Drive, Albany, Georgia 31705
Albany State University (ASU) is a public, historically Black University that is part of the University System of Georgia and is also a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It was established in 1903. The College of Sciences and Health Professions, Department of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing. A Registered Nurse (RN) can receive training for an advanced nursing role as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Educator after completing the graduate program in nursing.
The University offers two Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs that are available online. The Clinical Nurse Educator Graduate Curriculum Pattern requires 36 credits to complete that are finished over four semesters or two years. There is also an accelerated curriculum available for students who want to complete the program in one year plus two summers. A thesis or scholarly project is required, as well as two education prerequisite courses. The Family Nurse Practitioner Pattern requires 44 credits of coursework and clinical experience.
Admission requirements include a completed online application and official transcripts to be sent to the Graduate Admissions at Albany State University. Applicants must have scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) sent to the University. In addition, two recommendation letters are required. Nurses must also submit copies of their malpractice insurance and RN license that allows them to practice in Georgia. Also required are a pre-Entrance Medical Record and Certificate of Immunization.
Armstrong Atlantic State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Armstrong Atlantic State University
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, Georgia 31419
Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) is a public university that was founded in 1935 as a junior college. It is located at 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419. The College of Health Professions Department of Nursing offers graduate nursing programs that lead to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). There are career options offered that include the following concentrations:
Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Administration
Advanced Practice Nursing
Registered Nurse Options
Baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurses may complete their masters degree in nursing on a full-time or part-time basis. Admission requirements for graduate students are a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on undergraduate coursework and minimum admission test scores on the Miller Analogies test or on the Graduate Record Exam of 450 on the verbal and 450 on the quantitative portions of the test. A score of 3.5 is also required for the analytical section. A variety of financial aid offerings are available at the University, including the Federal Nurse Traineeship Award and other grants and scholarships.
The Advanced Practice Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for Nurse Practitioners program is designed to enable the nationally certified nurse practitioner to complete a masters degree in this area. Thirty-five credits are required to complete this program. The Registered Nurse Options is a program for the RN who wants to complete a bachelors and masters degree in nursing. Nurses complete upper division nursing courses before beginning the masters program in nursing and choosing a concentration to complete.
Brenau University: RN to MSN Program Review
Brenau University
500 Washington Street Southeast
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
Brenau University, located at 500 Washington Street Southeast, Gainesville, Georgia 30501, is a private university that was established in 1878. The University has many offerings that range from associate degree to doctoral programs. U.S. News and World Report rated Brenau as one of the 15 best higher education values in the Southeast. The Princeton Review has also rated it as one of the best universities in the Southeast. The Graduate Program prepares professional nurses for a career in an advanced nursing role with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). There are three major tracks offered that provide training that lead to roles as Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Leader/Manager.
The MSN program with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner provides courses and clinical experience that qualify the graduate to provide primary care to all members of the family. Graduates may take the national certification exam that allows them to practice in a clinic or hospital, or in their own private practice. Nurse Educator graduate nursing students learn the basics of educating future nurses in undergraduate academic settings. Once students graduate with their MSN, they can fill a teaching slot in nursing education, where a critical shortage of faculty exists. Graduates are also qualified to teach in healthcare settings. The MSN Nurse Leadership and Management program at Brenau combines advanced nursing courses with management curriculum to prepare nurses to serve as leaders in healthcare environments.
Admission requirements for the MSN program are a bachelors degree in nursing with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Prerequisite courses are physical assessment and research methods. The Registered Nurse must have at least a year of full-time work experience within the past five years to be admitted to the program. In addition, three professional references are required, as well as a resume and essay. The applicant must also submit GRE scores if the nurse intends to enroll in the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. A copy of the applicant’s nursing license must also be forwarded to the university. Applicants who do not meet all of the admission requirements, but who are considered to be good candidates for the MSN program are sometimes admitted.
Clayton State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Clayton State University
2000 Clayton State Boulevard
Morrow, Georgia 30260
Clayton State University is part of the University System of Georgia. It was established in 1969 and is located in suburban Atlanta at 2000 Clayton State Boulevard, Morrow, Georgia 30260. The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that is designed to prepare professional Registered Nurses in advanced nursing roles as leaders and educators. Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership are concentrations offered in the MSN program. There are seven core courses or 20 credits that both programs share, and each concentration also requires an additional 16 to 18 credits. A thesis or project is included in the program.
