Looking for top accelerated nursing programs in Georgia?
In this comprehensive list, we explore some of the best accelerated BSN programs and Direct Entry MSN programs in Georgia. These programs offer a quick and efficient way to obtain your nursing degree- with some ABSN programs getting you there in a record 12 months!
Read: Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?
Let’s get started, shall we?
Accelerated BSN Programs in Georgia
1. Emory University Distance Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Emory Distance ABSN program is a one-year, full-time program, divided into three semesters and requiring the completion of 48 credit hours. Using a blend of real-time and recorded online content, it allows you to pursue your nursing degree from virtually anywhere in the U.S.
NB: This program is specifically designed for students outside the Atlanta metro region. If you plan to work within the Atlanta metro region, you should apply to Emory’s on-campus Master of Nursing (Pre-Licensure Program).
Duration: 12 months
Format: Online
The Emory Distance ABSN program begins thrice a year- in August, January, and May- making it easier for you to find a start time that aligns with your schedule. An attractive feature of the program is its small class size, capped at a maximum of 30 students, ensuring personalized attention.
Clinical Experiences
The Emory DABSN program provides an opportunity to gain clinical experiences near your home, with a clinical faculty site visitor assigned for support. Rest assured, Emory handles the identification of clinical sites and student placement arrangements.
The Emory Distance ABSN Prerequisites
Before applying to the program, ensure you’ve completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher:
- General Chemistry I with lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
- Microbiology with lab
- Nutrition
- Introductory Statistics
- Human Growth and Development or Life Span Development
Cost of Attendance
The cost of the Emory Distance ABSN program is approximately $78,000.
What We Like
- There are 2 required clinical intensive sessions held on Emory’s Atlanta campus. And Emory helps offset your travel and accommodation expenses for these campus visits!
- Emory is one of the top universities in the country! So, your BSN will definitely stand out.
2. Georgia Southwestern State University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Second BSN program at GSW is a full-time accelerated program designed to be completed in approximately two years. Notably, it has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an esteemed national accrediting body ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.
Duration: 24 months
Format: On campus
Recognizing the varying schedules and needs of students, GSW offers two admissions cycles each year. If you’re keen on a fall admission, ensure to submit your application by February 15th. Conversely, for spring admission, the deadline is October 15th.
Prerequisites
Before enrolling in the program, complete these prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher:
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Microbiology
- Human Growth and Development
- Elementary Statistics
Tuition and Fees
If you’re a resident of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee, you’ll enjoy the benefit of paying in-state tuition. If you’re from outside these states, the standard out-of-state tuition applies.
Check current tuition rates here.
3. Albany State University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Albany State University’s Accelerated BSN program (ASU ABSN) provides a fast-tracked pathway to earn a BSN for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and have maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Unlike the traditional BSN track, this program lets you dive straight into your nursing education in an accelerated format, helping you transition into the healthcare sector more swiftly. The program admits students annually, with the academic year commencing each fall.
Duration: about 18 months
Format: On campus
The program spans 5 consecutive semesters, including the summer, meaning you’ll be fully immersed in your nursing studies year-round. The courses are primarily held on-campus at Albany State University’s East and West campuses.
Clinical Experiences
You will be exposed to diverse nursing specializations, including Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, and more. You’ll gain practical experience in clinical skills labs, the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and other local healthcare facilities, equipping you with hands-on knowledge to complement your learning.
ASU ABSN Prerequisites
You’ll need to complete several prerequisite courses, each with a minimum grade of “C”. These include English Composition I & II, two sequential courses in a science subject (Biology I & II or Chemistry I & II), Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Human Growth and Development, and a Pre-Nursing Seminar.
Tuition
In terms of tuition, you can expect to pay approximately $170 per credit hour. See the latest tuition rates here.
Related: Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
4. Kennesaw State University Accelerated BSN program
Program Overview
This Accelerated BSN program at Kennesaw State University is a succinct four-semester program, making it an excellent choice if you’re eager to dive into the nursing field quickly. The program has two intake periods, one in the fall and the other in the spring.
Duration: about 16 months
Format: On campus
Prerequisites
Before you embark on this fast-paced journey, you’ll need to successfully complete 11 prerequisite courses, each with a grade of “C” or better. These courses span a variety of subjects, including Mathematics, Social Sciences, several science courses with labs, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Elementary Statistics, Composition, and Introductory Psychology.
