Nursing Degrees in Georgia
Education Requirements for Nursing Degrees in Georgia
The process for obtaining nursing degrees in Georgia is very similar to the process in other states. Nurses in Georgia (GA) state receive their licenses through the Georgia Board of Nursing. This is the entity that oversees the application process and makes sure that all nurses in Georgia have access to the information they need so they can provide the best patient care possible. The steps toward becoming a nurse in Georgia are not many; however, it is still a challenging undertaking.
The first step is to get your degree in nursing from one of the many accredited nursing schools in Georgia. The school you choose has to be approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Types of Nursing Degrees in Georgia
There are many technical schools, colleges and universities that provide courses that fulfill the requirements for nursing. Before you commit to an institution, however, remember to be sure that the one you select is certified by the Georgia Board of Nursing and has achieved accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting.
Associate Nursing Degrees (ADN) in Georgia
These programs are typically offered at Georgia technical colleges, but it can also be achieved at two-year colleges such as Georgia Perimeter College. This particular college mandates 35 general education hours in addition to 36 hours of nursing courses. Some of the other institutions in Georgia that offer associate nursing degrees are Augusta State University, Middle Georgia College and Athens Technical College.
Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) Degrees in Georgia
A number of schools in Georgia offer Bachelor of Science Degrees in Nursing, which is similar to other kinds of Bachelor Degrees. Students must complete two years of general education classes, which will include nursing course prerequisites. After they complete the general education courses, they must focus their remaining two years on nursing. One of the institutions in Georgia that offers Bachelor of Science Nursing Degrees is Georgia South Western State University. Students with Bachelor Degrees typically land better jobs than do students with Associate Nursing Degrees.
Masters in Nursing Degrees (MSN) in Georgia
Nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree can choose to further their education by obtaining a Master Nursing Degree. Master Degrees come in several different varieties. Students can choose from the Nurse Practitioner Program, the Nursing Education Leadership Program or the Health Policy Track at the School of Nursing at Kennesaw State University.
Doctorate Nursing Degrees in Georgia
A Doctorate in Nursing (DNP or PhD) is the highest degree available in the field of nursing. In addition to Kennesaw State, Emory University offers a Doctoral Nursing Degree program. The National Research Council rated Emory University programs as among the nation’s best in 2010.
What to do After You Get Your Degree
After you are awarded your degree in nursing from a Georgia nursing school, you must take the National Council Licensure Examination or the NCLEX for either registered nurses or for practical nurses, depending on which degree you received. You must also remember to register with the testing center and use your Georgia nursing school code when you apply.
Then, you need to fill out the license application and submit it to the Secretary of State. You can download the application online from the Secretary of State’s website. Next, you must have your background checked and your fingerprints taken. The state of Georgia uses Cogent Systems to perform professional background checks and you must get your fingerprints taken in person from one of the approved sites that are also listed on the Secretary of State’s website.
Finally, you must turn your application in to the Georgia Board of Nursing. You will be required to pay a fee to finalize your application. Once you receive your license, you will be able to apply for jobs with any company looking for a registered nurse or a practical nurse, again depending on which degree you received.
Begin Your Journey Now
Now that you know which nursing program matches your current level of education, you can take steps toward achieving your goal of becoming a nurse. Contact one of the above-mentioned schools and get started right away.