Professional nurses may be admitted to the program if they meet the admission requirements. These include a completed application to the School of Graduate Studies as well as to the Master of Science in Nursing program. A bachelors degree in nursing is required with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants are also required to take the Graduate Record Examination and to submit three recommendation letters and a statement of purpose. Some applicants are required to complete a campus interview with the Master of Science in Nursing Graduate Program Coordinator. If space is available, provisional admission is sometimes granted to students who do not meet all of the admission requirements.
Graduate nursing students who are enrolled in the MSN program full-time may apply for a Traineeship Grant. There is also a Nursing Faculty Loan Program that is available to nurses who choose the Nurse Educator track who agree to teach for two years following graduation to have 85 percent of their loan forgiven. Students may complete the MSN program on a full-time basis in two years, and part-time students have up to five years to complete the program. All courses are offered online.
Columbus State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Columbus State University
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31907
Columbus State University (CSU) is located at 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31907. The University was founded in 1958 and is administered by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. A Masters of Science in Nursing Program is an online program offered by the University in collaboration with Clayton State University, which allows students to use resources from both colleges. Two concentrations are available in the Master of Science in Nursing program, which are Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader.
Students in both programs are required to complete from 36 to 38 credits of training in core courses and in those required for their concentration. The Nurse Educator program prepares professional Registered Nurses to design curriculum, evaluate learning, and to take responsibility for the instruction of undergraduate student nurses. In the Nurse Leader concentration, nurses learn to design, manage, transform, and lead nursing teams in hospitals and in other healthcare settings. Both programs require two years or four semesters of full-time study. Part-time programs are also available.
To be admitted to the program, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for regular admission. Provisional admission is sometimes granted to applicants with a 2.75 grade point average. The Graduate Record Exam is also required with satisfactory scores. Applicants must have a Registered Nurse license in the state where their clinical course requirements will be met. Three professional reference letters must be submitted, and the applicant must be accepted into the Graduate School at Columbus State University.
Emory University: RN to MSN Program Review
Emory University
1520 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30322
Emory University is a private research university that was established in 1836 by the Methodist Church. U.S. News and World Report rated Emory as 20th among national universities. The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is located at 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322. The Master of Science in Nursing program provides training for nurses who wish to fulfill advanced nursing roles after graduation. The following specialty areas are offered at Emory:
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse-Midwife
Health Systems Leadership
Nurse-Midwifery
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Women’s Health Care (Title X) for graduates of the Title X certified Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner programs
Specialty areas of the masters program in nursing can be completed in three to five semesters of full-time study. Part-time programs are also available. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. The completed graduate application form should be returned to Emory University along with a statement of purpose that explains the reasons why the nurse has chosen nursing as a career. Applicants should have at least one year of experience in the selected specialty area, or at least one year’s experience working as a Registered Nurse. Three recommendation letters are required, and the applicant must complete an interview with a faculty member from their graduate specialty. Either the Graduate Record Examination or Millers Analogies Test is required as well.
Many different forms of financial aid are available from the University, and around 96 percent of graduate students receive financial assistance to attend the School of Nursing. One unique type of financial aid offered is the Yellow Ribbon Program. Scholarships for the Master of Science in Nursing program in the amount of $7,500 are offered, and the Veterans Administration matches this amount. This scholarship program is for veterans who want to complete their masters degree in nursing.
Georgia College & State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Georgia College & State University
Macon Graduate Center
433 Cherry Street
Macon, Georgia 31201
North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) was established as North Georgia Agricultural College in 1873. It is the second oldest college in Georgia. After the merger of the school with Gainesville State College in 2013, the combined school will be known as the University of North Georgia. Georgia College & State University’s Graduate Center is located at 433 Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201. Georgia College’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in the Family Nurse Practitioner Role. Students receive training to prepare them to provide primary care for all members of the family after taking the national certification exam to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. This program may be completed part-time in nine semesters over a period of three years, including three summer sessions. The full-time program takes six semesters, or two years to complete, including two summer semesters. All courses will be offered online by 2013.
Admission requirements are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a grade point average of at least 2.75 in upper level courses and completion of an undergraduate statistics course and a physical assessment course. The Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test is required as well. The applicant must have a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Georgia, must participate in a personal interview if requested, and must have computer access and basic Internet skills. Financial aid is available for the graduate nursing program, including Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship that provides funds to graduate students who are in their final two semesters of study in any graduate nursing major at the college.
Georgia Health Sciences University: RN to MSN Program Review
Georgia Health Sciences University
1120 15th Street
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU), located at 1120 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30912, is a research university in the University System of Georgia. This public academic health center was founded in 1828 and includes the Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered at the University with concentrations in Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Anesthesia.