Tuition
When budgeting for this accelerated program, you should plan for tuition costs between $25,000 and $30,000. See the latest rates here.
Related: The 10 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas
5. Valdosta State University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Accelerated BSN program at Valdosta State University spans 4 semesters, getting you from enrollment to graduation in approximately 15 months. The program runs annually from May, continuing through the summer, fall, spring, and concludes the following summer.
Duration: about 15 months
Format: On campus
In each semester, you’ll be taking on 15 credit hours of study.
Prerequisites
Before embarking on this accelerated program, you’ll need to have completed prerequisite courses- including two lab sequences, a course in Statistical Methods, and a selection of health-focused courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, and an Introduction to Human Development.
Cost of Attendance
The estimated cost of attendance for one semester is roughly $8,501 for in-state students, and about $15,410 for out-of-state students. See the latest costs & fees here.
6. Mercer University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Mercer University’s ABSN program, a 56-credit hour journey, is designed to present an all-inclusive, fast-paced nursing education. The beauty of this program is that it’s possible to complete it in just 12 months- making it one of the shortest accelerated nursing programs in Georgia.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Coursework is Online
Blending Online Learning and Real-world Experience
The Mercer ABSN program effectively merges online coursework with hands-on experience. The online curriculum is delivered via the Canvas e-Learning platform, offering you the convenience of learning from anywhere.
Besides, you’ll get practical clinical experience in various settings across the Atlanta metropolitan area, giving you invaluable exposure to real-world nursing scenarios.
Flexible Start Dates
You have the option to commence your learning journey at 3 different times during the year – spring, summer, or fall. This flexibility should allow you to choose a start date that aligns best with your personal schedule and commitments.
Cost
The tuition fee for the Mercer ABSN program stands at $56,844.99. In addition, there are ABSN nursing fees and university fees amounting to $2,805. Contact admissions below for the latest rates.
7. Georgia Southern University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The 58-credit hours ABSN program at Georgia Southern University is an on-campus program, located on the picturesque Armstrong Campus in Savannah. It’s an accelerated journey into nursing, allowing you to earn a BSN in a mere 12 months- definitely one of the shortest accelerated BSN programs in Georgia.
Duration: 12 months
Format: On-campus
Fast-Track Your Nursing Career
One of the highlights of this program is the pace at which it operates. You can start caring for patients at the bedside in just 3 semesters. That’s right – your entry into the nursing field could occur as quickly as a year after you start the program.
To add to its credibility, it’s also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), assuring you of a high-quality education.
Prerequisites
Before you jump into the Georgia Southern ABSN program, you need to complete some prerequisite courses. These include Introduction to Statistics I, Anatomy and Physiology I and II (each with a lab and worth 4 credit hours), Microbiology with lab (4 credit hours), Lifespan Development, and Pathophysiology.
Note that the program doesn’t permit repetition of failed science courses to attain a passing grade.
Clinical Assignments
In terms of clinical assignments, prepare yourself for some travel- as you may be assigned to clinical sites that are up to 100 miles away from the greater Savannah area.
Tuition
Check the latest tuition, fees, and costs here.
Direct Entry MSN Programs in Georgia
1. Emory University MN Pathway to MSN (Accelerated MSN)
Program Overview
With a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a desire to fast-track into a career in advanced nursing, then Emory University’s MN Pathway to MSN program could be perfect for you.
This program neatly packages your nursing education into two parts. First, you’ll earn a Master of Nursing (MN) in 15 months, which qualifies you to license as an RN. Following this, you’ll progress to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which allows for licensure as a Nurse Practitioner.
The first part (MN) takes 15 months (4 semesters). Depending on your chosen graduate specialty, this second part will take 4 to 5 semesters of full-time study.
Duration: Approx 3 years in total
Format: MN is On-campus; MSN is Online (except for on-campus intensives)
Starting Dates and Course Formats
The program starts each summer semester, with the MN study segment running through consecutive summer, fall, spring, and summer semesters. Your MSN study will then commence in the following fall or spring semester.
Notably, the MN degree program is offered on-site, while the MSN degree blends online learning with on-campus intensives for a balanced study experience.
Specialties
This program doesn’t limit you to a generic nursing education. You get to choose from 5 specialty areas: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care, and Women’s Health/Gender-Related Studies.
This means you can focus your learning on the area that truly resonates with your career aspirations.