The Clinical Nurse Leader masters program is a pre-licensure program for graduates of a bachelors degree program other than nursing. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average and a GRE or MAT minimum score, and the test must have been taken within the last five years. A personal interview and three recommendation letters are also required for admission to the program. Students complete this program in four consecutive semesters that take 16 months to complete. Graduates take the NCLEX exam for certification as a Registered Nurse and are awarded their masters degree in nursing.
Two options are available in the Nurse Practitioner masters program at GHSU, which are Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Both programs are offered at three locations, which are Augusta, Athens, and Columbus with online instruction. Limited on-campus visits are required. There are full-time and part-time options available to students. The Family Nurse Practitioner Program provides training to prepare the Registered Nurse (RN) for a career in advanced practice nursing. These specialized nurses provide primary health care to families and communities, helping people of all ages.
Admission requirements for the Nurse Practitioner masters programs include a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate work, and applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Applicants must submit online references and must take either the GRE or MAT and achieve a minimum score. Personal interviews may be required, and applicants must have a Registered Nursing license from Georgia and may need to obtain a license from neighboring states for clinical placement. In addition, one year of experience working as a RN is required. It is highly recommended that applicants have a grade point average of at least 3.3 to be considered for admission to the program.
The University’s Nursing Anesthesia program provides training for nurses who want to pursue a role as a nurse anesthetist. Students administer over 800 anesthetics and work at least 2,000 clinical hours in this program. The program takes two years of full-time study, including summer semesters plus an additional third year fall semester to complete. Admission requirements are the same as for the other MSN concentrations, except that students must have one year of full-time critical care experience within the past three years. A current resume or curriculum vitae is also required, as well as a personal interview by the admissions committee. The Registered Nurse must also submit a personal statement of professional goals to be considered for the program.
Georgia Southern University: RN to MSN Program Review
Georgia Southern University
1332 Southern Drive
Statesboro, Georgia 30458
Georgia Southern University (Georgia Southern), located at 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30458 is a public university that was established in 1906. It is the largest college in the southern section of Georgia and is part of the University System of Georgia. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies the University as a Doctoral and Research University. U.S. News and World Report rated Georgia Southern University as one of “America’s Best Colleges” and “Best Graduate Schools.” Kiplinger named the University as one of the Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges and Universities. Also, U.S. News and World Report named the School of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner as Number 19 in the nation.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at GSU offer both the Internet and hybrid course delivery with Internet and limited on-campus requirements. Two masters degree majors are available, which are the Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing plus one year of full-time clinical nursing experience before entering the Nurse Practitioner Clinical Specialty Core. A pre-admission interview with the nursing faculty is required, and a prerequisite undergraduate course include statistics. Applicants must apply to the College of Graduate Studies of Georgia Southern University, as well as to the School of Nursing. Three recommendation letters are required and a copy of the applicant’s Registered Nurse license. The minimum grade point average that is expected is 3.0, and the Miller Analogy Test or GRE must be taken and the applicant must have satisfactory scores in one of these tests. The University also admits students who do not meet these requirements on a provisional basis if there is room in the programs.
Georgia State University: RN to BSN Program Review
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3995
Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3995
Georgia State University (GSU) is a research university that was established in 1913. It is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the University System of Georgia’s four research universities. It is the second largest of the 35 college and universities in the University System of Georgia. The Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing offers masters degrees online with some on-campus classes about one time each month. Specialty areas that lead to the Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner include the following:
Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner Program
Child Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Innovations
Nursing Informatics
Nursing Administration
Nurses who want training for advanced nursing roles must meet the admission requirements. Both Registered Nurses with bachelors degrees in nursing and Registered Nurses who have not completed their bachelors degree in nursing may be admitted to the masters in nursing program. Those without the bachelors degree must take additional courses before beginning the graduate level coursework. Registered Nurse (RN) to Masters in Science (MS) students are required to have either an associate degree or a diploma in nursing. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted by all applicants to the masters program, as well as a resume and statement of purpose. All applicants must also take the GRE or MAT, and the MAT is preferred. Applicants must also have one to two years of clinical practice in an area related to the special track that they choose for the masters program.
Kennesaw State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Kennesaw State University
1000 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is the third largest facility in the University System of Georgia. It was founded in 1963 as a junior college, and today undergraduate and graduate programs are offered. The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with several specialty tracks for students who want to specialize in advanced care nursing roles. The University is located at 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144.
The Advanced Care Management and Leadership Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program requires 40 credits and prepares students for leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Nurses must meet the admission requirements that include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0, one year of full-time experience as a Registered Nurse, and a current Registered Nurse license in Georgia. The Graduate Record Examination is required with a minimum combined score of 800 in the verbal and quantitative categories and 3.5 on the analytical writing section. Applicants must also submit a goals statement and two professional recommendation letters.
The WellStar Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to prepare experienced Registered Nurses to fulfill roles as primary care providers of healthcare to the family or to adults. Both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner program are offered at Kennesaw State University. Students must complete a total of 40 credits that includes a residency of 15 credits. Those admitted to the program must have a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0, three or more years of full-time nursing experience as a Registered Nurse, and a professional resume. Applicants must be currently licensed in Georgia, and must take the Graduate record Exam and score at least 800 in the verbal and quantitative categories and 3.5 in the analytical writing category. A personal goals statement and two professional reference letters are also required. Prerequisite courses include undergraduate physical assessment, research, and statistics classes. Students must maintain a B average to progress in the program.
Physicians who have been trained in other countries may apply to the WellStar Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Accelerated Track for International Physicians, Master of Science Program. Students may take History and Political Science prerequisite courses in the summer before beginning nursing courses. This is a way that International Physicians can complete a masters degree after completing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The program consists of 6 Lower Division credits, 54 Nursing Undergraduate credits, and 40 Nursing Graduate credits, including two research courses. This accelerated program combines the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs. It can be completed in 8 semesters or 26 months. Admission requirements include a professional degree in medicine that is determined to be equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree in medicine.
Applicants must meet the minimum TOEFL scores and must meet all international student admission requirements. A statement of personal goals must be submitted, and applicants must complete a successful interview. Also, a grade of C or higher must have been scored in all bachelors degree prerequisite courses. To be admitted to the masters program, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in the bachelors degree courses taken in the U.S. The student must then take the NCLEX and become a licensed Registered Nurse in Georgia. The GRE is then required with minimum scores.
Mercer University: RN to MSN Program Review
Mercer University
1400 Coleman Avenue
Macon, Georgia 31207-0001
Mercer University is a private institution that was founded in 1833. With its main campus located at 1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31207-0001, the University has other major campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. The University was affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention for 173 years, and it still retains its Baptist heritage as an independent Baptist university. Scholarships are provided for students through the Baptist Scholars Fund, and the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology is part of the University. Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with three specialty areas of Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, and Family Nurse Practitioner.
The MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist program prepares Registered Nurses to care for patients in acute or critical care situations. Nurses with this training are qualified to take the national certification examination for certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. A total of 37 credits are required, as well as at least 500 clinical hours. The MSN for Nurse Educator program prepares nurses in the educational basics of curriculum development, student assessment, and in other skills needed to teach student teachers at the undergraduate level. This program may be completed in three semesters or one continuous year of study to complete 38 credits. The Family Nurse Practitioner track is also offered at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. Training is provided to baccalaureate degree prepared nurses who want to pursue an advanced nursing role. The full-time program can be completed in four semesters, including one summer. A total of 49 credits and at least 660 clinical practice hours are required to complete the program.
Admission requirements to the MSN program include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants with a grade point average of 2.75 to 2.99 may be conditionally accepted. If so, conditionally accepted students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Applicants must have a Registered Nursing license in Georgia and must have satisfactory scores on either the Millers Analogy Test or Graduate Record Examination. A goal statement must also be submitted, and at least one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse is required. Nurses with less experience may be admitted on a part-time basis. Three professional reference letters must also be submitted, and applicants must complete an on-site wiring component for admission evaluation. An interview with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs or a faculty designee is also required.
North Georgia College & State University: RN to MS Program Review
North Georgia College & State University
82 College Circle
Dahlonega, Georgia 30597
North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) was established in 1873 and is the second oldest coeducational facility in Georgia. It was begun as the North Georgia Agricultural College, and today NGCSU offers over 50 degree programs, including a Master of Science (MS) in nursing program. The location of NGCSU is at 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, Georgia 30597. Two concentrations are offered by the Department of Nursing that lead to a masters degree in nursing. These are the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and the Nursing Education program. The college is one of six senior military colleges in the country, so many cadets pursue a nursing education at NGCSU.