Prerequisites
Before embarking on the MN Pathway to MSN program, you’ll need to complete 7 prerequisite courses. These cover physical sciences, math, and social sciences. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Physical Sciences: General Chemistry I with lab, Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II (each with lab), and Microbiology with lab. Plus, you’ll need a course in Nutrition.
- Math: You’ll need to have completed an Introductory Statistics course.
- Social Sciences: A course in Human Growth and Development or Life Span Development is necessary. This must cover human development from conception through to death.
You must achieve a grade of C or higher in all these courses to qualify for the MN Pathway to MSN program.
Tuition
The tuition for the MN Pathway to MSN program is $23,494 per semester or $1,958 per hour. See the latest rates here.
2. Emory University MN (Pre-Licensure Program)
Program Overview
Are you passionate about becoming an RN and taking up a leadership role in healthcare? If yes, Emory University’s Master of Nursing (MN) Pre-licensure program is great for you.
It’s a full-time, campus-based program that lets you obtain a Master’s degree in Nursing in just 15 months, preparing you for your first steps in nursing.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Over 15 months, you’ll complete a generalist program, after which you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam to become an RN.
From there, you have the option to apply to specific MSN specialty programs, post-licensure DNP programs, or CRNA programs.
This MN program effectively replaces Emory’s former ABSN on-campus program.
Prerequisites
To qualify for the MN program, you need to have completed 7 prerequisite courses, each with a grade of ‘C’ or higher:
- Physical Sciences: General Chemistry I with lab, Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II (each with lab), Microbiology with lab, and Nutrition.
- Math: An Introductory Statistics course is required.
- Social Sciences: A course covering Human Growth and Development or Life Span Development, spanning human development from conception to death.
Tuition
Tuition for the MN Pre-Licensure program is set at $23,494 per semester or $1,958 per hour. Find up-to-date rates here.
NB: This is not an MSN program. It’s an Entry-Level Nursing Master’s program, though.
3. Augusta University Accelerated MSN-Clinical Nurse Leader Concentration
Program Overview
This accelerated MSN-CNL program, available at Augusta and Athens campuses, is a 16-month innovative graduate-level offering that provides a pathway to leadership roles in healthcare.
As a Clinical Nurse Leader, you’ll be equipped with the skills needed to take on significant responsibilities in any healthcare setting.
Duration: 16 months
Format: On-campus
Program Format and Schedule
The majority of your time will be spent in classrooms on the Augusta and Athens campuses, with daytime classes only. Some elements of the curriculum are delivered online for added flexibility.
Be prepared for a full schedule – you’ll be engaged in class, lab, simulation, or clinical settings 4-5 days every week.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the MSN-CNL program, you’ll need to complete several prerequisite courses, each no more than 10 years old:
- Biology: Anatomy and Physiology I & II (BIOL 2251 & 2252; 8 credits) and Foundations of Microbiology (BIOL 2600; 3 credits)
- Chemistry: Chemistry with lab (CHEM 1151 or CHEM 1211; 4 credits)
- Mathematics: Statistics (MATH 2210; 3 credits)
- Psychology: General Psychology (PSYC 1101; 3 credits) and Introduction to Human Development (PSYC 2103; 3 credits)
Tuition
For Georgia residents, the tuition for the MSN-CNL program is $4,432.00 per semester, while out-of-state students will pay $14,189.00 per semester. For the most up-to-date rates, visit the university’s tuition page.
To Wrap Up
Now, to sum up…
How long are most accelerated nursing programs?
Accelerated nursing programs’ length varies depending on the institution and the level of the degree. For example, in the state of Georgia, accelerated BSN programs typically range between 12 and 24 months, while accelerated MSN programs could take about 3 years, including both the initial general nursing education and the specialized portion of the program.
What is the fastest you can become an RN?
Typically, the fastest path to becoming an RN is through an accelerated BSN program. These programs are designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Some of these accelerated programs, like those at Emory University and Mercer University in Georgia, can be completed in as little as 12 months.
What is the easiest nursing program to get into in Georgia?
Determining the “easiest” nursing program to get into can be subjective, as it depends on several factors, including the applicant’s qualifications and the program’s acceptance rate. All programs require certain prerequisites and a minimum GPA.
However, it is advisable to research different programs and consider factors such as location, cost, and program duration alongside acceptance rates.
How long is Georgia State accelerated nursing program?
Georgia State University no longer provides an accelerated nursing track.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
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