The Master of Science (MS) Nursing Program Rural Primary Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 46 credits to qualify to take the national certification exam to practice as a family nurse practitioner. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, or part-time study is available on an individualized basis. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and at least one year of clinical work experience. A Registered Nursing license in Georgia is required as well. Applicants should have a grade point average of at least 2.75, and must complete the GRE or MAT with satisfactory scores. Three recommendation letters should also be submitted.
The Master of Science Nursing Education program provides training to prepare Registered Nurses for a career as an educator of student nurses. Classes are only one day each week, so nurses are able to work full-time and complete their masters degree in nursing. Admission requirements are having a bachelors degree in nursing and a grade point average of at least 2.75. Applicants must also have a year of clinical work experience and current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Georgia. Three recommendation letters are also required, as well as satisfactory scores on the GRE or MAT. Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in a related field may be admitted to the RN transitions sequence to complete the Nurse Educator program.
South University: RN to MSN Program Review
South University
709 Mall Boulevard
Savannah, Georgia 31406-4805
South University is a for-profit institution that was founded in 1899 as a business college. It is located at 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, Georgia 31406-4805, and there are 11 other campuses as well. The University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that provides training for nurses who want to file an advanced nursing position after graduation. The Savannah campus offers an MSN program with specializations in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator. Online specializations are also available in Nurse Administrator and Nursing Informatics.
The masters degree in nursing program with an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner Specialization requires 56 credits to complete. Students receive training in the management of adolescent and adult health care, including elder care in this program, and they qualify to take the national examination for certification as a Nurse Practitioner after graduating from the program. There is also a Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization that requires 62 credits to complete. Students are prepared as advanced practice nurses in this program, and they learn to provide primary care to all family members. After completing the program, they take the national certification examination to be able to practice as Nurse Practitioners.
South University’s masters program with a Nurse Educator Specialization requires 48 credits to complete. Professional nurses are prepared to teach student nurses at the undergraduate level. Registered Nurses who want to live on campus may apply for housing at the Savannah campus. Admission requirements to the MSN program include a bachelors degree in nursing with at least a 2.7 grade point average for the last 60 semester credits. Provisional admission is granted for those with a grade point average of 2.0 to 2.69 for their last 60 hours of credits. These students must complete two graduate courses with a 3.0 grade point average. Applicants to be licensed as a Registered Nurse and submit three recommendation letters and an admissions essay and resume.
University of West Georgia: RN to MSN Program Review
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, Georgia 30118
The University of West Georgia is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30118. It is located about 45 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia and is a doctoral granting university. The Princeton Review has named the University as one of the Best Southeastern Colleges. After its establishment in 1906, the University continued to grow and to add programs. Today, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered by the University of West Georgia’s School of Nursing. Two tracks are available, including Health Systems Leadership (Leader/Manager or Clinical Nurse Leader concentration) and in Nursing Education. The MSN program is offered online for all concentrations.
The Nursing Education track provides training in developing curriculum, using educational technology, and in educational assessment and evaluation. In the Health Systems Leadership Track, Registered Nurses prepare to work in roles of nurse manager or leader or as clinical nurse leaders. Both full-time and part-time programs are available. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants must also have a Registered Nurse license, and they must submit a professional resume and two recommendation letters.
The University also offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Two tracks are offered in this program, including Nurse Educator and Health Systems Leadership (Leader/Manager and Clinical Nurse Leader). Applicants must first be admitted to the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science program before they apply to the masters program in nursing. A bachelors degree level advisor can provide more information to nurses who are interested in completing both their bachelors degree in nursing and their masters degree in nursing.
Valdosta State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Valdosta State University
S. Walter Martin Hall
1300 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, Georgia 31698
Valdosta State University (VSU) is one of the two regional universities in the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1906 as a normal school, the University now offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Valdosta State University is located at 1300 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, Georgia 31698. The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with specialties of the Clinical Nurse Leader track and the Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track. Both of these programs prepare Registered Nurses to fill the role of an advanced practice nurse.
The Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program prepares students to care for adults and families from age 13 to the elderly. Health promotion, illness prevention, and management of acute and chronic illnesses are the focus of the program. After completing the program, graduates qualify to take the national examination that leads to certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. Weekend College is main way that courses are provided to students. Nurses meet on Friday evening and all day Saturday.
The Clinical Nurse Leader program also leads to a masters degree in nursing. This program provides training for nurses to fill roles as advanced nurse generalists in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Thirty-six credits are required plus 540 clinical hours in various hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities. Applicants must take either the GRE or MAT and have satisfactory scores to be admitted to the MSN program.